IgE and IgG4 antibodies to bovine milk fat globule membrane in atopic eczema patients: a study of their occurrence, relevance and antigenic specificity

Abstract

IgE and IgG4 antibodies to bovine milk fat globule membrane (FGM) were measured in atopic eczema patients to determine whether their presence would account for allergy to milk in cases where whole or individual milk protein-specific antibodies are not detectable. The study demonstrates that the measurements of IgE and IgG4 antibodies to EGM do not offer any additional diagnostic value in milk exacerbated cases ofatopie eczema. Furthermore, cross-inhibition studies with four milk proteins showed that these FGM-reactive IgE and IgG4 antibodies are directed against a-casein.

Study of IgG sub‐class antibodies in patients with milk intolerance

“…It is probably the non-specific nature of such extra-permeability that may lead to the formation of antibodies to all sorts of foods, including those tolerated by the child. For instance, although IgG4 antibodies to milk-and egg-proteins are more frequently found in atopic children than in controls, the presence of these antibodies was found to be of no relevance to the child's food sensitivity [5,12]. The application of an ELISA test for IgG antibodies to milk in adults has identified milk intolerance causing eczema in six patients, asthma in one and both asthma and eczema in one.…”

“…In seeking to explain the negative IgE tests in cases of milk intolerance some authors considered the role of digestion in the formation of de novo allergens, but reports on the diagnostic value of measuring IgE to such newly formed antigens are conflicting [3,4]. We have investigated the relevance of antibodies directed against antigens present in the cream fraction of milk, but have failed to demonstrate any pathological significance [5]. Thus, the laboratory diagnosis of 'milk intolerance' still presents a frustrating problem because management is not difficult, particularly when milk is the only offending food [6].…”