IL-10 and TGF-beta cooperate in the regulatory T cell response to mucosal allergens in normal immunity and specific immunotherapy.

The regulation of normal and allergic immune responses to airborne allergens in the mucosa is still poorly understood, and the mechanism of specific immunotherapy (SIT) in normalizing the allergic response to such allergens is currently not clear. Accordingly, we have investigated the immunoregulatory mechanism of both normal and allergic responses to the major house-dust mite (HDM) and birch pollen allergens--Dermatophagoides pteroynyssinus (Der p)1 and Bet v 1, respectively--as well as the immunologic basis of SIT to HDM in rhinitis and asthma patients. In normal immunity to HDM and birch pollen, an allergen-specific peripheral T cell suppression to Der p 1 and Bet v 1 was observed.

[Bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine and levels of serum eosinophil cationic protein in patients with non-atopic asthma].

Pathogenesis of non-atopic bronchial asthma remains still an open question. Until now there have been very few studies concerning relationship between eosinophil activation and nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine in this form of asthma. Sixteen subjects with mild nonatopic bronchial asthma entered the study.

Comparative study between skin prick tests and TOP-CAST allergen leukocyte stimulation in diagnosis of allergic status.

A recently developed CAST-ELISA method was applied to determine allergen-induced leukocyte stimulation. This method is based on the measurement of sulfidoleukotriene secretion by peripheral blood leukocytes previously stimulated with specific allergen in the presence of interleukin 3. 24 patients allergic to different aeroallergens and some food allergens were included in this study.

CAST-ELISA test in diagnosis of mite allergy.

The recently developed CAST-ELISA method was applied to determine allergen-induced leukocyte stimulation. This method is based on the measurement of sulfidoleukotriene secretion by peripheral blood leukocytes stimulated with specific allergen in the presence of interleukin 3.23 patients allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were included in this study.