Description
Known susceptibility genes to atopy and asthma have been identified by linkage or associations with clinical phenotypes, including total serum IgE levels. IgE-mediated sensitivity reactions require a high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI), which immobilizes the immunoglobulin on the surface of the effector cells, mostly mast cells and basophils. Similarly to the previously investigated beta subunit of the receptor, FCER1A is a good candidate for a quantitative trait locus (QTL) in allergic diseases, and appears to participate in the systemic regulation of IgE levels.