Plasma EVs Display Antigen-Presenting Characteristics in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis and Promote Differentiation of Th2 Cells.

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by IgE-mediated mucosa response after exposure to allergens. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-size vesicles containing biological cargos for intercellular communications. However, the role of plasma EVs in pathogenesis of AR remains largely unknown. Methods: Plasma EVs from patients with AR were isolated, quantified, and characterized. The expression of Der p 1 and antigen-presenting molecules on EVs was determined by Western blot, flow cytometry, or ELISA. PKH26- and CFSE (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester)-stained AR-EVs were used to determine the uptake of EVs by CD4+T cells and their effects on CD4+T cell proliferation, respectively. Results: Plasma EVs in healthy control (HC) and AR patients were similar in the concentration of particles, expression for specific EV markers, and both had structural lipid bilayer. However, the levels of Der p 1 on plasma EVs from both mild and moderate-severe AR patients were significantly higher than that on HC. The levels of antigen-presenting molecules on plasma EVs were similar from three subjects. Moreover, levels of Der p 1 on EVs in plasma, but not nasal secretion, were significantly associated with the symptom score of AR patients and level of plasma IL-13. Additionally, plasma EVs from patients with AR promoted the development of Th2 cells, while no effect was found on CD4+ T-cell proliferation. Conclusions: Plasma EVs derived from patients with AR exhibited antigen-presenting characteristics and promoted differentiation of Th2 cells, thus providing novel understanding of the pathogenesis of AR.

Identification of continuous immunoglobulin G epitopes of Dermatophagoides farinae allergens by peptide microarray immunoassay.

Dermatophagoides farinae, as a common house dust mite species, is one of the main sources of allergens in the world. At present, Dermatophagoides farinae is found to contain more than 30 groups of allergens. These allergens are used for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) of allergic diseases. During the AIT process, immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies can block immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody-induced allergic reactions in the human body. One of the mechanisms may be that IgG and IgE competitively bind to the same allergic protein, so it is necessary to explore the binding sites (epitopes) of IgG antibodies to allergens. In this study, peptide arrays were constructed to react with the serums from patients with allergic asthma to find the IgG epitopes of several allergens including major allergens (Der f 1, 2) and mid-tier allergens (Der f 4, 5, and 7), and then verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Relevant epitopic sequences were located on the tertiary structure of individual allergens, as reconstructed by homology modeling. One IgG epitope of Der f 1 (90-106aa, NVPSELDLRSLRTVTPI), five IgG epitopes of Der f 4 (61-77aa, ERYQPVSYDIHTRSGDE; 193-209aa, FRSDASTHQWPDDLRSI; 226-242aa, HPFIYHETIYYGGNGIN; 271-287aa, LRWLRNFGTEWGLVPSG; 352-368aa, NDWVGPPTDQHGNILSV), and one IgG epitope of Der f 5 (84-101aa, RYNVEIALKSNEILERDL) were identified. IgG epitopes of Der f 2, 7 were not found. There are overlaps between the IgG and IgE epitopes of Der f 1, 4, and 5. These findings not only reflect the practicality of peptide array and ELISA test in the allergen IgG epitope identification, but also provide more information for further understanding of the human immunological changes during AIT and the molecular mechanisms of IgG blocking IgE activity.

The detection of house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae, Der f 2 and Zen-1 allergen-specific immunoglobulin E antibodies in dogs with atopic Dermatitis in Malaysia.

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease in dogs. House dust mites such as Dermatophagoides farinae are one of the known causative agents for the induction of canine AD worldwide. D. farinae protein Der f 2 is known as an important allergen involved in canine AD and recently, Zen-1 has also been identified as an allergenic protein. There is limited information on the prevalence and role of allergen sensitization to crude D. farinae extract (CDF), Der f 2 and Zen-1 among dogs diagnosed with AD in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of CDF-, Der f 2- and Zen-1-specific reactive sera among dogs diagnosed with AD in Malaysia using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum samples were collected from dogs diagnosed with AD from several veterinary clinics in Malaysia. The canine case records were retrieved and information on signalment, dermatological and non-dermatological histories, clinical presentation, food allergies, and exclusion of ectoparasitic, microbial and fungal skin infections were obtained through a survey form. All serum samples were evaluated to quantify the CDF-, Der f 2- and Zen-1-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. A total of 24.6%, 48.4% and 29.8% of dogs diagnosed with AD were positive for CDF-, Der f 2- and Zen-1-specific IgE, respectively. These results suggest that CDF-, Der f 2- and Zen-1 are important allergens that can contribute to AD in dogs in Malaysia, and serological testing can be performed to provide additional treatment options involving specific immunotherapies.

