IgG1 Antibodies to House Dust Mite <i>(Dermatophagoides farinae) </i>and Late Asthmatic Response

Abstract

Thirteen asthmatic patients sensitive to mite were challenged by inhalation of an extract of mites (Dermatophagoides farinae). Seven showed dual bronchial reactions and 5 showed isolated immediate responses. No patient showed an isolated late reaction. Six of seven patients with dual reaction had higher IgG1 antibodies than the 5 patients with isolated immediate reaction when examined before the challenge. A similar result was obtained in terms of levels of immune complex. IgE, IgG4 and total IgG antibodies were not predictive for late reaction. These results suggest that there is a close correlation of the presence of high IgG1 antibodies with a propensity to develop late asthmatic responses. The meaning of this observation is discussed.