Allergen-specific IgE Concentrations Research Articles

Serum allergen-specific and total IgE concentrations in dogs with allergic disorders in South Korea

Serum allergen-specific and total IgE concentrations in dogs with allergic disorders in South Korea

Investigation of Serum allergen-specific IgE concentrations in feline asthma: a clinical experience

The aim of this study is to investigate allergen agents by allergen-specific serum IgE analysis in domestic cats diagnosed with feline asthma (FA). A total of 21 cats (16 FA and 5 control cats) were included in the study. Allergen-specific serum IgE levels were measured in cats diagnosed with feline asthma and in the control group. Allergen levels were classified as negative, weak, moderate and strong. The difference between the two groups was compared statistically. While the mean age of the cats in the FA group was 3.9kg ±2.4 years, the mean age of the cats in the control group was 3.4±2.2 years. The most common clinical manifestations in cats with FA were cough, sneezing, wheezing, and acute dyspnea, respectively. Allergen-specific IgE levels tested for 20 different allergens showed that 14 out of 16 cats developed a reaction to more than one allergen. The vast majority of cats with FA had a moderate or strong positive reaction to house dust mites. In conclusion, FA is an important and common chronic lower respiratory tract disease of feline patients and allergen-specific serum IgE levels can be easily used in clinical practice to guide the selection of allergens in the treatment of this disease and adjust for the quality of life and well-being of cats.

Associations between vitamin D, immunoglobulin E concentrations, and obesity.

The prevalence of allergies and obesity has been increased in parallel. Low vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels have been linked to both higher body mass index (BMI) and allergies. Since the activation of the 25(OH)D receptor inhibits IgE production and 25(OH)D influences the IgE response specifically, we tested the hypothesis that circulating 25(OH)D concentrations are negatively related to circulating allergen-specific IgE concentrations distinctly in a large adult population-based study cohort. Moreover, we studied VDR gene expression in paired biopsies of abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). We investigated whether magnetic resonance imaging-estimated visceral (VFM) and subcutaneous fat mass (SFM) are related to 25(OH)D levels. We found gender differences in circulating 25(OH)D and IgE concentrations. Participants with obesity showed lower 25(OH)D concentrations and higher IgE concentrations were detected in women only. Interestingly, participants with high levels of 25(OH)D are leaner and have improved glucose metabolism. In women, 25(OH)D correlate significant with VFM and SFM. VDR expression is significantly higher expressed in VAT and is positive associated with circulating 25(OH)D concentration. There was no association between serum IgE and 25(OH)D in the entire cohort. Based on these data, we could confirm that low levels of 25(OH)D are linked to higher BMI but could not prove our hypothesis because there is no relationship between 25(OH)D and IgE in adults. Women with higher BMI tend to have higher IgE levels what may have clinical relevance. The association between obesity and circulating 25(OH)D/IgE is not straightforward, and further knowledge is needed.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency/Deficiency and Their Role in Atopic Dermatitis Development and Course in Children

Various conclusive evidence on the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been obtained in recent decades. Many studies have shown that patients with AD have low concentration of 25(OH)D in blood associated with high concentration of allergen specific IgE (according to several reports). The analysis of low 25(OH)D concentration prevalence, association of vitamin D deficiency with AD severity and sensitization to allergens, and association of vitamin D disorders with risk of AD development is presented.

Pre-treatment allergen-specific IgE analysis and outcomes of allergen immunotherapy.

Background. Patients show varied results to allergen immunotherapy (AIT. The reason for this variability is unclear. Objective. To describe the relationship between AIT efficacy and demographic characteristics, as well as pre-treatment plasma levels of specific IgE-antibodies to grass and birch pollen. Methods. A retrospective study was performed based on medical records of 128 patients who received AIT. The patients completed a questionnaire and pre-AIT plasma levels of allergen-specific IgE to grass and birch pollen were measured using EUROLINE DPA-Dx pollen 1 method. Results. Seventy percent of patients classified their allergic symptoms as less severe after AIT. Twenty-seven percent had received AIT targeting only grass pollen, 19% targeting only birch pollen, and 55% targeting both grass and birch. A total of 35 different IgE profiles were found across our study population. On comparison of the demographic characteristics and concentration of allergen-specific IgE-antibodies, no statistically significant differences could be found.Conclusions. The majority of patients rated their allergic symptoms as less severe after AIT. No clear relationship could be demonstrated between pre-treatment allergen-specific IgE concentration, or demographic characteristics, and effect of AIT. There may be other factors underlying the different responses to AIT.

