Association of HLA class II alleles with sensitization to cow dander Bos d 2, an important occupational allergen.

Allergic sensitization results from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Earlier studies have shown that highly polymorphic HLA genes are associated with a variety of allergies. Several important respiratory allergens belong to the family of lipocalin proteins.

Isolation, flow cytometric analysis, and suppression assay of CD4+ CD25+ T-regulatory cells.

Allergy and asthma are characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and chronic mucosal inflammation mediated by CD4+ Th2 lymphocytes and their cytokines. It is unclear why allergic individuals make a Th2-type T-cell response whereas other (non-allergic) individuals do not. Recently, attention has focused on regulatory mechanisms, such as T-regulatory cells, preventing IgE responses to allergens in nonatopic individuals.

Modified Th2 responses at high-dose exposures to allergen: using an occupational model.

Rationale: The relationships between allergen exposures and allergy and asthma are complex. High exposure levels to cat allergen are associated with IgG- and IgG(4)-specific antibody responses without sensitization or risk of asthma, a process described as a "modified Th2 response." Attenuation of risk of allergy and asthma at high exposure levels has been reported in longitudinal studies of both childhood and occupational asthma.

HLA associations with occupational sensitization to rat lipocalin allergens: a model for other animal allergies?

Background: Laboratory animal allergy is a common occupational health problem affecting between 11% and 44% of exposed researchers. Allergy to rats and mice is most common, probably because these are the animals most frequently used.

Objective: We hypothesized that HLA class II molecules, involved in the presentation of allergen to the T cell and likely candidates for controlling the immune response, might be associated with sensitization to rat urinary proteins among laboratory animal handlers.