The origins and longevity of IgE responses as indicated by serological and cellular studies in mice and humans

The existence of long-lived IgE antibody-secreting cells (ASC) is contentious, with the maintenance of sensitization by the continuous differentiation of short-lived IgE⁺ ASC a possibility. Here, we review the epidemiological profile of IgE production, and give an overview of recent discoveries made on the mechanisms regulating IgE production from mouse models. Together, these data suggest that for most individuals, in most IgE-associated diseases, IgE⁺ ASC are largely short-lived cells. A subpopulation of IgE⁺ ASC in humans is likely to survive for tens of months, although due to autonomous IgE B cell receptor (BCR) signaling and antigen-driven IgE⁺ ASC apoptosis, in general IgE⁺ ASC probably do not persist for the decades that other ASC are inferred to do. We also report on recently identified memory B cell transcriptional subtypes that are the likely source of IgE in ongoing responses, highlighting the probable importance of IL-4Rα in their regulation. We suggest the field should look at dupilumab and other drugs that prohibit IgE⁺ ASC production as being effective treatments for IgE-mediated aspects of disease in most individuals.