Dictionary of Allergies .. Atopic individuals

A group of individuals, accounting for at least 20% of the population, have a genetic predisposition to produce specific IgE antibody against minute doses of allergens that enter through mucosal routes, under appropriate environmental exposure. Atopic individuals who have produced specific. immune deregulation that favors IgE production appears to depend upon preferential activation of allergen specific CD4+ helper T cells of the Th2 phenotype rather than of the Th1 type. IgE antibody that is bound to their mast cells may, upon subsequent exposure develop specific symptoms, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, and other Gell and Coombs Type I reaction.

References

1. Dreborg, S. (ed.): Skin tests used in Type I allergy testing. Position paper. Allergy 1989:44 (Suppl. 10): 52-59.

2. Friedmann PS, Tan BB, Musaba E, Strickland I. Pathogenesis and management of atopic dermatitis. Clin Exp Allergy 1995;25:799-806