The Allergen-Specific IgE Concentration Is Important for Optimal Histamine Release From Passively Sensitized Basophils.

BackgroundThe basophil histamine release (HR) assay can be used for allergy diagnosis in addition to the conventional measurement of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE). Passive sensitization of basophils increases the versatility and allows testing the biological relevance of allergen-induced IgE cross-linking in any serum unbiased by the cellular component. However, not all the patient sera perform equally well and we hypothesized that the absolute level and fraction of sIgE affect the performance. Choosing birch pollen allergy as a model, we investigated the concentration of sIgE needed for successful passive sensitization using soluble- or matrix-fixed Bet v 1.MethodsTwenty-eight sera with Bet v 1 sIgE [7 sera within each allergy class (1: 0.1–0.70 kUA/L, 2: 0.71–3.50 kUA/L, 3: 3.51–17.50 kUA/L, and 4+: >17.50 kUA/L)] and a negative control serum pool were used to passively sensitize donor basophils, obtained from buffy coat blood (n = 3). The cells were incubated (30 min) with a soluble allergen (rBet v 1 from 0.2 to 50 ng/ml), matrix-fixed allergen (ImmunoCAP™ containing recombinant Bet v 1), or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin mixture (maximal HR) and released histamine was quantified fluorometrically.ResultsThe lowest level of Bet v 1 sIgE generating a detectable HR (HR > 10% of maximal release) in all the 3 runs was found to be 1.25 kUA/L (corresponding to allergy class 2, 0.71–3.50 kUA/L). Furthermore, sera from allergy classes 3 and 4+ ascertained a significant reproducible HR: 42/42 vs. 5/21 in allergy class 1 and 15/21 in allergy class 2. Using ImmunoCAP™s containing Bet v 1 as a matrix-fixed allergen system, similar results were obtained where the lowest sIgE concentration mediating an HR was 1.68 kUA/L and 7/7 for both allergy classes 3 and 4+.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that the IgE titer is strikingly robust in predicting the ability to sensitize basophils and produce a measurable HR.

Fungal allergies in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

Examining a role of fungal allergy in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PS) is of particular interest and determines the relevance of the current study. The purpose of the study is to analyze and carry out a comparative analysis for multiple sensitizations to fungal allergens in patients with AD and PS. Materials and methods. The study involved patients with atopic dermatitis (group 1, n = 53, mean age 33.0±1.3 years) and psoriasis (group 2, n = 53, mean age 40.0±1.8 years) aged from 18 to 66 years old. Sensitization to fungal allergens was assessed by skin prick testing with standardized fungal allergens: Candida albicans, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium notatum (Allergopharma, Germany) and nutritional yeast (Microgen, Russia). The concentration of allergen-specific IgE to a mixture of fungal allergens: Penicillium notatum, Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor racemosus, Alternaria alternata (Alkor Bio, Russia) was determined by the method of indirect immunofluorescence analysis on a semiautomatic analyzer Multiskan FC (ThermoFisher Scientific, Finland). The test was considered positive at an IgE level of ≥ 0.35 kE/L. Statistica 8.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. Results and discussion. When studying the features of sensitization to fungal allergens, it was determined that in the group of patients with AD was the highest frequency of sensitization to nutritional yeast, as well as fungi of the genus Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum. In the group of PS patients, the highest frequency of sensitization to fungi of the genus Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria alternata was found. When studying intergroup differences, it was determined that the rate of sensitization to fungi was insignificantly higher in the group of patients with PS in comparison with AD. Sensitization to a mixture of fungal allergens based on the concentration of allergen-specific IgE was more often observed in the group of AD patients vs. patients with PS: 15% versus 5,3%. Most likely, reagins of a different class (IgG4) can participate in the development of AD and PS, or other immunopathological mechanisms of allergy triggering (according to the Gell and Coombs classification) can be involved. Thus, fungal allergy may play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Our research can guide clinicians in terms of personalized approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of these pathologies, including specific allergological examination, not only for patients with AD, but also for those with PS.

Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of Oral Immunotherapy on Birch Pollen-Induced Allergic Conjunctivitis in Mice with a Rice-Based Edible Vaccine Expressing a Hypoallergenic Birch Pollen Allergen.

We investigated the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of the oral administration of transgenic rice seeds expressing a hypoallergenic Bet v 1 derivative of allergic birch pollen conjunctivitis in mice. Transgenic rice seed depositing a chimeric molecule called TPC7 (tree pollen chimera 7) created by DNA shuffling of Bet v 1 family sequences from birch, alder and hazel in protein bodies of endosperm was generated. BALB/c mice were sensitized to birch pollen in alum and challenged with pollen in eyedrops. They were fed TPC7 transgenic or non-transgenic (control) rice seeds for 14 d before sensitization (prophylactic protocol) or 17 d after sensitization (therapeutic protocol). The clinical score and number of conjunctival eosinophils were significantly lower in TPC7-fed mice than in the control mice based on both the prophylactic and therapeutic protocols. Serum concentration of allergen-specific IgE did not differ between TPC7-fed and control groups in either protocol. Prophylactic administration of TPC7 downregulated the production of IL-4 and IFN-γ, whereas therapeutic administration of TPC7 upregulated the production of IFN-γ by allergen-stimulated splenocytes. Prophylactic or therapeutic oral administration of transgenic rice expressing TPC7 suppressed birch pollen-induced allergic conjunctivitis in mice. Feeding transgenic rice is a potentially effective approach as an allergen-specific immunotherapy for allergic conjunctivitis.

Assessment of TSLP, IL 25 and IL 33 in patients with shrimp allergy

BackgroundShrimp allergy is a growing problem among the European population. TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 are involved in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases, including asthma and atopic dermatitis, as they activate the Th2-dependent immune response.MethodsThirty-seven patients (18 male and 19 female) with a positive history of symptoms associated with shrimp consumption were selected. All patients had blood samples taken to assess the concentration of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) to house dust mites (HDM) and shrimp (Singleplex, quantitative method with cut off value > 0,35 kAU/L) as well as the level of allergen components using the ImmunoCap ISAC method (Microarray test, semi-quantitative with cut off value > 0,3 ISU-E). The concentrations of TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 in the patients’ blood serum was assessed using the ELISA method (Cusabio). Twenty patients with negative allergy history of allergic disease tests were included in the control group.ResultsAmong the 37 shrimp-allergic patients, ImmunoCap ISAC was identified the presence of sIgE to the available shrimp allergen components in only 14 cases (37.8%). TSLP and IL25 levels were significantly higher in the study group. No statistically significant correlation was found between the concentration of analyzed alarmins and the concentration of sIgE level to shrimp or HDM between the study and control groups. No statistically significant correlation was found between poly-sensitization occurring in patients and levels of TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 .ConclusionIn shrimp-allergic patients, the concentrations of TSLP and IL-25 were significantly higher than in the control group (1.33 vs. 0.49 and 157 vs. 39.36, respectively). There was no correlation between the concentrations of TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 and the concentration of sIgE in the patients or the number of allergen components that the patients were sensitized to.Trial registration: Bioethics Committee 147/2015, 11.03.2015.

