[Immunoenzyme test system with monoclonal antibodies to human IgG4 in the determination of allergen-specific antibodies in pollinosis].

ELISA for determination of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies was developed with the help of monoclonal anti-IgG4 antibodies obtained by classic hybridoma technique. Subclass specificity of antibodies were studied in sera of 108 patients suffering from pollinosis. Antibodies of this isotype were found in the majority of patients with tree pollen allergy but not in patients with grass pollen allergy. The level of IgG4 antibodies correlated with the severity of the disease but not with the intensity of skin tests. Specific hyposensitization resulted in significant increase of IgG4 antibody level in patients with tree pollen allergy. Determination of IgG4 antibodies is proved to be useful to reveal tree pollen allergy and to monitor hyposensitization therapy.