Anti-Immunoglobulin E Therapy

The importance of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in atopic disorders such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis is well established. Elevation of total serum IgE is typically found in many atopic patients, and in predisposed individuals, allergen-specific IgE is produced. The availability of humanized monoclonal antibodies against IgE has provided a new therapeutic option and tool to explore the role IgE in allergic diseases and the effects of inhibiting IgE itself. Omalizumab is a humanized, monoclonal antibody that recognizes and binds to the Fc portion of the IgE molecule. Administration of omalizumab results in a rapid and substantial decrease in free IgE in serum. Consequently, the activity of cell populations involved in allergic inflammation, including mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, and antigen-presenting cells, is affected as well. Clinically, anti-IgE therapy has already been proven to be useful in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the mechanisms of action of anti-IgE therapy as well as its efficacy in the treatment of allergic diseases, especially asthma. Considerations regarding dosing and safety of omalizumab will be addressed as well.