Polyvalent Mechanical Bacterial Lysate Administration Improves the Clinical Course of Grass Pollen–Induced Allergic Rhinitis in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Recent studies highlight the immunoregulatory potential of bacterial lysates, indicating their potential use in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. To investigate the clinical efficacy of polyvalent mechanical bacterial lysates (PMBLs) in children with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis. Seventy children with seasonal allergic rhinitis were enrolled to this study and were randomly assigned to the PMBL and placebo groups. Severity of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms was assessed by the total nasal symptom score, total ocular symptom score, and visual analogue scale. During 3 visits, peak nasal inspiratory flow was measured, and nasal smears for the presence of eosinophils and nasal lavage fluids for the presence of allergen-specific IgE against timothy grass pollen allergens were sampled. A statistically significant decrease in total nasal symptom score (P= .001), total ocular symptom score (P=.04), and visual analogue scale score for nasal and eye symptoms (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively) and an increase in peak nasal inspiratory flow (P= .04) were observed in the PMBL group versus the placebo group. During the grass pollen season, an increase and then a decrease in the number of eosinophils in nasal smears was observed in both groups; however, the number of eosinophils was significantly lower in the PMBL group versus the placebo group. No significant changes in allergen-specific IgE concentrations were observed in the PMBL group, whereas in the placebo group a statistically significant increase in allergen-specific IgE concentration was observed. Sublingual administration of PMBLs during the grass pollen season offers significant efficacy in alleviating seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms in children sensitized to grass pollen allergens. PMBLs probably affect mucosal immunity, weakening the response of TH2 cells.

Potential Differences between Local and Systemic Allergic Rhinitis Induced by Birch Pollen

Introduction: Different endotypes of rhinitis are known, but its pathomechanism has not been conclusively established. For example, the precise difference between systemic allergic rhinitis (SAR) and local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is still being checked. Comparison of patients with LAR and with allergies to birch of those with intermittent allergic rhinitis, same allergy, or with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) was the purpose of this study. Methods: Twenty-six patients with LAR, 18 with SAR and allergy to birch, and 21 with NAR were included. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected to undergo the following procedures at baseline: medical examinations, nasal provocation test (NPT), detection of nasal-specific IgE to birch as well as basophil activation test (BAT). All immunological parameters were detected before and after NPT. Results: Concentration of nasal IgE to Bet v1 increased comparably in the LAR and SAR groups after NPT to birch as follows: in 21 (81%) patients with LAR, 14 (78%) with SAR, and in everyone in the NAR group. Serum concentration of allergen-specific IgE to Bet v1 increased significantly from a median of 20.7 (25–75% interval: 11.2–35.6) IU/mL to 29.9 (13.6–44.1) (p = 0.028) after NPT in patients with SAR. Allergen-specific IgE to Bet v1 was absent in all patients with LAR and NAR before and after NPT. BAT with Bet v1 was positive in 22 (85%) patients with LAR, in 14 (78%) with SAR, and 2 (9.5%) with NAR. Conclusion: These obtained data suggest there are no potential mechanisms that could explain LAR compared to SAR.

A Comparison of Multiple Allergen Simultaneous Tests Using Allergen-Specific IgE Concentration and Intradermal Skin Tests in Atopic Horses With Pollen Allergy

Intradermal tests (IDTs) and measurement of specific immunoglobulin E class (sIgE) levels in sera are the most common and reliable methods used in allergological clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to explore the sensitization of pollen allergy in atopic horses with pollinosis and to assess the diagnostic value of the multiple allergen simultaneous tests (MASTs) compared with that of the IDT. Twenty-one Malopolski horses with typical skin hypersensitivity symptoms during pollen seasons were enrolled. Intradermal tests were performed, and allergen-specific IgE concentrations in sera were measured using a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody to pollens of grass, weeds, trees, and cultivated plants. The highest sensitization rate was for Secale cereale (IDT, 76%; MAST, 66.7%), grass (IDT, 71%; MAST, 57%), and Brassica napus (IDT, 52.4%; MAST, 57%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) showed that Betula spp., Alnus spp., and Corylus spp. had the highest AUC at 0.854, followed by Secale cereale (AUC = 0.796), Plantago lanceolata (AUC = 0.726), Brassica napus (AUC = 0.704), and a grass allergen mixture (AUC = 0.695). The mean AUC for all allergens was 0.712 (0.604–0.867). The overall sensitivity of the sIgE plant horse panel was 78% (range, 68%–90%), the specificity was 86.3% (range, 64%–100%), and the accuracy was 79% (range, 64%–87%). Statistical kappa (κ) agreement between the MAST and IDT was reached for tree (κ = 0.767), rye (κ = 0.687), colza (κ = 0.671), and grass (κ = 0.664) pollen. The MAST showed a favorable agreement with the IDT and can be used for the detection of sIgE in atopic horses with pollinosis.

