Serological proteome analysis identifies crustacean myosin heavy chain type 1 protein and house dust mite Der p 14 as cross-reacting allergens.

Background: Allergies to house dust mite (HDM) and to crustaceans are clinically and pathogenically linked. Several homologous allergenic proteins have been identified, among which tropomyosin is the prototype, expressing epitopes endowed with variable levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) cross-reactivity. Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) does not allow a thorough characterization of all relevant IgE reactivities to these allergen sources.

Component-Resolved Diagnosis Based on a Recombinant Variant of Mus m 1 Lipocalin Allergen.

Exposure to the Mus m 1 aeroallergen is a significant risk factor for laboratory animal allergy. This allergen, primarily expressed in mouse urine where it is characterized by a marked and dynamic polymorphism, is also present in epithelium and dander. Considering the relevance of sequence/structure assessment in protein antigenic reactivity, we compared the sequence of the variant Mus m 1.

Basal Serum Diamine Oxidase Levels as a Biomarker of Histamine Intolerance: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Histamine Intolerance (HIT) is a multifaceted pseudoallergic disorder possibly due to defective histamine metabolism. Diamine oxidase (DAO) contributes to histamine degradation and can be measured in the serum. The role of DAO measurement in the diagnostic work-up of HIT still remains unclear, and conflicting results have been reported in the literature.

Diamine Oxidase Supplementation in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

Introduction: Diamine oxidase (DAO) catabolizes and inactivates histamine, a key player in a wide range of invalidating conditions, such as migraine and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The highest expression of DAO occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, possibly to control the burden of histamine intake from food.

Methods: Here, we tested the hypothesis that a 30-day oral supplementation with DAO (1 capsule b.

In search of a vaccine for mouse allergy: significant reduction of Mus m 1 allergenicity by structure-guided single-point mutations.

Background: Mouse urinary proteins are relevant allergens from mice urine. We used the recombinant protein Mus m 1 as an allergen model to identify if, by altering Mus m 1 architecture via single-point mutations, we could effectively modify its allergenicity.

Methods: Based on structural considerations, we synthesized two single-point mutants, Mus m 1-Y120A and Mus m 1-Y120F, which were expected to harbor large structural alterations.

Broad-spectrum inhibition of HIV-1 by a monoclonal antibody directed against a gp120-induced epitope of CD4.

To penetrate susceptible cells, HIV-1 sequentially interacts with two highly conserved cellular receptors, CD4 and a chemokine receptor like CCR5 or CXCR4. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against such receptors are currently under clinical investigation as potential preventive or therapeutic agents. We immunized Balb/c mice with molecular complexes of the native, trimeric HIV-1 envelope (Env) bound to a soluble form of the human CD4 receptor.

Allergen microarrays on high-sensitivity silicon slides.

We have recently introduced a silicon substrate for high-sensitivity microarrays, coated with a functional polymer named copoly(DMA-NAS-MAPS). The silicon dioxide thickness has been optimized to produce a fluorescence intensification due to the optical constructive interference between the incident and reflected lights of the fluorescent radiation. The polymeric coating efficiently suppresses aspecific interaction, making the low background a distinctive feature of these slides.

Effect of sublingual immunotherapy with grass monomeric allergoid on allergen-specific T-cell proliferation and interleukin 10 production.

Background: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is safe and efficacious in the treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis. Although favorable clinical effects have been observed with controlled trials as early as a few months since the beginning of treatment, few biological changes induced by SLIT have been demonstrated.

Objective: To investigate in grass-allergic patients the effect of a 2-month SLIT regimen, administered with a simplified protocol without up-dosing, on proliferation and production of cytokines characteristic of the regulatory T-cell phenotype (interleukin 10 [IL-10] and transforming growth factor beta [TGF-beta]) by allergen-specific T cells.

Platinum group elements enhance the allergic immune response by acting on dendritic cells.

Background: Atmospheric pollution may play a role in the immune response to allergens either directly or by entering the food chain. While particulate platinum group elements (PLGE) emitted by catalytic converters can be considered biologically inert, approximately 10% of these species accumulate in the environment as bioavailable soluble forms.

Methods: We challenged in vitro human immature and mature monocyte-derived dendritic cells with subtoxic concentrations of soluble species of PLGE.

Immunological basis for IgE hyper-production in enfuvirtide-treated HIV- positive patients.

We previously reported that enfuvirtide (ENF) treatment is accompanied by a selective increase of serum IgE. We asked whether ENF had intrinsic capability to direct B-lymphocytes to switch to IgE and/or if it could drive CD4 T cells to a Th2 phenotype. ENF was added in vitro: (a) to B-lymphocytes stimulated with IgE-switch inducing stimuli; (b) to peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

T-cell receptor-mediated cross-allergenicity.

Background: Profilins are conserved and ubiquitous plant and animal proteins. We wanted to discover whether the T-cell response to conserved epitopes on birch and grass profilins could account for cross-allergenicity in subjects allergic to these two pollens.

Methods: Thirty-one patients allergic to grass and birch were recruited for the study.