Which immunoglobulin cross links mast cells to release histamine?

Which immunoglobulin cross links mast cells to release histamine?

• A. IgG
• B. IgM
• C. IgA
• D. IgE

Answer: (D)

The immunoglobulin that is primarily responsible for cross-linking mast cells to trigger the release of histamine is IgE. This specific immunoglobulin plays a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in allergic reactions. When an allergen enters the body, it can be recognized by IgE antibodies that have previously attached to the surface of mast cells and basophils. The binding of the allergen to these IgE antibodies causes cross-linking, which activates the mast cells. This activation leads to the degranulation of mast cells and the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as increased vascular permeability, bronchoconstriction, and the classic signs of allergy. Other immunoglobulins, such as IgG, IgM, and IgA, do not have the same specific role in allergic responses. IgG is primarily involved in opsonization and neutralization of pathogens; IgM is the first antibody produced in response to an infection and is crucial for the activation of the complement system; and IgA is largely found in mucosal areas and secretions, providing a defense against pathogens at mucosal surfaces. Therefore, IgE is unique

The immunoglobulin that is primarily responsible for cross-linking mast cells to trigger the release of histamine is IgE. This specific immunoglobulin plays a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in allergic reactions.

When an allergen enters the body, it can be recognized by IgE antibodies that have previously attached to the surface of mast cells and basophils. The binding of the allergen to these IgE antibodies causes cross-linking, which activates the mast cells. This activation leads to the degranulation of mast cells and the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as increased vascular permeability, bronchoconstriction, and the classic signs of allergy.

Other immunoglobulins, such as IgG, IgM, and IgA, do not have the same specific role in allergic responses. IgG is primarily involved in opsonization and neutralization of pathogens; IgM is the first antibody produced in response to an infection and is crucial for the activation of the complement system; and IgA is largely found in mucosal areas and secretions, providing a defense against pathogens at mucosal surfaces. Therefore, IgE is unique