Allergen-specific IgE levels and the ability of IgE-allergen complexes to cross-link determine the extent of CD23-mediated T-cell activation

BackgroundCD23 mediates IgE-facilitated allergen presentation and subsequent allergen-specific T-cell activation in allergic patients.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate key factors regulating IgE-facilitated allergen presentation through CD23 and subsequent T-cell activation.MethodsTo study T-cell activation by free allergens and different types of IgE–Bet v 1 complexes, we used a molecular model based on monoclonal human Bet v 1–specific IgE, monomeric and oligomeric Bet v 1 allergen, an MHC-matched CD23-expressing B-cell line, and a T-cell line expressing a human Bet v 1–specific T-cell receptor. The ability to cross-link Fcε receptors of complexes consisting of either IgE and monomeric Bet v 1 or IgE and oligomeric Bet v 1 was studied in human FcεRI-expressing basophils. T-cell proliferation by monomeric or oligomeric Bet v 1, which cross-links Fcε receptors to a different extent, was studied in allergic patients’ PBMCs with and without CD23-expressing B cells.ResultsIn our model non–cross-linking IgE–Bet v 1 monomer complexes, as well as cross-linking IgE–Bet v 1 oligomer complexes, induced T-cell activation, which was dependent on the concentration of specific IgE. However, T-cell activation by cross-linking IgE–Bet v 1 oligomer complexes was approximately 125-fold more efficient. Relevant T-cell proliferation occurred in allergic patients’ PBMCs only in the presence of B cells, and its magnitude depended on the ability of IgE–Bet v 1 complexes to cross-link CD23.ConclusionThe extent of CD23-mediated T-cell activation depends on the concentration of allergen-specific IgE and the cross-linking ability of IgE-allergen complexes.

Assessment of the clinical accuracy of serum and saliva assays for identification of adverse food reaction in dogs without clinical signs of disease.

To assess the clinical accuracy of 2 serum-based assays and 1 saliva-based assay for detection of adverse food reaction (AFR) in dogs without clinical signs of disease. 30 healthy client-owned dogs. Dog owners completed an online survey to collect comprehensive information about their pets' diet history. From each dog, serum and saliva samples were obtained and submitted for AFR testing by means of 3 assays that assessed the immunoglobulin response to 24 foods. Assays A and B measured food allergen-specific IgE concentrations in serum, whereas assay C measured food allergen-specific IgA and IgM concentrations in saliva. Descriptive data were generated, and Fisher exact tests were used to assess the respective associations between positive test results and specific food ingredients to which dogs were exposed. Assays A, B, and C yielded positive results for 26, 18, and 30 dogs, respectively. All dogs had positive results for at least 1 assay. The median (range) number of foods or ingredients to which dogs tested positive was 10.5 (0 to 24) for assay A, 1 (0 to 13) for assay B, and 12.5 (4 to 22; IgM) and 3 (0 to 24; IgA) for assay C. Positive test results were not significantly associated with prior food exposure. Saliva and serum assays for AFR often yielded positive results for apparently healthy dogs and are not recommended for clinical use. Elimination diet trials remain the gold standard for diagnosis of AFR in dogs.

Role of novel synbiotic supplementation on ovalbumin induced allergy model: Impact on immunemodulation