Nanogold - IgY antibodies. An immunoconjugated for the detection of house dust mite (Dermatophagoides) allergens.

Conjugation of avian IgY antibodies to nanosensors has been extensively explored for the diagnostics of virus and parasite infection, as well as for the detection of pharmaceutically and toxicologically relevant molecules. However, to date this strategy has only been minimally applied the detection of allergens. In this study, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were conjugated to a polyvalent IgY antibodies raised against Dermatophagoides group I allergens. GNPs were synthesized by HAuCL4 reduction using 1% trisodium citrate, and characterized them by absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The most stable immunoconjugates were obtained with 18-nm monodisperse GNPs and a minimal concentration of 12.5 µg/mL of IgY at pH 7.5. The immunoconjugate was capable of detecting up to 1.5 µg of a total Dermatophagoides farinae protein extract in an immuno-dot blot assay. This immunoreactant conjugate represents a new tool for the detection and control of indoor dust mite allergens.

Serological, genomic and structural analyses of the major mite allergen Der p 23.

BACKGROUND: Der p 23 was recently identified in a European population as a major allergen and potentially a chitin binding protein. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the importance of Der p 23 among other Dermatophagoides allergens in a North American population and to determine the structure for functional characterization. METHODS: IgE binding to Der p 23, Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 5, Der p 7 and Der p 8 was measured by ELISA. RNA-seq data from D. pteronyssinus were compared as estimates of allergen expression levels. The structure was analysed by X-ray crystallography and NMR. RESULTS: Despite a high prevalence of Der p 23, (75% vs. 87% and 79% for Der p 1 and Der p 2, respectively), the anti-Der p 23 IgE levels were relatively low. The patient response to the 6 allergens tested was variable (n = 47), but on average anti-Der p 1 and anti-Der p 2 together accounted for 85% of the specific IgE. In terms of abundance, the RNA expression level of Der p 23 is the lowest of the major allergens, thirty fold less than Der p 1 and sevenfold less than Der p 2. The structure of Der p 23 is a small, globular protein stabilized by two disulphide bonds, which is structurally related to allergens such as Blo t 12 that contain carbohydrate binding domains that bind chitin. Functional assays failed to confirm chitin binding by Der p 23. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Der p 23 accounts for a small percentage of the IgE response to mite allergens, which is dominated by Der p 1 and Der p 2. The prevalence and amount of specific IgE to Der p 23 and Der p 2 are disproportionately high compared to the expression of other Dermatophagoides allergens.

IgE antibodies and urinary trimethylarsine oxide accounted for 1-7% population attributable risks for eczema in adults: USA NHANES 2005-2006.

Population attributable risks from serum IgE and dust miteallergen concentrations and environmental chemicals for eczema are unclear. Therefore, it was aimed to examine serum IgE and allergen concentrations and environmental chemicals for eczema in adults and to calculate population attributable risks in a national and population-based setting. Data retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2006, was analyzed. Information on demographics and self-reported ever eczema was obtained by household interview. Bloods and urines (sub-sample) were also collected during the interview. Adults aged 20-85 were included. Statistical analyses were using chi-square test, t test, survey-weighted logistic regression modeling, and population attributable risk (PAR) estimation. Of all the included American adults (n = 4979), 310 (6.2%) reported ever eczema. Moreover, more eczema cases were observed in female adults but fewer cases in people born in Mexico. There were no significant associations observed between commonly known biomarkers (including vitamin D) and eczema or between dust mite allergens and eczema. Serum D. Farinae (PAR 1.0%), D. Pteronyssinus (PAR 1.1%), cat (PAR 1.8%), dog (PAR 1.6%), and muse (PAR 3.2%) IgE antibodies were associated with eczema. Adults with ever eczema were found to have higher levels of urinary trimethylarsine oxide concentrations (PAR 7.0%) but not other speciated arsenic concentrations. There were no clear associations between other environmental chemicals including heavy metals, phthalates, phenols, parabens, pesticides, nitrate, perchlorate, polycyclic hydrocarbons and eczema as well. Elimination of environmental risks might help delay or stop eczema up to 7% in the adult population.

