This drop in IgG4 levels, together with increases in α-IgE-HR, the dramatic increases in AHW-HR, and the increased strength of association between helminth-specific IgE and helminth-specific HR post-treatment, suggests a state of immunosuppresion during chronic helminth infection, which reduces basophils' ability to respond to IgE-mediated activation. The gene discussed is IGHE; the disease is helminthiasis.