Antibodies

Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by the body's immune system and can play a crucial role in allergies. In allergic reactions, IgE antibodies are usually formed against substances that are actually harmless – so-called allergens. These antibodies trigger the immune system to overreact when in contact with, for example, pollen, fur animals or certain foods, which can lead to symptoms such as itching, hives, runny nose or breathing problems. Measuring allergen-specific IgE in the blood is a common method for investigating allergies.