Rhinoviruses significantly affect day-to-day respiratory symptoms of children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Viruses are frequently associated with acute exacerbations of asthma, but the extent to which they contribute to the level of day-to-day symptom control is less clear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to explore the relationship between viral infections, host and environmental factors, and respiratory symptoms in children. METHODS: Sixty-seven asthmatic children collected samples twice weekly for an average of 10 weeks. These included nasal wash fluid and exhaled breath for PCR-based detection of viral RNA, lung function measurements, and records of medication use and asthma and respiratory symptoms in the previous 3 days. Atopy, mite allergen exposure, and vitamin D levels were also measured. Mixed-model regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Human rhinoviruses (hRVs) were detected in 25.5% of 1232 nasal samples and 11.5% of breath samples. Non-hRV viruses were detected in less than 3% of samples. hRV in nasal samples was associated with asthma symptoms (cough and phlegm: odds ratio = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.4-2.86, P = .0001; wheeze and chest tightness: odds ratio = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.55-3.52, P < .0001) and with cold symptoms, as reported concurrently with sampling and 3 to 4 days later. No differences were found between the 3 hRV genotypes (hRV-A, hRV-B, and hRV-C) in symptom risk. A history of inhaled corticosteroid use, but not atopic status, mite allergen exposure, or vitamin D levels, modified the association between viruses and asthma symptoms. CONCLUSION: The detection of nasal hRV was associated with a significantly increased risk of day-to-day asthma symptoms in children. Host, virus genotype, and environmental factors each had only a small or no effect on the relationship of viral infections to asthma symptoms.

Varying allergen composition and content affects the in vivo allergenic activity of commercial Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extracts.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and immunotherapy of house-dust mite (HDM) allergy is still based on natural allergen extracts. The aim of this study was to analyze commercially available Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extracts from different manufacturers regarding allergen composition and content and whether variations may affect their allergenic activity. METHODS: Antibodies specific for several D. pteronyssinus allergens (Der p 1, 2, 5, 7, 10 and 21) were used to analyze extracts from 10 different manufacturers by immunoblotting. Sandwich ELISAs were used to quantify Der p 1 and Der p 2 in the extracts. Mite-allergic patients (n = 45) were skin-tested with the extracts and tested for immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivity to a panel of 10 mite allergens (Der p 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 14, 20 and 21) by dot blot. RESULTS: Only Der p 1 and Der p 2 were detected in all extracts but their concentrations and ratios showed high variability (Der p 1: 6.0-40.8 µg ml(-1); Der p 2: 1.7-45.0 µg ml(-1)). At least 1 out of 4 allergens (i.e. Der p 5, 7, 10 and 21) was not detected in 8 of the studied extracts. Mite-allergic subjects showed different IgE reactivity profiles to the individual mite allergens, the extracts showed different allergenic activity in skin-prick tests and false-negative results. CONCLUSIONS: Commercially available D. pteronyssinus extracts lack important allergens, show great variability regarding allergen composition and content and some gave false-negative diagnostic test results in certain patients.

Measurement for canine IgE using canine recombinant high affinity IgE receptor α chain (FcεRIα).

To detect allergen-specific IgE in dogs with allergic diseases, we developed a recombinant canine high affinity IgE receptor α chain (FcεRIα)-based IgE detection system. Using the recombinant protein of canine FcεRIα expressed by an Escherichia coli expression system, we could detect house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) allergen-specific IgE in sera from dogs naturally and experimentally sensitized to this allergen with ELISA and western blotting. The IgE binding activity of recombinant canine FcεRIα on ELISA was impaired by heat treatment of these sera. The specificity of this recombinant canine FcεRIα-based IgE detection system was confirmed by inhibition assays with canine IgE. The recombinant canine FcεRIα-based IgE detection system established in this study offers an alternative tool to measure allergen-specific IgE in dogs.

Mite component-specific IgE repertoire and phenotypes of allergic disease in childhood: the tropical perspective.

