The high affinity IgE receptor Fc epsilonRI is expressed by human intestinal epithelial cells.

Background: IgE antibodies play a paramount role in the pathogenesis of various intestinal disorders. To gain insights in IgE-mediated pathophysiology of the gut, we investigated the expression of the high affinity IgE receptor Fc epsilonRI in human intestinal epithelium.

Methodology/principal Findings: Fc epsilonRI alpha-chain, as detected by immunohistochemistry, was positive in epithelial cells for eight of eleven (8/11) specimens from colon cancer patients and 5/11 patients with inflammation of the enteric mucosa.

Characterization of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for celery allergy in immunosenescence.

Recent studies indicated an underestimation of allergies in elderly. In our experimental food allergy model of protein feeding under acid-suppression we aimed to assess whether food allergy can be induced in immunosenescent mice. Furthermore, the impact of gastric digestion on celery allergenicity was evaluated in aged patients.

Incomplete digestion of codfish represents a risk factor for anaphylaxis in patients with allergy.

Background: Fish represents one of the most important allergenic foods causing severe allergic reactions. Nevertheless, it has been shown that gastric digestion significantly reduces its allergenic capacity.

Objective: In this study, we assessed the absorption kinetics of fish proteins and investigated the clinical reactivity of patients with fish allergy to codfish digested at physiological or elevated gastric pH.

Apoptosis-specific activation markers in on- versus off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients.

Background: The relation of epithelial/endothelial apoptosis and secretion of death-inducing receptors (DIR) in comparison to vascular adhesion molecules is not known in patients undergoing the On- versus Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure.

Methods: 30 patients were prospectively included in the study (On- vs. Off-pump CABG, each n = 15).

Internal images: human anti-idiotypic Fab antibodies mimic the IgE epitopes of grass pollen allergen Phl p 5a.

Background: The role of anti-idiotypic antibodies in allergic disease is still poorly understood. According to Jerne, anti-idiotypic antibodies to IgE should represent internal images of an allergen. Our aim was to ultimately prove whether this hypothesis holds true in allergy.