Antibodies, Enhancing

Medical Condition:
Antibodies, Enhancing

Antibodies that inhibit the reaction between antigen and other antibodies or sensitized T-lymphocytes (e.g., antibodies of the IMMUNOGLOBULIN G class that compete with IgE antibodies for antigen, thereby blocking an allergic response). Blocking antibodies that bind tumors and prevent destruction of tumor cells by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes have also been called enhancing antibodies. (Rosen et al., Dictionary of Immunology, 1989)