Sensitization to perennial aeroallergens correlates with the risk of persistent asthma (AS) in children. In tropical Singapore, multiple codominant species of mites abound in the indoor environment, and preferential species-specific sensitization has been associated with different phenotypes of allergic disease. We investigated the pattern of mite component-specific IgE (mcsIgE) in children with different phenotypes of clinical allergic disease in an environment with multiple mite species exposure. A prospective evaluation of newly diagnosed patients with clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic dermatitis (AD), or AS and sensitization to one or more aeroallergens were performed. Sera were tested for specific IgE against an extensive panel of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Blomia tropicalis allergens. A total of 253 children were included, mean age 7.3 yr, 79% fulfilled criteria for AR, 46% AS, 71% AD, and 31% for all three. Sensitization to one or both mites was observed in 91% of children, 89% were sensitized to D. pteronyssinus, and 70% to B. tropicalis. The most common mite allergens recognized by these atopic children were Der p 1 (64%), Der p 2 (71%), Blo t 5 (45%), Blo t 7 (44%), and Blo t 21 (56%). Specific IgE responses to an increased number of distinct mite allergens correlated with the complexity of the allergic phenotype. In multivariate analysis, an increased risk for the multi-systemic phenotype (AR + AS + AD) was associated with sensitization to an increased repertoire of mite components (three or more) (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.1-8.8, p = 0.001) and a positive parental history of AS (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-2.9, p = 0.013). A highly pleiomorphic IgE response to the prevalent indoor mites is associated with the presence of a multi-systemic allergic phenotype in childhood in a tropical environment.

Modulation of allergenicity of major house dust mite allergens Der f 1 and Der p 1 by interaction with an endogenous ligand.

Although many allergens bind endogenous molecules other than Abs in the human body, whether the interaction can modulate allergenicity has been unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of the interaction of recombinant major mite group 1 allergens (Der f 1 and Der p 1), which belong to the papain-like cysteine protease family, with an endogenous protease inhibitor, cystatin A, on their allergenicity. Cystatin A bound reduced forms of the allergens, in which the cysteine residue at the catalytic center of the protease activity was reduced by treatment with L-cysteine, but did not bind oxidized forms. Cystatin A partially inhibited the binding of IgE in mite-allergic volunteers' sera to the reduced forms, but unexpectedly enhanced the basophil histamine-releasing activity. A catalytic site-mutant of Der f 1 behaved in terms of histamine release, similarly to the reduced form. Molecular modeling showed that cystatin A interacts with the allergens within a narrow area. The results indicate that interaction with cystatin A reduces the limited number of IgE epitopes of the allergens but enhances their biological activity to release histamine, suggesting a new concept, that interaction between allergens and their endogenous ligands modulates the allergenicity even toward enhancement in the effector phase. On the other hand, i.p. immunization without alum of mice with cystatin A-treated reduced Der f 1 induced less serum Der f 1-specific IgE than immunization with reduced Der f 1 alone, suggesting that endogenous protease inhibitors suppress the induction of allergen-specific IgE, which is dependent on the enzymatic activity of cysteine protease-allergens, in the sensitization process.

[The usefulness of CD203c expression measurement on basophils after activation with grass pollen and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigens. Preliminary study]. / Przydatnosc oznaczania antygenu CD203c w ocenie aktywacji bazofilów pod wplywem antygenów pylków traw i Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Badania wstepne.

INTRODUCTION: 'Gold standard' in the diagnosis of atopic disease are skin prick tests and specific IgE evaluation. Well-established in vitro tests, such as the histamine release test, the leukotriens release test and the flow cytometric basophil activation test can be very helpful in diagnostics, especially when the skin prick test is contraindicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of antigen CD203c expression, as a marker of basophil activation by grass pollen or D. pteronyssinus antigens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peripheral blood from 13 allergic patients and nine healthy volunteers was analysed. Basophils activation was measured by the breakdown of antigen CD203c expression with Allergenicity Kit (Beckman Coulter), using Cytomics FC 500 flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter). RESULTS: The sensitivity was 92.3% and specificity of test was 100%. 50.95 +/- 15.7% of basophils (median 49.7%, 1.91-72.42%) were activated after grass pollen stimulation in atopic patients sensitised to this allergen, in comparison to 1.91% (0.00-7.96%) in control patients (p = 0.002). The percentage of activated basophils after D. pteronyssinus antigens stimulation was 40.6 +/- 25.2% in allergic patients, compared to only 2.51 +/- 1 96% of basophils from non-atopic controls (p = 0.0003). Basophils from 21 patients responded after anti-IgE stimulation (44.1 +/- 18.9%), and none of the analysed samples was activated after PBS stimulation (2.03 +/- 1.19%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that basophil activation test based on antigen CD203c expression is very accurate in the diagnosis of atopic diseases.

