| 1. |
- Aghamohammadi, A, et al.
(författare)
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Progression of selective IgA deficiency to common variable immunodeficiency
- 2008
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0097 .- 1018-2438. ; 147:2, s. 87-92
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Selective IgA deficiency (IgAD) is the most common primary immunodeficiency in Caucasians. Although it is often asymptomatic, selected patients show an increased frequency of infections, allergies and autoimmune manifestations. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary antibody deficiency disease that shares many clinical features with IgAD. A common genetic basis for IgAD and CVID has been suggested based on their occurrence in members of the same family and the similarity of the underlying B cell defects. Progression from IgAD to CVID has also been reported in several cases. Here we present 4 patients with IgAD and autoimmune features who subsequently developed CVID. All symptomatic IgAD patients, especially those with associated IgG subclass deficiency or autoimmune features, should be monitored for evolution to CVID. Early diagnosis of this conversion and institution of immunoglobulin therapy is effective in preventing severe bacterial infections and pulmonary insufficiency.
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| 2. |
- Benson, Mikael, 1954, et al.
(författare)
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Altered levels of the soluble IL-1, IL-4 and TNF receptors, as well as the IL-1 receptor antagonist, in intermittent allergic rhinitis
- 2004
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Ingår i: Int Arch Allergy Immunol. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 134:3, s. 227-32
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The effects of cytokines are modulated by soluble cytokine receptors (SCR) and receptor antagonists. Therefore, allergic disease may depend on altered proportions between cytokines, their SCR and receptor antagonists, rather than absolute changes in cytokine levels. Little is known about SCR in intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR). OBJECTIVE: To examine the concentrations of SCR, i.e. sIL-1R2, sIL-4R, sIL-6R and sTNFR1, as well as the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in nasal fluids from allergen-challenged patients with IAR and healthy controls. METHODS: 30 patients with birch- or grass-pollen-induced IAR and 30 healthy controls were studied. In the patients nasal fluids were obtained before as well as 1 and 6 h after allergen provocation. RESULTS: Both symptom scores and rhinoscopic signs of rhinitis increased in the patients after allergen challenge. Comparisons between patients and controls showed that sIL-4R was lower in patients before and 1 and 6 h after provocation. IL-1Ra was lower before and 1 h after provocation. In addition, lower concentrations of sTNFR1 were found in patients after 1 h, while sIL-1R2 concentrations were higher after 1 h. Comparisons of patients before and after challenge showed that IL-1Ra and sTNFR1 decreased after 1 h, while sIL-1R2 increased. No significant differences were found compared to 6 h. sIL-6R did not significantly differ between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: After allergen challenge, significant changes in the nasal fluid levels of IL-1Ra, sIL-1R2 and sTNFR1 were found. By contrast, sIL-4R remained at lower levels than in controls both before and after challenge. Since sIL-4R modulates IgE synthesis, this may play a role in the pathogenesis of IAR.
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| 3. |
- Bulone, Vincent, et al.
(författare)
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Characterisation of horse dander allergen glycoproteins using amino acid and glycan structure analyses - A mass spectrometric method for glycan chain analysis of glycoproteins separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis
- 2000
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Ingår i: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 123:3, s. 220-227
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Separation of horse dander allergens using two-dimensional PAGE resulted in the identification of 16 proteins that react with allergic patient sera. A sensitive method has been developed for analysing the structures of the glycan chains of individual glycoprotein allergens transferred to blots following two-dimensional PAGE, and has allowed the structural identification of the glycan chains of the most abundant isoforms of Equ c 1, a glycosylated horse dander major allergen. The method involves separation of the allergens by two-dimensional PAGE, transfer to polyvinylidene difluoride membranes, release of the glycan chains using peptide N-glycosidase F, permethylation and mass spectrometric analysis of the derivatised glycans. The amino acid compositions of the 16 horse dander allergens separated by two-dimensional PAGE have been determined, allowing the identification of the various isoforms of Equ c 1. These results also confirmed that the two non-glycosylated major allergens, Equ c 2.0101 and Equ c 2.0102, belong to the lipocalin family, and support the idea that these two allergens are most probably isoforms of the same protein. The glycan structures identified using the mass spectrometric method are common biantennary and triantennary glycan chains. These carbohydrate moieties may have a role in the binding of IgE; however, it is more likely that the overall glycoprotein structure involving both the glycan and protein moieties, rather than the structure of the glycan chains alone, is responsible for eliciting allergic responses.
