Cow's milk protein-specific Immunoglobulin E and Immunoglobulin G (CMP-specific IgE/IgG)

Patient IgE and IgG antibodies recognizing cow's milk proteins are the central immunological components involved in the mediation and regulation of cow's milk allergy (CMA). IgE antibodies specific to bovine proteins, such as caseins (Bos d 8) and whey proteins like beta-lactoglobulin (Bos d 5), bind to high-affinity FcεRI receptors on mast cells and basophils, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators upon allergen exposure (Hochwallner et al., 2014, Methods, PMID: 24853773). In contrast, allergen-specific IgG antibodies, particularly the IgG4 subclass, are associated with the induction of clinical tolerance and serve as blocking antibodies that intercept allergens before they can cross-link IgE (Ruiter et al., 2007, Int Arch Allergy Immunol, PMID: 17377410). These antibodies are primary targets for therapeutic intervention; for instance, anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies like omalizumab bind to circulating IgE to prevent allergic sensitization (Wood et al., 2016, J Allergy Clin Immunol, PMID: 26851971). Additionally, oral immunotherapy (OIT) aims to modulate the levels of these antibodies, typically resulting in a decrease in specific IgE and a significant increase in specific IgG4 (Savilahti et al., 2010, Allergy, PMID: 20121757). Monitoring the concentrations and ratios of these antibodies is essential for diagnosing the severity of the allergy and predicting the success of desensitization protocols (Caubet et al., 2014, Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol, PMID: 24433361).

Other names

Milk-specific IgEMilk-specific IgGAnti-casein antibodiesAnti-whey antibodiesBovine milk protein antibodiesCMA-specific antibodies

Neutralization of circulating IgE to prevent binding to FcεRI receptors on mast cells and basophils; induction of allergen-specific IgG4 to act as blocking antibodies.