Most humans mount significant
IgE responses only as a defense against parasitic infections. However, some individuals mount an IgE response against common environmental
antigens. This hereditory predisposition is called
atopy. In atopic individuals, non-parasitic antigens stimulate inappropriate IgE production, leading to
type I hypersensitivity. A nonparasitic antigen capable of stimulating a type I hypersensitivity reaction in atopic individuals is called an allergen.
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