IgE mediated autoallergy against thyroid peroxidase--a novel pathomechanism of chronic spontaneous urticaria?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (csU), which is characterized by recurrent episodes of mast cell-driven wheal and flare-type skin reactions, is often associated with elevated total IgE levels and thyroid autoimmunity. We speculate that some csU patients express IgE autoantibodies against thyroid antigens such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO), which could bind to skin mast cells and induce their activation.

Methods

We developed and used a site-directed human IgE capture ELISA to quantify IgE-anti-TPO. We used this assay and investigated csU patients (n = 478) and healthy control subjects (n = 127) for IgE-anti-TPO and then assessed IgE-anti-TPO-positive and -negative csU patients for clinical and serological differences.

Principal findings

CsU patients were found t

SUBMITTER: Altrichter S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3075251 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature