Linkage analysis of IL4 and other chromosome 5q31.1 markers and total serum immunoglobulin E concentrations.

Sib-pair analysis of 170 individuals from 11 Amish families revealed evidence for linkage of five markers in chromosome 5q31.1 with a gene controlling total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration. No linkage was found between these markers and specific IgE antibody concentrations.

Simplified method for isolation of white cells from whole blood suitable for direct polymerase chain reaction.

A simple method for isolating mononuclear cells from whole blood is described. The procedure utilizes phytohemagglutinin to agglutinate the erythrocytes, separating white cells from whole blood in a very brief handling time. The isolated cells are readily subjected to DNA isolation simply by boiling, and the released DNA can be directly employed for the polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Sequencing of HLA-D in responders and nonresponders to short ragweed allergen, Amb a V.

We investigated the molecular basis for the striking association between HLA-DR2,Dw2 and human immune responsiveness to the Ambrosia artemisiifolia (short ragweed) pollen allergen Amb a V by sequencing the second exons of the DRB and DQB1 genes of 17 selected ragweed-allergic Caucasoid subjects. We also studied the DQA1 allelic polymorphic regions (APRs) in these patients by dot-blotting using sequence-specific oligonucleotides (SSOs). The deduced amino acid sequences of the respective class II beta and alpha polypeptides were compared, with particular emphasis on residues in the APRs that are implicated in antigen binding.

Association of HLA-DR3 with human immune response to Lol p I and Lol p II allergens in allergic subjects.

Associations between HLA type and IgE or IgG antibody (Ab) responses to two well-characterized, antigenetically non-crossreactive components of Lolium perenne (rye grass) pollen extract, Lol p I (Rye I) and Lol p II (Rye II) were studied in two groups of skin-test positive (ST+) Caucasoid adults. By both nonparametric and parametric statistical methods, significant associations were found between Ab responses to both Lol I and Lol II and the possession of HLA-DR3. In view of the well-known associations of both DR3 and B8 (which are in linkage disequilibrium) with many autoimmune diseases, differences in anti-Lol I and anti-Lol II mean log[Ab] levels between B8+, DR3- vs B8-, DR3- subjects and B8+, DR3+ vs B8-, DR3+ subjects were investigated.

A study of the human immune response to Lolium perenne (rye) pollen and its components, Lol p I and Lol p II (Rye I and Rye II). II. Longitudinal variation of antibody levels in relation to symptomatology and pollen exposure and correction of seasonally elevated antibody levels to basal values.

This study used a standardized, dialyzed, Lolium perenne (ryegrass) pollen extract and two of its well-characterized components, Lol p I (Rye I) and Lol p II (Rye II), to characterize the longitudinal variation of both IgE and IgG antibody (Ab) levels, as well as total serum IgE levels, in 20 grass-allergic subjects followed for 13 months. Ab levels declined toward a basal level just before, and increased just after, the grass-pollination season, returning to the same basal level just before the next grass-pollination season. The least complex allergen, Lol II, demonstrated the most uniform pattern of variation in both IgE and IgG Ab levels.