Figure 4.

Effects of blocking antibodies induced by specific immunotherapy. (A–D) Production of allergen-specific IgGs by plasma cells targeting the IgE-binding sites of the allergen as blocking antibodies may have the following effects: (A) Blocking of allergen-induced activation of mast cells and basophils. (B) Blocking of binding of the allergen to the B cell receptor on IgE⁺ memory B cells and consequently inhibition of activation and differentiation of the cells. (C) Blocking of CD23-mediated, IgE-facilitated antigen presentation by B cells to T cells and hence T cell activation and differentiation. (D) Blocking of FcεRI-mediated, IgE-facilitated antigen presentation by B cells to T cells and hence T cell activation and differentiation.