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| 4. |
- Cederbrant, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Cytokine production, lymphocyte proliferation and T-cell receptor Vbeta expression in primary peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures from nickel-allergic individuals
- 2003
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Ingår i: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 132:4, s. 373-379
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Clinical history and patch test constitute the two cornerstones in the diagnosis of nickel (Ni) allergy. Due to technical and interpretative limits of the patch test, the in vitro lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) has been developed for confirming contact allergy, however, most studies show an overlap in lymphocyte proliferation between Ni-allergic and nonallergic subjects using the LTT. The aim of this study was to see if the secretion of cytokines, especially interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17, or the use of T-cell receptor (TCR) V▀ families in Ni-stimulated primary peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures might be more useful for discriminating between allergic and nonallergic subjects. Methods: Ni2+-stimulated primary PBMC cultures derived from female subjects diagnosed as Ni-allergic (n = 5) or nonallergic (n = 5) on the basis of a positive or negative patch test were assessed for cell proliferation by tritiated thymidine incorporation and for production of interferon-?, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 in the culture supernatant by ELISA. The immunophenotype and TCR-V▀ family affiliation of the Ni2+-induced lymphoblasts were determined by flow cytometry. Results: Lymphocytes from Ni-allergic individuals challenged with a high and a low concentration of Ni showed significantly higher cell proliferation than lymphocytes from nonallergic individuals, but all subjects showed a positive LTT result (stimulation index>2). We found a significantly higher release of IL-10 in Ni2+-treated cultures from Ni-allergic compared with nonallergic subjects that provided better separation between individuals in the two groups than did lymphocyte proliferation. The proliferating lymphoblasts were predominantly CD4+, and in 2 of the 5 Ni-allergic subjects, but in none of the 5 nonallergic subjects, the CD4+ lymphoblasts showed a dominance of TCR-V▀17. Conclusions: Determination of IL-10 production in primary PBMC cultures is a potentially promising in vitro method for discrimination of Ni allergy in females, as compared with cell proliferation. Copyright ⌐ 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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| 5. |
- Ekman, Anna-Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Nasal Challenge with LPS Stimulates the Release of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1 alpha
- 2009
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Ingår i: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0097 .- 1018-2438. ; 149:2, s. 154-160
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Bacterial infections can cause a variety of airway diseases. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) directly respond to the presence of microbes and partake in the innate immune defense. TLR4 is activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and has been detected in sinonasal tissue, epithelial cells and various inflammatory cells. Macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) is a chemokine released during the inflammatory process. The present study investigated the potential role and regulation of MIP-1 alpha in LPS-induced nasal inflammation. Methods: Thirty-two healthy individuals were intranasally challenged with LPS or vehicle. Nasal lavage was performed, followed by a nasal biopsy. Inflammatory cells were counted, MIP-1 alpha levels analyzed and expression of MIP-1 alpha mRNA in biopsies quantified. Neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood were treated with LPS and effects on MIP1 alpha release, cell survival, and the involved signal pathways, were investigated. Results: LPS challenge caused an increase of MIP-1 alpha in nasal lavage. No corresponding change in mRNA expression was seen in nasal biopsies, suggesting the increase was not due to epithelial synthesis. Neutrophil numbers increased after LPS provocation. Treatment of isolated neutrophils with LPS delayed neutrophil apoptosis and resulted in a time-and concentration-dependent release of MIP-1 alpha, which was reduced by inhibitors of transcription and of nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B, protein kinase C (PKC) and p38 MAPK pathways. Conclusions: Nasal LPS challenge results in release of MIP-1 alpha. The release most likely originates from recruited neutrophils, via NF-kappa B-, PKC-and p38 MAPK-dependent pathways. LPS stimulation delayed neutrophil apop tosis. MIP-1 alpha may constitute an important mediator in neutrophilic airway disease. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
