Modulation of immune response by induction of grass pollen allergen-specific IgG4 and IgA antibodies

This target describes the process by which allergen immunotherapy (either subcutaneous or sublingual) induces the production of allergen-specific IgG4 and IgA antibodies against grass pollen allergens in allergic individuals. IgG4 and IgA antibodies can modulate the immune response by competing with IgE for allergen binding, thereby reducing IgE-mediated allergic inflammation. IgG4 antibodies in particular act by blocking activation of mast cells and basophils and interfering with antigen presentation, contributing to clinical tolerance and reduction in allergy symptoms. The measurement of these antibody levels, especially IgG4, may serve as a biomarker for successful immunotherapy response. This is not a molecular drug target or receptor in the conventional sense, but rather an immunological outcome and therapeutic mechanism of allergen immunotherapy protocols.

Other names

Allergen-specific IgG4/IgA inductionImmune modulation by allergen immunotherapyIgG4-mediated immune tolerance (in the context of grass pollen)

Induction of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies, which compete with and block IgE binding to allergen, inhibit IgE-mediated mast cell activation via FcγRIIb receptors, and reduce basophil activation. Induction of allergen-specific IgA, particularly via sublingual immunotherapy, the role of which may involve mucosal immune defense and further inhibition of allergen-IgE interaction.