An increased level of specific IgG4 antibodies against Candida albicans in patients with bronchial asthma.

Specific IgG4 antibodies against Candida albicans in sera were measured in 76 asthmatics. The increased level of specific IgG4 was found in cases 10-40 years old sensitive to house dust mite and/or Candida albicans, in cases with steroid-dependent intractable asthma (SDIA) and in elderly cases. The frequency of SDIA was the highest in cases 41 to 60 years old with higher frequency of increased IgG4 antibodies. The results show that specific IgG4 increases in relation to IgE-mediated immune response, long-term steroid therapy, and aging. All of these conditions may induce depressed cell-mediated immunity.