Cord serum screening test and the newborns allergic status.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of a cord serum screen test and possible subsequent development of allergic disease in infants. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: 100 pregnant women were randomly recruited for the study. METHODS: The maternal serum and the cord serum of their matched newborn were analyzed for total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), gamma interferon (g IFN), house dust mite- Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen (Der p1) and Blomia tropicalis allergen (Blo t5) using immunoassay methods. All infants were followed up for one year. RESULTS: Infants who had allergic diseases in the one year follow-up (n=45) had significantly (P < 0.001) elevated IgE, Der p1, Blo t5, and significantly low g IFN levels in cord serum as compared to the same parameters of infants who did not develop allergic disease in the one year follow-up (n=43). CONCLUSION: In utero exposure to HDM allergens Der p1 and Blot5 is prevalent. We have successfully established a cord serum screening test for predicting allergic diseases in infancy with 93% specificity and sensitivity.

Indices of lower airway inflammation in children monosensitized to house dust mite after nasal allergen challenge.

BACKGROUND: There are few available data assessing the united airway disease and its systemic aspects in children. With this study, we aimed to investigate the inflammation markers of upper and lower airways before and after nasal allergen challenge in mite sensitive children with different clinical expression of the allergic disease. METHODS: Four study groups were formed: rhinitis only, without bronchial hyper-responsiveness (R, n = 10), rhinitis with asthma (R + A, n = 22), atopic asymptomatics (AA, n = 8) and nonallergic healthy controls (C, n = 10). Blood eosinophils, nasal and sputum eosinophils, sputum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and cys-LTs, and serum ECP levels were measured before and 24 h after nasal allergen challenge. RESULTS: The groups were comparable in terms of age and gender. Cumulative symptom scores recorded during and 1 h after nasal challenge were not significantly different between patients with R, R + A and AA groups. At T(24), the children belonging to R, R + A and AA showed significant increases in nasal eosinophils (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, and P = 0.01, respectively), sputum eosinophils (P = 0.01, P < 0.001, and P < 0.05, respectively) and blood eosinophils (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, and P < 0.05, respectively). Similarly, increases in sputum ECP (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, and P = 0.07, respectively) and sputum cys-LT levels (P = 0.07, P < 0.001, and P < 0.05, respectively) were detected in children belonging to these three groups at T(24). Sputum eosinophils significantly correlated with blood eosinophils (r = 0.54, P < 0.001) and sputum ECP (r = 0.58, P < 0.001) at T(24). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that nasal allergen challenge increased markers of eosinophilic inflammation in both upper and lower airways of children monosensitized to mites, even before the onset of clinical symptoms.

Modulation of immune mediators with MQT-based immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Assess immune and clinical changes with immunotherapy based on modified quantitative testing (MQT). BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy promotes immunomodulation that occurs over several years. Quantitative testing offers the advantage of initiating immunotherapy with robust antigen concentrations. This study assessed whether changes in immune mediators and allergy symptoms occur rapidly using quantitative techniques. METHODS: Sixteen allergic adults were tested using MQT. Subjects had serum drawn for immunoglobulins E and G4 (IgE, IgG4) to 3 antigens, Der p1, Der f1, and Fel d1, and for interleukins IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-13, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). Subjects also completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20), the Allergy Outcome Scale (AOS), and the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI). They underwent MQT-based immunotherapy and completed outcome measures again at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Nine subjects completed the study. Analysis demonstrated significant increases in IgG4 levels to all antigens, significant decreases in serum levels of IL-1beta and IL-5, and significant increases in levels of IL-1RA. Improvement was also noted in AOS and RSDI subscales. CONCLUSION: Immunotherapy based on MQT demonstrates significant changes in immunoglobulin and cytokine levels by 12 weeks following initiation. In addition, improvement in symptom and quality-of-life measures occurs by 12 weeks. These findings support the rapid onset of clinical effects with MQT-based treatment of inhalant allergy. EBM RATING: C-4.

Clinical evaluation of the Chinese herbal medicine formula STA-1 in the treatment of allergic asthma.

Although some formulae of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have been used for antiasthma treatment, few of them have had sufficient discussion on their efficacy, safety and mechanisms. In this study, the availability of the TCM formula STA-1 for the treatment of allergic asthma was investigated by conducting a double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomized trial. One hundred and twenty patients between the ages of 5 to 20 years with mild-to-moderate asthma were included. These patients were treated with either STA-1 or placebo in a dose of 80 g/kg/day and were administered twice daily for 6 months. The main outcome measures were a daily diary record of symptoms, supplementary bronchodilator and glucocorticoid treatment, changes of pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s), changes of total and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP)-specific IgE and side effects. The results showed a statistically significant reduction of symptom scores, systemic steroid dose, total IgE and specific IgE in the STA-1 group. Furthermore, STA-1 also improved the pulmonary lung function FEV(1) compared with the placebo group and only minimal side effects were shown. These results suggested that STA-1 is available for the treatment of mild-to-moderate chronic asthma.

