Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of antibody: Immunoglobulin E is one of the five main classes of antibodies (immunoglobulins) produced by the immune system. It is primarily found in the skin, lungs, and mucous membranes.
   • Involved in allergic reactions: This antibody plays a central role in the body's response to allergens and is responsible for triggering allergic symptoms, such as those seen in hay fever, asthma, and anaphylaxis.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A blood test can measure the level of immunoglobulin E to help diagnose allergies.
  • Immunoglobulin E binds to allergens and then to mast cells, causing the release of histamine.

Advanced Usage

• "IgE-mediated reaction": This term describes an allergic reaction that is specifically triggered by the binding of immunoglobulin E to an allergen.
  • Anaphylaxis is a severe, IgE-mediated reaction.

Variants and Related Words

• IgE: The common abbreviation for immunoglobulin E.
  • The patient has elevated IgE levels.
• Immunoglobulin: The general term for the class of proteins to which IgE belongs. The other main classes are IgA, IgD, IgG, and IgM.

Synonyms

• Antibody E: A less common synonym referencing its class.
• Reagin: An older term sometimes used for IgE, particularly in the context of allergy testing.

Related Phrases

• IgE antibody: A phrase specifying the type of antibody.
  • The test detected IgE antibodies to peanuts.
• Total IgE: Refers to the overall level of immunoglobulin E in the blood, not specific to a single allergen.
  • Her total IgE was very high, indicating a likely allergic condition.

Noun

1. one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; present primarily in the skin and mucous membranes