Immune cells commit suicide to prevent allergy
Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 16:30
in Health & Medicine
Scientists have demonstrated that the production of type E immunoglobulins (IgE) by B lymphocytes induces a loss in their mobility and the initiation of cell death mechanisms. These antibodies, present in small quantities, are the most powerful "weapons" in the immune system and can trigger extremely violent immune reactions or immediate allergies (asthma, urticaria, allergic shock) as soon as their levels rise, even slightly. These findings thus elucidate how our bodies restrict the production of IgE in order to prevent an allergic reaction.