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Glite Dictionary
immunoglobulin E

immunoglobulin E

6.5
A body protein that helps cause allergic reactions and fights parasites
  • noun
  • /ˌɪmjunəˈɡlɒbjuːlɪn iː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : inmunoglobulina E
  • When allergic people are exposed to an allergen, their immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
  • serum immunoglobulin E
  • immunoglobulin E-mediated
  • total immunoglobulin E

Examples

  • An elevation of serum immunoglobulin E provides a new aspect of hyperthyroid Graves' disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2000; 85(8):2775-8.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Anaphylactoid reactions are due to direct mast cell degranulation, whereas anaphylactic reactions are mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE).

    Academic text (2012)

  • For the purpose of this study, only immunoglobulin E-mediated inhalant allergies were used to differentiate these two groups.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The release is triggered by the reaction between the allergic antibody, immunoglobulin E (IgE), and the substance (allergen).

    Academic text (2012)

  • The release is triggered by the reaction between the allergic antibody, immunoglobulin E (IgE), and the substance (allergen).

  • The test can identify immunoglobulin E antibodies that are specific to latex allergies.

Synonyms

IgE
vsimmunoglobulin E
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A type of antibody that causes allergic reactions and fights parasites

is the full formal term rather than a shortened label

Surface Forms

immunoglobulin E singular
immunoglobulin Es plural

Morphology

immunoglobulin + E

The term is compositionally transparent in that it combines 'immunoglobulin' (an antibody) with the letter 'E' to indicate a specific subclass/type, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it is a particular kind of antibody. However, the detailed functional information (its typical location and role in allergic reactions and parasite response) cannot be derived from the letter label alone, making the overall interpretability only partial.

Etymology

Immunoglobulin E is a scientific name built from immune meaning the body's defence, globulin meaning a type of protein, and the letter E to mark one group. It is a small protein found in the skin and the lining of the nose and mouth that often causes 'allergic' reactions and helps fight parasites, so doctors measure it to check for allergies.