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.

IgE and IgG anti-house dust mite specificities in allergic disease.

Background: There are few studies that quantitatively compare IgE and IgG antibody binding to the major and minor house dust mite allergens.

Objective: To measure the IgE and IgG antibody specificities produced by adults and children, including children admitted to an emergency department for asthma.

Methods: Antibodies were measured by solid-phase microtiter assays.