Cytophilic antibody

Berken A, Benacerraf B. Properties of antibodies cytophilic for macrophages. Journal of Experimental Medicine 1966, 123, 119-144. 

The guinea pig intratracheal test has been used to establish the relative potency of different detergent enzymes and establish safe occupational exposure levels. As the name implies, guinea pigs are sensitized by intratracheal exposure and induction of cytophilic antibodies are assessed. Dose responses obtained for new enzymes are compared to a reference enzyme for which safe exposure levels have been established. The relative potency of the new enzyme to this reference is used to establish a safe exposure level for the new enzyme. 

Type I Cytophilic antibody (IgE) binds to mast cells antigen binds to antibody and crosslinks receptors, causing mediator (histamine) release immediate hypersensitivity... 

Interactions of macrophages bearing cytophilic antibodies (armed macrophages) with target cells bearing antigenic determinants. 

In the case of monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and K cells, the cytophilic antibody acts as an opsonin for phagocytosis or is involved in the destruction of a specific target cell by contact lysis. For B cells and activated T cells, the function of the cytophilic antibody is as yet unknown, but it could be involved in the regulation of cellular and humoral immune responses. 

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