Figure 5.

Overview of the allergic cascade. IgE (immunoglobulin E) is produced by the plasma cells, which are derived from B lymphocytes. The IgE moves through the extracellular fluid and vasculature until it binds to a high-affinity receptor, primarily found on mast cells and basophils. Cross-linking of the membrane IgE results in degranulation of the cell with mediator release and the resultant symptoms of asthma.

Ledford DK. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2009;9:933–943. Copyright © 2009. Informa Healthcare. Reproduced with permission of Informa Healthcare.⁴⁹