Patologías mediadas por la inmunoglobulina E: de la inmunoglobulina E al omalizumab

Abstract

Around 30-40% of the world population is affected by one or more allergic diseases. Immunoglobulin IgE (IgE) was discovered in 1967 and recognized as an essential mediator in allergy. Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed towards IgE as a molecular target by binding to the Fc region of circulating IgE, thus preventing IgE-mediated clinical responses. It is currently the only monoclonal antibody to treat severe refractory asthma, with excellent results in clinical trials and in real life patients. Other IgE mediated conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, nasal polyposis, airways diseases associated with Aspergillus fumigatus, and chronic urticaria, also demonstrated promised results, although they are not yet approved in routine clinical practice. This article reviews the development of omalizumab, its mechanisms of action, and results in Spain and other countries.