Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
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With the development of genetically modified crop plants there has been a growing interest in the approaches available to assess the potential allergenicity of novel gene products. For additional assessment of the potential allergenicity of expressed proteins, informative data can be generated using animal models. Soybean is one of the major source of protein in human and animal nutrition, and has also been well characterized as a major allergenic source. Advances in biotechnology have resulted in an increasing number of genetically engineered foods, and among these soybean is one of the most widespread. ⋯ obtained by specific IgE ELISA inhibition and by antigen-specific T cell proliferation demonstrated that wt-SE and gm-SE shared B and T epitopes. The present murine model of soybean sensitization established by the oral route should provide valuable information about risk assessment for food allergy from new proteins of genetically modified foods.
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Asthma is accepted as a disease characterized by airway inflammation, with evidence that airway structural changes, or 'remodelling' occurs. There are few studies relating airway physiology, inflammation and remodelling, however. We have carried out a study of inter-relationships between airway inflammation, airway remodelling, reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickening, and bronchial hyper-reactivity (BHR), before and after high-dose inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate 750 microg b.d.), in a group of relatively mild but symptomatic, steroid naïve asthma patients. ⋯ We provide new information that airway inflammation, remodelling, and BHR in asthma are inter-related and improved by ICS therapy. Our data potentially support the need for early and long-term intervention with ICS even in relatively mild asthmatics, and the need to further assess the potential merit of longitudinal BHR testing in management of some patients, as this may reflect both airway inflammation and remodelling.
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Multicenter Study
Long-term exposure to background air pollution related to respiratory and allergic health in schoolchildren.
The impact of air pollution on asthma and allergies still remains a debate. ⋯ A moderate increase in long-term exposure to background ambient air pollution was associated with an increased prevalence of respiratory and atopic indicators in children.
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After penicillins, cephalosporins are the betalactams that most often induce IgE-mediated reactions. The development of diagnostic tests has been delayed, however, because the cephalosporin allergenic determinants have not been properly identified. ⋯ Most immediate reactions to cephalosporins appear to be IgE-mediated. Cephalosporin skin testing and sepharose-radioimmunoassay are useful tools for evaluating these reactions. Cephalosporin IgE-mediated hypersensitivity may be a transient condition; therefore, allergologic exams should be repeated in patients with negative initial allergologic work-ups, including challenges.
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Allergen-induced T-helper type 2 (Th2) responses can be inhibited with Th1 directing vaccines. However, studies comparing the efficacy of the different adjuvants have not been performed in detail. ⋯ Taken together our data suggest that live BCG>hk-BCG>CpG-ODN >PPD are effective in suppressing allergen-induced Th2 responses. The degree of suppression and the component of the Th2 response affected (airway inflammation vs. the production of allergen-specific IgE and IgG1) were dependent upon the adjuvant used and how it was applied. Our results contribute to the design of novel vaccines protecting humans from developing allergic disorders.