International archives of allergy and immunology
-
Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Oct 2000
ReviewStructure and biology of stinging insect venom allergens.
Bees, fire ants and vespids cause insect sting allergy. These insects have unique as well as common venom allergens. Vespids, including hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets, have common allergens. ⋯ Fire ants and vespids have one common allergen, antigen 5 of unknown biologic activity. The common venom allergens with < 70% sequence identity have barely detectable levels of antigenic cross-reactivity. Possible uses of modified allergens for immunotherapy are described.
-
This is a report about influenza vaccines. Recommendations for the 1995/1996 influenza season vaccine components are cited. ⋯ Experimental live vaccines have been developed and evaluated for their usefulness in the immunoprophylaxis of influenza in humans, especially for those at high risk of death from influenza virus infection. The current inactivated vaccines do not provide complete protection.
-
Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 1993
ReviewPathogenic significance and diagnostic value of lupus autoantibodies.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by a panoply of autoantibodies (more than 50). Some of them are more prevalent (anti-ds DNA > 80%) while others are less frequently detected, but highly specific for SLE (anti-Sm, 20%). In this review we will discuss the clinical significance of anti-RNP, anti-Ro, anti-La and anti-phospholipid antibodies. We will also summarize the clinical and experimental evidence for the pathogenic role attributed to each one of these antibodies.