This study aimed to determine effect of a novel synbiotic formulated from green gram on allergen induced immune response. BALB/c mice (F0 generation) were supplemented with saline, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) or synbiotic. The supplementation was continued throughout gestation and lactation. F1 generation pups also received respective supplementations as their mothers and were designated as postweaning probiotic and synbiotic groups. At the age of 60 days, OVA (allergen) sensitization was induced in F1 pups and various immune parameters were determined. As expected, OVA sensitized pups (F1 Ova+) developed chronic interstitial pneumonitis (CIP), with positive passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction, increased (p < 0.05) specific and total IgG and IgE concentration along with higher (p < 0.05) allergenic IL-5 value (283.6 ± 11.8 pg/ml). Synbiotic supplementation among the offspring showed better protection against allergy in the pups, as observed by absence of CIP, negative PCA reaction and reduced (p < 0.05) IL-5 concentration (37.8 ± 2.42 pg/ml) compared to F1 Ova+ group. Probiotic supplementation showed similar protection from allergy although, synbiotic scored better as immunemodulator. Synbiotic treatment improved T-regulatory cells percentage by 4-fold whereas probiotic supplementation improved it by 3-fold compared to control. Synbiotic group had enhanced production of IL-10, TGF-β (p < 0.05) by 11.6-fold and 4-fold respectively, while probiotic group registered 9-fold and 3.65-fold increase respectively. Similarly, allergen specific IgG and IgE concentration reduced by 1.9 and 1.7-folds with synbiotic and probiotic supplementations respectively. In conclusion, synbiotic group scored better in preventing ovalbumin induced allergy compared to probiotic group among offspring when supplemented prenatally and postweaning.

Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Is Not a Pivotal Regulator Responsible for Suppressing Allergic Airway Inflammation through Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

BackgroundAlthough indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-mediated immune suppression of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been revealed in septic and tumor microenvironments, the role of IDO in suppressing allergic airway inflammation by MSCs is not well documented. We evaluated the effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) on allergic inflammation in IDO-knockout (KO) asthmatic mice or asthmatic mice treated with ASCs derived from IDO-KO mice.Methods and FindingsASCs were injected intravenously in wild-type (WT) and IDO-KO asthmatic mice. Furthermore, asthmatic mice were injected with ASCs derived from IDO-KO mice. We investigated the immunomodulatory effects of ASCs between WT and IDO-KO mice or IDO-KO ASCs in asthmatic mice. In asthmatic mice, ASCs significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, the number of total inflammatory cells and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), eosinophilic inflammation, goblet hyperplasia, and serum concentrations of total and allergen-specific IgE and IgG1. ASCs significantly inhibited Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and enhanced Th1 cytokine (interferon-γ) and regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) in BALF and lung draining lymph nodes (LLNs). ASCs led to significant increases in regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and IL-10+ T cell populations in LLNs. However, the immunosuppressive effects of ASCs did not significantly differ between WT and IDO-KO mice. Moreover, ASCs derived from IDO-KO mice showed immunosuppressive effects in allergic airway inflammation.ConclusionsIDO did not play a pivotal role in the suppression of allergic airway inflammation through ASCs, suggesting that it is not the major regulator responsible for suppressing allergic airway inflammation.

Stability of specific IgE antibodies to common food and inhalant allergens

ObjectiveTo determine the optimum storage temperature for serum allergen specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to common food and inhalant allergens. MethodsPatient sera with sIgE concentrations ≥0.7kIUA/l were pooled accordingly: pool 1—peanut and hazelnut, pool 2—egg white, cow's milk and cod fish, pool 3—soy, wheat and shrimp and pool 4—dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae, dog dander, cat dander, Timothy grass pollen, and silver birch pollen. Aliquots stored frozen, refrigerated and at room temperature were tested in duplicate (Phadia ImmunoCAP® 250) over two weeks. The relative difference was calculated for each sIgE as a percentage of the initial value and compared to the analytical reference change value. ResultsMinimal effects on specimen stability were noted for all sIgE analyzed under the three storage conditions tested in this study. All changes observed in sIgE concentrations were related to the assay variability and not to sample deterioration. ConclusionSerum allergen specific IgE concentrations are stable at all temperatures studied for up to 17days.

Helicobacter pylori-Mediated Protection from Allergy Is Associated with IL-10-Secreting Peripheral Blood Regulatory T Cells.

