IgE and IgG binding patterns and T-cell recognition of Fel d 1 and non-Fel d 1 cat allergens.

Background: Cat allergy affects approximately 15% of the population and is a major risk factor for asthma. The relative importance of cat allergens other than Fel d 1 is not known.

Objective: To compare IgE and IgG antibody binding and T-cell recognition of the major cat allergen Fel d 1 with other cat proteins with known IgE binding properties.

Quantitation of IgE binding to the chitinase and chitinase-like house dust mite allergens Der p 15 and Der p 18 compared to the major and mid-range allergens.

Background: The prevalence of IgE binding to the group 15 and 18 house dust mite (HDM) allergens of the Dermatophagoides species is reported to be >50% and they are the major allergens of HDM-sensitised dogs. The objective was to quantitate the IgE titres to Der p 15 and Der p 18 and evaluate their importance in human HDM sensitisation compared to the known major and mid-tier allergens.

Methods: Der p 15 and Der p 18 were produced in Pichia pastoris, and their structure validated by circular dichroism.

Antibacterial antibody responses associated with the development of asthma in house dust mite-sensitised and non-sensitised children.

Background: Infants who develop house dust mite (HDM) allergy and HDM-sensitised children with severe persistent asthma have low antibody responses to the P6 antigen of Haemophilus influenzae.

Objective: To measure the development of antibody to two ubiquitous bacteria of the respiratory mucosa in a prospective birth cohort at high risk of allergic disease and to assess which responses are associated with asthma and atopy.

Methods: IgG1 and IgG4 antibody to H influenzae (P4 and P6) and Streptoccocus pneumoniae (PspA and PspC) surface antigens was measured in yearly blood samples of children aged 1-5 years.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, an active component of honeybee propolis attenuates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption via the suppression of RANKL-induced NF-kappaB and NFAT activity.

Receptor activator NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-activated signaling is essential for osteoclast differentiation, activation and survival. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural NF-kappaB inhibitor from honeybee propolis has been shown to have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of CAPE on the regulation of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption and signaling pathways.