Selective Immunoglobulin E Deficiency and Its Association with
Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases: Findings from a 5-Year
Single-Center Study
Abstract
Background: Selective immunoglobulin E deficiency (sIgED) is a
rare immunological condition characterized by low serum IgE levels while
maintaining normal levels of other immunoglobulin classes. Despite its
underrecognized nature, sIgED has been implicated in immune
dysregulation, potentially predisposing individuals to autoimmune and
autoinflammatory diseases. Objective: This study aims to
investigate the association between sIgED and immune-mediated diseases,
exploring its prevalence, clinical implications, and underlying
mechanisms. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted
over five years at a tertiary university hospital. Among 3,692 patients,
individuals with serum IgE ≤ 2.5 kU/L were classified as having sIgED.
Autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions were analyzed in relation to
IgE levels. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0.
Results: Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases were
significantly more prevalent in the sIgED group than in controls (25.2%
vs. 15.6%, p < 0.001). Specific associations were observed
with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, familial Mediterranean fever, and Behçet’s
disease. Mechanistically, sIgED appears to impair mucosal immune
barriers and immune regulation, potentially contributing to disease
pathogenesis. Conclusion: sIgED is associated with a higher
prevalence of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, emphasizing its
potential role as a biomarker for immune dysregulation. These findings
highlight the need for routine IgE level assessment in patients with
suspected immune-mediated conditions and call for further research to
elucidate underlying mechanisms.