CD23 structure revealed by NMR spectroscopy
Sep 21, 2005 - 7:22:00 PM
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This is an important step forward in understanding some of the underlying mechanisms of the allergic response. Our next challenge is to develop the therapeutic potential of this information
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By Oxford University,
[RxPG] The structure of a molecule that regulates levels of the key antibody involved in allergic reactions and asthma, IgE, has been revealed by researchers from Oxford University and Kings College London. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Medicine, will help in the discovery of drugs to treat these two conditions.
IgE is thought to make certain cells of the immune system (mast cells) more sensitive to allergens, so lowering circulating levels of active IgE is a possible way of reducing the symptoms of allergies or allergic asthma.
The low-affinity receptor for IgE, called CD23, plays a dual role in the production of IgE. It can either inhibit or stimulate the antibodys production, depending whether it is attached or detached from the cell membrane.
Small molecules that bind to CD23 and prevent it from stimulating IgE production could be potential allergy and asthma treatments.
The researchers at Oxford and Kings used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to discover the structure of CD23. Professor Brian Sutton from Kings, a co-researcher on the study, said: Currently a therapy that blocks IgE functioning is available, but it is expensive. Drugs that prevent the production of IgE might be a much cheaper way of treating allergies. Dr James McDonnell from Oxford University, who led the study, said: This is an important step forward in understanding some of the underlying mechanisms of the allergic response. Asthma UK funded part of the work. Dr Lyn Smurthwaite, their Research Development Manager said: The development of new therapies for people with asthma is an important part of Asthma UKs research programme'.
Publication:
The structure of human CD23 and its interactions with IgE and CD21 by Richard G Hibbert, Peter Teriete, Gabrielle J Grundy, Rebecca L Beavil, Rajko Reljic, V Michael Holers, Jonathan P Hannan, Brian J Sutton, Hannah J Gould and James M McDonnell is published in the 19 September edition of Journal of Experimental Medicine, 202(6): 751-760.
On the web:
www.jem.org 
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Additional information about the news article
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Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma. For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website www.asthma.org.uk.
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