Helicobacter pylori infections are usually established in early childhood and continuously stimulate immunity, including T-helper 1 (Th1), Th17, and regulatory T-cell (Treg) responses, throughout life. Although known to be the major cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, disease occurs in a minority of those who are infected. Recently, there has been much interest in beneficial effects arising from infection with this pathogen. Published data robustly show that the infection is protective against asthma in mouse models. Epidemiological studies show that H. pylori is inversely associated with human allergy and asthma, but there is a paucity of mechanistic data to explain this. Since Th1 and Treg responses are reported to protect against allergic responses, we investigated if there were links between the human systemic Th1 and Treg response to H. pylori and allergen-specific IgE levels. The human cytokine and T-cell responses were examined using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 49 infected and 58 uninfected adult patients. Concentrations of total and allergen-specific plasma IgE were determined by ELISA and ImmunoCAP assays. These responses were analyzed according to major virulence factor genotypes of the patients’ colonizing H. pylori strains. An in vitro assay was employed, using PBMCs from infected and uninfected donors, to determine the role of Treg cytokines in the suppression of IgE. Significantly higher frequencies of IL-10-secreting CD4+CD25hi Tregs, but not H. pylori-specific Th1 cells, were present in the peripheral blood of infected patients. Total and allergen-specific IgE concentrations were lower when there was a strong Treg response, and blocking IL-10 in vitro dramatically restored IgE responses. IgE concentrations were also significantly lower when patients were infected with CagA+ strains or those expressing the more active i1 form of VacA. The systemic IL-10+ Treg response is therefore likely to play a role in H. pylori-mediated protection against allergy in humans.

Serum concentrations of allergen-specific IgE in horses with equine recurrent airway obstruction and healthy controls assessed by ELISA.

Equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), also known as heaves, is one of the most common respiratory problems in older horses. When RAO-affected horses stay pastured or in a dust-free environment for a prolonged time, clinical signs as well as airway inflammation wane. A number of environmental, immunologic, infectious, and genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of RAO, and the immunologic basis of this disease is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of allergen-specific IgE in the serum of horses suffering from RAO and healthy controls. The study included a group of 14 adult Polish Konik horses, kept in a standardized environment, and divided into 2 groups: 7 horses which did not have any respiratory problems comprised the control group and 7 horses with a history of RAO constituted the study group. A clinical and laboratory evaluation, endoscopic examination, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed in all horses. Sera of all horses were tested against allergens from 9 molds and 3 mites using the Heska Allercept assay. In the serologic tests, a statistically significant difference between both groups was found for specific IgE against mites, wherein Tyrophagus putrescentia correlated most clearly with RAO. There was no difference between groups for IgE specific against molds. On the basis of our observations and results, we conclude that RAO is associated with increased serum concentrations of specific serum IgE against mites, in particular Tputrescentia.

Cutaneous exposure to agglomerates of silica nanoparticles and allergen results in IgE-biased immune response and increased sensitivity to anaphylaxis in mice

BackgroundThe skin is a key route of human exposure to nanomaterials, which typically occurs simultaneously with exposure to other chemical and environmental allergen. However, little is known about the hazards of nanomaterial exposure via the skin, particularly when accompanied by exposure to other substances.ResultsRepeated topical treatment of both ears and the shaved upper back of NC/Nga mice, which are models for human atopic dermatitis (AD), with a mixture of mite extract and silica nanoparticles induced AD-like skin lesions. Measurements of ear thickness and histologic analyses revealed that cutaneous exposure to silica nanoparticles did not aggravate AD-like skin lesions. Instead, concurrent cutaneous exposure to mite allergens and silica nanoparticles resulted in the low-level production of allergen-specific IgGs, including both the Th2-related IgG1 and Th1-related IgG2a subtypes, with few changes in allergen-specific IgE concentrations and in Th1 and Th2 immune responses. In addition, these changes in immune responses increased the sensitivity to anaphylaxis. Low-level IgG production was induced when the mice were exposed to allergen–silica nanoparticle agglomerates but not when the mice exposed to nanoparticles applied separately from the allergen or to well-dispersed nanoparticles.ConclusionsOur data suggest that silica nanoparticles themselves do not directly affect the allergen-specific immune response after concurrent topical application of nanoparticles and allergen. However, when present in allergen-adsorbed agglomerates, silica nanoparticles led to a low IgG/IgE ratio, a key risk factor of human atopic allergies. We suggest that minimizing interactions between nanomaterials and allergens will increase the safety of nanomaterials applied to skin.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12989-015-0095-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.