Anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (omalizumab) in the treatment of atopic asthma and allergic respiratory diseases.

Since the discovery of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies thirty-six years ago, our understanding of the mechanisms of allergy has improved to such an extent that we can now better differentiate allergy from non-allergic hypersensitivity, and allergic/atopic from intrinsic/non-atopic bronchial asthma. IgE antibodies are crucial immune mediators of airway inflammation in allergic atopic asthma and IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions are the likely mechanisms of allergen-induced airway obstruction. In addition, IgE may cause chronic airway inflammation in asthma through effector cells activated via high-affinity (Fcepsilon RI) or low-affinity (Fcepsilon RII) IgE receptors.

Focus on cat allergen (Fel d 1): immunological and aerodynamic characteristics, modality of airway sensitization and avoidance strategies.

The increasing frequency of pet ownership (especially cats) in many industrialized countries has raised the level of exposure to the allergens produced by these animals. Moreover, it is likely that modern energy-saving systems and the wide use of upholstered furniture has resulted in closer contact between cats (and their allergens) and humans. Many different methods have been developed to quantify the main cat allergen (Fel d 1) in settled dust and in ambient air.

Anti-IgE monoclonal antibody: a new approach to the treatment of allergic respiratory diseases.

The immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody plays a central role in the allergic immune responses. The ability to reduce circulating IgE with a humanized monoclonal antibody (omalizumab) represents a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic diseases. The use of an anti-IgE antibody in the treatment of asthma was first suggested in preliminary studies in which omalizumab demonstrated efficacy in attenuating both the early- and late-phase bronchial responses to inhaled aeroallergens.

Therapy of allergic bronchial asthma with omalizumab - an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody.

The immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody plays a central role in the allergic immune responses, such as those which characterise allergic bronchial asthma. The ability to reduce circulating IgE by using anti-IgE antibodies represents a novel therapeutic approach for IgE-mediated allergic diseases. Omalizumab (rhuMAb-E25/Xolair Genentech, USA/Tanox, Inc.