Katzenallergie: aktualisierte Datenlage zu Epidemiologie und Therapie und Neues aus der Molekularbiologie von Fel d 1

Abstract

Cat allergy belongs to the most common animal allergies and is not just of high scientific and clinical interest but plays also an increasing socioeconomic role. This is underlined by studies revealing the tetrameric structure of the major cat allergen Fel d 1. Recent epidemiologic studies concerning the sensitization to cat and resulting allergic diseases still provide conflicting results. However there is increasing evidence that childhood sensitization presents a risk factor for later wheeze and asthma. Furthermore new scientific approaches for specific immunotherapy may result in a better effectiveness and tolerance. In this review we summarize the most recent data on the molecular biology ofFel d 1, on epidemiology and therapy of cat allergy.