Phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity in a genome-wide linkage study of asthma families.

Background: Asthma is a complex genetic disease with more than 20 genome-wide scans conducted so far. Regions on almost every chromosome have been linked to asthma and several genes have been associated. However, most of these associations are weak and are still awaiting replication.

Exposure to house dust endotoxin and allergic sensitization in adults.

Background: It has been suggested that exposure to elevated levels of endotoxin decreases the risk of allergic sensitization.

Objective: To examine the associations between current exposure to bacterial endotoxin in house dust and allergic sensitization in adults.

Methods: In 1995-1996, we conducted a nested case-control study following a cross-sectional study performed within the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS).

Further characterization of IgE-binding antigens from guinea pig hair as new members of the lipocalin family.

Background: Guinea pigs are important sources of inhalant allergens in home and working environments. However, little is known about the molecular characteristics and the relevant epitopes of guinea pig allergens. Recently, several allergens have been identified in hair extract and urine, and the major allergen Cav p 1 (20 kDa) has been characterized.

IL-4 supplemented B-cell cultures of allergic children show reduced IgA and IgG production in response to additional stimulation with IL-10.

Background: Cytokines play an important role in mediating immunoglobulin switch, the secretion of protective mucosal immunoglobulins, and the development of allergic diseases. This study investigates whether B cells from allergic and healthy children have different capacities to secrete immunoglobulins after stimulation with IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-11, and IL13.

Methods: We analyzed the peripheral venous blood of 44 healthy probands and of 109 allergic patients with a mean age of 13 years, allergic to grass pollen, birch pollen, and house dust mites.

Purification and partial characterization of the major allergen, Cav p 1, from guinea pig Cavia porcellus.

Background: Allergic reaction to guinea pig has been recognized as a problem in domestic settings and work environments for many years. Until recently, limited information was available on the properties of guinea pig allergen(s). In this study the major allergen Cav p 1 was characterized and the N-terminal amino-acid sequence was determined.