IgE in Allergic Diseases

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is key in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, exerting both systemic and local effects through high-affinity binding to FcεRI on mast cells and basophils. Cross-linking of antigen-specific IgE leads to rapid degranulation and release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other mediators, resulting in classic allergic sequelae. IgE plays a key role in conditions including food allergy, atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Clinical applications of anti-IgE targeted therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes in food allergy desensitization, reducing asthma exacerbations, and treating chronic urticaria. This review highlights the critical role of IgE as a therapeutic and diagnostic target in the management of allergic disease.