Research progress of allergen specific immunoglobulin G4 in allergic diseases
10.3760/cma.j.cn114452-20250106-00012
- VernacularTitle:变应原特异性免疫球蛋白G4在过敏性疾病中的研究进展
- Author:
Hao CHEN
1
;
Rongfei ZHU
1
Author Information
1. 华中科技大学同济医学院附属同济医院过敏反应科，武汉430030
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Anaphylaxis;
Serum immunoglobulin G4;
Immunotherapy
- From:
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine
2025;48(6):758-762
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The role and clinical significance of allergen-specific immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) in allergic diseases are complex and multifaceted. IgG4, a subclass of IgG antibodies, is capable of Fab-arm exchange, allowing it to bind to double-specific antigens in a monovalent manner. IgG4 has a low binding affinity for C1q and fragment crystallizable γ, typically exhibiting non-inflammatory characteristics. The role of IgG4 in allergic diseases is controversial, but in allergen immunotherapy, IgG4 acts as a tolerance-inducing agent blocking IgE activity by competing with allergen binding, playing a protective role. However, food-specific IgG4 is considered a bystander in food allergy and should not be used as a clinical diagnostic tool. Moreover, the pathogenic role of IgG4 in diseases such as eosinophilic esophagitis has also been noted. This review summarizes the structure, function, and role of IgG4 in allergic diseases, aiming to deepen the understanding of the value of IgG4 among clinical medical workers and provide guidance for the correct application of IgG4 in clinical practice.
