METHOD AND MEANS FOR IDENTIFYING SUBSTANCES WHICH INHIBIT IGE PRODUCTION

摘要

The invention relates to the field of biomedical and pharmacological research, in particular to the area of immunology, allergies and autoimmune diseases. The inventors have shown that SWAP-70 is a higher-level regulator for STAT-6 and BCL-6, the regulator being specific for IgE production in B-cells by amplifying the effect of STAT-6 and antagonizing the effect of BCL-6. The inventors have observed no influence of SWAP-70 on the expression of other genes that are likewise regulated by STAT-6 and/or BCL-6. In summary, it can be concluded that SWAP-70 positively regulates IgE production by shifting the interaction of the two antagonists STAT-6 and BCL-6 with regulatory elements of the IgE gene in favor of the activator STAT-6. Based on said findings, the invention provides a screening method which allows for identifying novel active agents that specifically inhibit IgE production. The substances identified by the method according to the invention are particularly suited for treating IgE-induced allergies and IgE-dependent autoimmune diseases.