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| 6. |
- Elfman, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Detection of Horse Allergen around a Stable
- 2008
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Ingår i: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 145:4, s. 269-276
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Integrating horse stables with built-up areas may lead to conflicts. Dispersion of horse allergen may become a health risk for allergic people. The aim was to measure the dispersion of horse allergen around a stable, considering wind speed and direction and vegetation. The disturbance of staff at a workplace nearby a stable was investigated. Methods: Air sampling was performed around a stable (32 horses) at distances of 50-500 m in all directions. Sampling was done with a pump and an IOM sampler. Samples were collected at 50 points during all seasons. Horse allergen levels were determined using ELISA. Disturbance by horses was studied with a questionnaire handed to the employees in an office near the stable. Results: The median horse allergen level at the stable entrance was 316 U/m3, in the horse fields 40 U/m3 and in the whole source area 16 U/m3, which declined to <2 U/m3 at about 50 m from the source area. Downwind of the prevailing winds low levels of horse allergen (2-4 U/m3) could sometimes be detected at up to 500 m. The staff, including those allergic to horses, managed to tolerate horses close to the workplace. Conclusions: At low winds horse allergen spread in ambient air about 50 m from the stable and horse fields. At higher winds low allergen levels were sometimes found in open areas up to 500 m from the source area. These levels were similar to those found in the office after moving away from the stable area. The employees did not report more symptoms of allergy or asthma while working close to the stable compared to after the move.
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| 7. |
- Emenius, G, et al.
(författare)
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Dispersion of horse allergen from stables and areas with horses into homes
- 2009
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0097 .- 1018-2438. ; 150:4, s. 335-342
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background/Aim:</i> To protect susceptible subjects from exposure to horse allergen, a Swedish national report recommended a distance of at least 500 m between homes and stables and other areas with horses. The aim of this project was to study indoor and outdoor levels of horse allergen in relation to distance from stables and horse tracks. <i>Methods:</i> Indoor and outdoorsamples were collected with Petri dishes at 49 sites in different housing areas and near to a track for trotting horses. In the apartments, Petri dishes were placed on a bookshelf in the living room at a height of approximately 1.5 m. Outdoors, cages containing Petri dishes were attached to tree branches at various distances from the horse track. <i>Results:</i> Six of 45 indoor samples had detectable levels of horse allergen, 3 of those despite the fact that no family member had had any contact with horses, and 16 of 26 outdoor samples were positive. Outdoors, allergen levels drop quickly when the distance from stables or horses increases. Further, the allergen level found at a distance of 45 m from a horse track was around 1% of the allergen level found at 1 m from the track. <i>Conclusions:</i> Allergens dispersed from horses decline rapidly outdoors and are barely found indoors in homes. We support the view that indirect exposure to horses such as exposure from clothing of horse riders, should be taken into account when measures to protect susceptible people from undesired exposure to horse allergens are taken.
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| 8. |
- Falsafi-Amin, H, et al.
