In susceptible people, IgE is produced by B cells in response to specific antigens such as foods, pollens, latex, and drugs. This antigen specific (or allergen-specific) IgE circulates in the serum and binds to high-affinity IgE receptors on immune effector cells such as mast cells located throughout the body.
Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergen, IgE receptors cross-link and initiate downstream signalling events that trigger mast cell degranulation and an immediate allergic response—hence the term immediate hypersensitivity.