Final answer:
IgE antibodies are responsible for causing basophil and eosinophil degranulation, are linked with allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, and bind to mast cells resulting in their degranulation upon allergen re-exposure. The correct answer is b) Cause basophil and eosinophil degranulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
IgE antibodies are best described as being responsible for causing basophil and eosinophil degranulation. These antibodies are commonly associated with allergies and anaphylactic reactions. Upon exposure to a specific allergen, IgE antibodies are produced and bind to mast cells. When the person is subsequently exposed to the same allergen, the mast cells, with the allergen-specific IgE bound to them, degranulate and release mediators like histamine. This process leads to the symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as sneezing, itching, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
IgE antibodies do not typically trigger antibody-dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC) nor are they involved in complement activation. Their main role is associated with triggering the immune system's response to parasitic infestations and mediating allergic reactions.
This class of antibodies is present in the lowest concentration in the blood, largely because the Fc region of IgE binds strongly to an IgE-specific Fc receptor on mast cells'. This strong binding helps ensure a rapid and specific immune response to allergens to which an individual has been sensitized.