IgE and IgG binding patterns and T-cell recognition of Fel d 1 and non-Fel d 1 cat allergens.

Background: Cat allergy affects approximately 15% of the population and is a major risk factor for asthma. The relative importance of cat allergens other than Fel d 1 is not known.

Objective: To compare IgE and IgG antibody binding and T-cell recognition of the major cat allergen Fel d 1 with other cat proteins with known IgE binding properties.

Quantitation of IgE binding to the chitinase and chitinase-like house dust mite allergens Der p 15 and Der p 18 compared to the major and mid-range allergens.

Background: The prevalence of IgE binding to the group 15 and 18 house dust mite (HDM) allergens of the Dermatophagoides species is reported to be >50% and they are the major allergens of HDM-sensitised dogs. The objective was to quantitate the IgE titres to Der p 15 and Der p 18 and evaluate their importance in human HDM sensitisation compared to the known major and mid-tier allergens.

Methods: Der p 15 and Der p 18 were produced in Pichia pastoris, and their structure validated by circular dichroism.

Sensitizing and Th2 adjuvant activity of cysteine protease allergens.

Background: Innate properties that enhance immune responses might increase the propensity of certain allergens to induce allergic sensitization. Either a direct adjuvant effect or the increased immune response to the allergen could then increase allergic responses to bystander antigens. Here, we report on a model that does not use Th2-skewing adjuvants and yet achieves sensitization solely via the nasal mucosa.

Antibacterial antibody responses associated with the development of asthma in house dust mite-sensitised and non-sensitised children.

Background: Infants who develop house dust mite (HDM) allergy and HDM-sensitised children with severe persistent asthma have low antibody responses to the P6 antigen of Haemophilus influenzae.

Objective: To measure the development of antibody to two ubiquitous bacteria of the respiratory mucosa in a prospective birth cohort at high risk of allergic disease and to assess which responses are associated with asthma and atopy.

Methods: IgG1 and IgG4 antibody to H influenzae (P4 and P6) and Streptoccocus pneumoniae (PspA and PspC) surface antigens was measured in yearly blood samples of children aged 1-5 years.

Healthcare-associated viral gastroenteritis among children in a large pediatric hospital, United Kingdom.

Viruses are the major pathogens of community-acquired (CA) acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children, but their role in healthcare-associated (HA) AGE is poorly understood. Children with AGE hospitalized at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK, were enrolled over a 2-year period. AGE was classified as HA if diarrhea developed > or =48 hours after admission.