Means and methods for manipulating hypersensitivity-like responses

摘要

Immunoglobulin light chains (Ig-LC) are produced in excess in animals compared to heavy chains. The present invention implicates Ig-LC in hypersensitivity responses and provides ways for manipulating the responses. The invention further provides a common gamma chain-independent receptor on mast cells capable of mediating the mentioned effects of Ig-LC. In response to activation of the pathway of which the found receptor is a part, a mast cell is activated and stimulated to degranulate.