CD14 promoter polymorphisms in atopic families: implications for modulated allergen-specific immunoglobulin E and G1 responses.

BACKGROUND: CD14 promoter DNA sequence polymorphisms for the endotoxin receptor gene have been implicated in modulating allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E responses in randomly selected individuals with atopy. We sought to determine if a single nucleotide polymorphism in the CD14 promoter region is associated with atopy in atopic families, and to assess its influence on serum levels of CD14 and allergen-specific IgE and IgG1 responses. METHODS: We screened 367 members of 91 Caucasian nuclear families with a history of asthma for pulmonary function by spirometry, including methacholine challenge to detect bronchial hyperreactivity, and atopy by serum total IgE and skin prick test to 14 allergens. The CD14 promoter single nucleotide polymorphism was analyzed in DNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells to identify C/C, C/T and T/T genotypes. Serum tests were done for soluble CD14 (sCD14) and dust mite-specific antibody (Der p 1-IgG1). RESULTS: Serum sCD14 levels were not associated with clinical phenotypes (asthma, bronchial hyperreactivity or atopy). However, sCD14 levels were inversely related to both allergen-specific IgE and Der p 1-IgG1 production, but only among those with evidence of atopic sensitization. Linear regression analysis, accounting for random family effects, demonstrated a higher production of allergen-specific IgE or Der p 1-IgG1 associated with the T/T genotype and a lower level of specific IgE and IgG1 production associated with sCD14 levels. CONCLUSIONS: An element of the innate immune system (CD14) has profound effects upon modulating the acquired allergen-specific immunoglobulin responses among those with an inherited atopic predisposition.

Cord blood house dust mite allergen in newborns: relationship to maternal blood levels of allergen and allergen specific IgG and IgE.

BACKGROUND: House dust mite allergen has previously been detected in the cord blood of some newborns but not others. The factors that affect the presence and levels in cord blood of this and possibly other allergens are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the levels of maternal allergen and allergen specific IgG affect the presence and levels of newborn allergen. METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of house dust mite allergen Der p 1 and Der p 1 specific IgG and IgE in paired blood samples from 98 mothers and full-term newborns. RESULTS: Der p 1 was detected in 27 mothers and 12 newborns. None of the 71 mothers who lacked Der p 1 had Der p 1-positive newborns. When present, cord blood Der p 1 levels correlated with and were approximately one third of Der p 1 levels in maternal blood. Cord blood Der p 1 levels also tended to correlate with maternal blood levels of Der p 1 specific IgG but showed little, if any, correlation with maternal blood levels of Der p 1 specific IgE. CONCLUSIONS: When detectable, the levels of an allergen in the blood of newborns correlate with the levels of that allergen in the blood of their mothers and tend to be related to maternal levels of allergen specific IgG.

[Preliminary survey on concentration of indoor allergens derived from dust mites in residential homes in Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of indoor dust mite allergens in residential homes in Shanghai. METHODS: The allergenic proteins, Dff F3 and Der f III (well known allergen) from the whole culture extract of Dermatophagoides farinae were purified by chromatography and sedimentation techniques. Allergic activities of both proteins were identified by skin prick test and RAST. After preparation of specific IgG anti-Dff F3, anti-Der f III, and extraction of indoor allergens from 200 indoor dust samples collected from residential homes, the allergen concentration was measured by sandwich ELISA. Allergen level was expressed in geometric mean and range, the analysis of variance (ANOV) was used to determine the level of significance between groups. RESULTS: Dff F3 and Der f III were demonstrated strongly allergic activities, which can be highly recognized with IgE from sera of the mite-allergic patients with asthma. In the sampled 200 homes, the proportion of homes with Dff F3 level of >10 microg/g was 57.0%, 29.5% for group of 2-10 microg/g, and 13.5% for group of <2 microg/g. The proportion of homes with Der f III level of >10 microg/g was 53.5%, 32.0% for group of 2-10 microg/g, 14.5% for group of <2 microg/g. CONCLUSION: Selected residential homes in Shanghai were found more likely to have high level of dust mite allergens. Dff F3 was identified as the stronger allergic fraction.