How the knowledge of IgE production can help in the development of new drugs?

Question

recently scientist discovered FCER1A gene which is a major gene for allergic diseases. this gene is involved in the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies which against harmless allergen.

my question is, how this knowledge can help in the development of new drugs? thanks.

Answer 1

farfalle,

I quote from the University of Oxford News, 20th September 2005.

This shows just one reason in answer to your question. Research continues.

IgE is thought to make certain cells of the immune system (mast cells) more sensitive to allergens, so lowering circulating levels of active IgE is a possible way of reducing the symptoms of allergies or allergic asthma.

The low-affinity receptor for IgE, called CD23, plays a dual role in the production of IgE. It can either inhibit or stimulate the antibody’s production, depending whether it is attached or detached from the cell membrane.

Small molecules that bind to CD23 and prevent it from stimulating IgE production could be potential allergy and asthma treatments.

The researchers at Oxford and King’s used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to discover the structure of CD23. They also identified which parts of the molecule are used in the promotion of IgE production – and therefore which regions inhibitors could bind to stop this process.

Professor Brian Sutton from King’s, a co-researcher on the study, said: ‘Currently a therapy that blocks IgE functioning is available, but it is expensive. Drugs that prevent the production of IgE might be a much cheaper way of treating allergies. We hope that this study will provide a structural basis for the development of such inhibitors.’

Dr James McDonnell from Oxford University, who led the study, said: ‘This is an important step forward in understanding some of the underlying mechanisms of the allergic response. Our next challenge is to develop the therapeutic potential of this information’

Hope this helps

matador 89