Treating atopic dermatitis with lgE antagonists

Abstract

The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of atopic dermatitis comprising a suitable IgE antagonist which does not induce release of the mediators of allergy; for example, anti-IgE antibodies which bind to secreted IgE, to membrane IgE on the surface of IgE-producing B cells, but not to IgE bound to the Fc epsilon RI on the surface of basophils or mast cells. Preferably, these antibodies also do not bind to IgE bound to Fc epsilon RII receptors. It is also preferable if these antibodies have human IgG1 or IgG3 constant regions, as well as further human portions, if desired. The pharmaceutical composition can be administered systemically or topically.

Description

Background of the invention [0001] Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a class of immunoglobulin (or "antibody") molecules. The concentration of IgE in human serum is lower than that of other types of immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgD. IgE is thought to play a role in the body's defense against parasite infestation, but this role has never been definitively determined to be necessary or even beneficial, at least in developed countries where parasitic infection is not a serious problem. IgE is well known as a mediator of immediate hypersensitivity allergies, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), extrinsic asthma, and food and drug allergies. [0002] During the allergic reaction mediated by IgE, after IgE is secreted by B cells, it binds to the FcεRI receptor through its Fc part, which exists in basophils, mast cells and Langerhans cells. surface. If the IgE bound to the surface of these cells contacts and binds to the allergen, it will cause the cross-linking of these...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

No clinical trials have been conducted using these anti-IgE antibodies for the treatment of atopic dermatitis