An Increased Level of Specific IgG₄ Antibodies Against Candida albicans in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Abstract

Specific IgG₄ antibodies against Candida albicans in sera were measured in 76 asthmatics. The increased level of specific lgC₄ was found in cases 10–40 years old sensitive to house dust mite and/or Candida albicans, in cases with steroid-dependent intractable asthma (SDIA) and in elderly cases. The frequency of SDIA was the highest in cases 41 to 60 years old with higher frequency of increased lgG₄ antibodies. The results show that specific lgC₄ increases in relation to IgE-mediated immune response, long-term steroid therapy, and aging. All of these conditions may induce depressed cell-mediated immunity.