Enhancement of IgE production in B cells by neutrophils via galectin-3 in IgE-associated atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.

Spontaneous IgE production by B cells from patients with IgE-associated atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) is enhanced by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from patients with AEDS, but not by PMN from non-atopic controls. The enhancement is abolished by preincubation of PMN with lactose, but not with glucose. Anti-galectin-3 serum, but not control rabbit serum, blocked the enhancement. These results indicate that AEDS PMN can enhance IgE production via galectin-3. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel