International archives of allergy and immunology
-
Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 2013
Comparative StudyDifferences in systemic and skin migrating-specific CD4 T cells in papular urticaria by flea bite.
Papular urticaria by flea bite is a chronic allergic condition in which clinical improvement may occur at the age of 7 years, thus representing a natural model of acquired immunologic tolerance in humans. The aim of this study was to characterize regulatory cells and specific responses to flea antigens of CD4(+) T lymphocytes expressing cutaneous migration markers in patients with papular urticaria caused by flea bite and with different disease evolution times. ⋯ Analysis of the cellular immune response against whole flea antigen in patients with papular urticaria by flea bites suggests a possible participation of inflammatory cytokines in the skin reaction (Th17) and a systemic control mechanism (IL-10). This pattern of cytokine production in patients could be a consequence of an impaired dendritic cell population.
-
Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 2013
A molecular diagnostic algorithm to guide pollen immunotherapy in southern Europe: towards component-resolved management of allergic diseases.
Correct identification of the culprit allergen is an essential part of diagnosis and treatment in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases. In recent years, molecular biology has made important advances facilitating such identification and overcoming some of the drawbacks of natural allergen extracts, which consist of mixtures of various proteins that may be allergenic or not, specific for the allergen source or widely distributed (panallergens). ⋯ The basic elements of molecular diagnostics with potential relevance to immunotherapy prescription are reviewed here, with a focus on Southern European sensitization patterns to pollen allergens. We propose a basic algorithm regarding component-resolved diagnostic work-up for pollen allergen-specific immunotherapy candidates in Southern Europe; this and similar algorithms can form the basis of improved patient management, conceptually a 'Component-Resolved Allergy Management'.
-
Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialSputum hyaluronan and versican in severe eosinophilic asthma.
We examined levels of hyaluronan, a matrix glycosaminoglycan and versican, a matrix proteoglycan, in the sputum of asthmatics treated with mepolizumab (anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody) versus placebo to evaluate the utility of these measurements as possible biomarkers of asthma control and airway remodeling. ⋯ Sputum hyaluronan values are reduced with mepolizumab therapy and correlate with improved clinical and spirometry values, suggesting this measurement may serve as a noninvasive biomarker of asthma control.
-
Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 2013
Usefulness and limitations of sequential serum tryptase for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis in 102 patients.
The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is based on clinical history since no reliable biological marker is currently available to confirm the diagnosis. ⋯ Tryptase is a biomarker related to the severity of anaphylaxis. However, since its concentration remains unaltered in a considerable number of patients during acute anaphylaxis, there is a need for more reliable diagnostic biological tests.
-
Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 2013
Interleukin-17 signalling in a murine model of mild chronic asthma.
The role of Th17 cell-derived cytokines in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation and remodelling in mild asthma remains unclear. We investigated this in a mouse model which reproduces most of the features of the human disease. ⋯ Although IL-17A and Th17 cells stimulate cytokine production by structural cells of the airways, and Th17 cells are induced in our model of mild chronic asthma, signalling via IL-17R did not contribute significantly to the development of airway inflammation and most changes of remodelling in this model. However, in mild asthma, IL-17A appears to have a role in the goblet cell response in the airways.