Rational design of a hypoallergenic Phl p 7 variant for immunotherapy of polcalcin-sensitized patients.

Polcalcins are important respiratory panallergens, whose IgE-binding capacity depends on the presence of calcium. Since specific immunotherapy is not yet available for the treatment of polcalcin-sensitized patients, we aimed to develop a molecule for efficient and safe immunotherapy. We generated a hypoallergenic variant of the grass pollen polcalcin Phl p 7 by introducing specific point mutations into the allergen's calcium-binding regions.

Age-dependency of thrombin generation measured by means of calibrated automated thrombography (CAT).

Many coagulation parameters, such as PT or aPTT, show age-dependency. In this study we investigated if the generation of thrombin, possibly better reflecting overall haemostasis, shows an age-dependency. Thrombin generation was measured in platelet poor plasma of 121 children and 86 adults at different ages by means of calibrated automated thrombography (CAT).