BACKGROUND: The modified Th2 response, defined as an IgG4 response in the absence of IgE, is suggested to protect against the development of allergic sensitization. However, studies suggesting this protective effect all had a cross-sectional design, making it impossible to study the development of both responses. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to study the dynamics in IgG4 antibodies in relation to allergic sensitization in an occupational cohort of starting laboratory animal workers. Moreover, we studied the relation between exposure, antibody responses, atopy and self reported allergic symptoms. METHODS: A total of 110 starting animal workers were followed for 2 years. IgG4 antibodies against rats and mice were assessed. Workers were tested for allergic sensitization and exposure to animal allergens was estimated. Symptom status was assessed using questionnaires. RESULTS: Rat and mouse specific IgG4 antibodies were present before the development of allergy and did not significantly change over time. Allergic sensitization was related to exposure and atopic status but high levels of IgG4 showed no protective effect. In contrary, workers that developed mouse specific sensitization during follow up had higher levels of mouse specific IgG4. Symptoms were related to allergic sensitization and IgG4 levels did not influence that relationship. CONCLUSIONS: IgG4 antibodies are present before IgE antibodies develop and IgG4 levels are stable over time. In our occupational cohort, the modified Th2 response had no protective effect on development of sensitization or allergic symptoms.
BACKGROUND: The modified Th2 response, defined as an IgG4 response in the absence of IgE, is suggested to protect against the development of allergic sensitization. However, studies suggesting this protective effect all had a cross-sectional design, making it impossible to study the development of both responses. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to study the dynamics in IgG4 antibodies in relation to allergic sensitization in an occupational cohort of starting laboratory animal workers. Moreover, we studied the relation between exposure, antibody responses, atopy and self reported allergic symptoms. METHODS: A total of 110 starting animal workers were followed for 2 years. IgG4 antibodies against rats and mice were assessed. Workers were tested for allergic sensitization and exposure to animal allergens was estimated. Symptom status was assessed using questionnaires. RESULTS:Rat and mouse specific IgG4 antibodies were present before the development of allergy and did not significantly change over time. Allergic sensitization was related to exposure and atopic status but high levels of IgG4 showed no protective effect. In contrary, workers that developed mouse specific sensitization during follow up had higher levels of mouse specific IgG4. Symptoms were related to allergic sensitization and IgG4 levels did not influence that relationship. CONCLUSIONS: IgG4 antibodies are present before IgE antibodies develop and IgG4 levels are stable over time. In our occupational cohort, the modified Th2 response had no protective effect on development of sensitization or allergic symptoms.
Authors: Roger D Peng; Beverly Paigen; Peyton A Eggleston; Karol A Hagberg; Mary Krevans; Jean Curtin-Brosnan; Cristy Benson; Wayne G Shreffler; Elizabeth C Matsui Journal: J Allergy Clin Immunol Date: 2011-06-22 Impact factor: 10.793
Authors: Wanda Phipatanakul; Elizabeth Matsui; Jay Portnoy; P Brock Williams; Charles Barnes; Kevin Kennedy; David Bernstein; Joann Blessing-Moore; Linda Cox; David Khan; David Lang; Richard Nicklas; John Oppenheimer; Christopher Randolph; Diane Schuller; Sheldon Spector; Stephen A Tilles; Dana Wallace; James Sublett; Jonathan Bernstein; Carl Grimes; J David Miller; James Seltzer Journal: Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol Date: 2012-12 Impact factor: 6.347
Authors: Theo Rispens; Ninotska I L Derksen; Scott P Commins; Thomas A Platts-Mills; Rob C Aalberse Journal: PLoS One Date: 2013-02-04 Impact factor: 3.240