(författare)
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Early DNA synthesis and cytokine expression in the nickel activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in nickel-allergic subjects
- 2000
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 123:2, s. 170-176
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background and Objective:</i> Nickel sulphate stimulates the proliferation of lymphocytes in nickel-allergic subjects. However, nickel-induced stimulation of lymphocytes from control persons without clinical symptoms of nickel allergy has also been reported. The aim of the present study was to correlate T cell activity, measured by DNA synthesis and the expression of Th1 [interleukin (IL)-2, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-β and interferon (IFN)-γ] and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines, in short-term (up to 72 h) culture of nickel-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from nickel-allergic patients compared to control subjects. <i>Methods:</i> DNA synthesis was measured by the incorporation of [methyl-<sup>3</sup>H]thymidine. The production of IL-2, TNF-β, IFN-γ and IL-4 was measured in the supernatants of the cultures by ELISA. In situ hybridization for mRNA was performed using oligonucleotide probes for IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-β in cell smears. <i>Results:</i> Already after 24 h and proceeding through the remaining culture period, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference in the concentrations of IL-2 between patients and controls. There was a significant (p < 0.01) difference in DNA synthesis (stimulation index) between the patients and control subjects at 72 h, and also at the same time a difference in the concentrations of TNF-β (p < 0.05) and IL-4 (p < 0.01). In the in situ hybridization study, TNF-β was found to be the only one of the studied cytokines that differed between the nickel-allergic and control subjects, this difference being most evident at 72 h (p < 0.01). <i>Conclusions:</i> Our results indicate a difference between nickel-allergic and non-allergic subjects in the synthesis of DNA and production of cytokines when PBMC are stimulated by nickel sulphate, and IL-2 may be regarded as a critical and early-occurring cytokine
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| 9. |
- Gafvelin, G, et al.
(författare)
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Cytokine and antibody responses in birch-pollen-allergic patients treated with genetically modified derivatives of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1
- 2005
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Ingår i: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 138:1, s. 59-66
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Recently, recombinant hypoallergenic derivatives of the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, were used to treat birch-pollen-allergic patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre immunotherapy study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vaccination with aluminium-hydroxide-adsorbed recombinant Bet v 1 derivatives versus placebo on T-cell, cytokine and antibody responses in a subgroup of patients. Methods: Blood was drawn from patients of the Swedish centre (n=27; rBet v 1 fragments: n=10; rBet v 1 trimer: n=8, and placebo-aluminium hydroxide: n=9) before the start and after completion of the treatment. PBMC were stimulated with rBet v 1 and analysed for cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13 and IFN-gamma)-secreting cells by ELISpot. Bet v 1-specific antibody levels in serum (IgG(1-4), IgE and IgA) were measured by ELISA. Skin prick tests with defined Bet v 1 concentrations were performed before and 10-11 months after the beginning of the study. Results: Bet v 1-specific IgG levels, consisting of IgG 1, IgG 2 and IgG 4, were significantly increased after treatment with recombinant allergen derivatives. Treatment with rBet v 1 trimer led to a significant (p<0.05) reduction of Bet v 1-reactive IL-5- and IL-13-producing cells, reflecting a reduced Th2 response. In addition, a decreased number of Bet v 1-reactive IL-4 producing (p=0.07) and an increase of IL-12-producing (p=0.06) cells was noted in the trimer-treated patients. In contrast to placebo, active treatment resulted in significantly reduced immediate-type skin reactions to Bet v 1 even 10-11 months after treatment. Conclusion: Vaccination with recombinant hypoallergenic Bet v 1 derivatives induces a Bet v 1-specific IgG response and leads to reduced skin reactivity in allergic patients. A reduction of Bet v 1-specific Th2 responses was observed in trimer-treated patients, which may reflect the intrinsic property of this allergen derivative. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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| 10. |
- Jenmalm, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Immune responses to birch during the first seven pollen seasons of life
- 2001
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Ingår i: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 124:1-3, s. 321-323
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Exposure to allergens early in life may have an impact on the incidence of allergy many years later, but the kinetics of the immune responses have still not been studied prospectively. Therefore, we wanted to study the development of immune responses of the Th1 and Th2 type to birch over the first pollen seasons. Material and Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 21 prospectively followed children during the second to the seventh pollen season of life. IgG subclass antibodies to rBet v 1 were analyzed by ELISA, IgE antibodies to birch with Magic Lite™ and birch-induced mononuclear cell proliferation by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Results: Proliferative responses and IgG1 antibodies were commonly seen both in children with and without allergic symptoms and sensitization to birch. Most nonsensitized children had a transient IgG4 antibody response, which was downregulated after the third pollen season, while the titers of this Th2-associated subclass increased with age in sensitized children with clinical symptoms to birch. Conclusions: Immune responses to birch can be demonstrated in children regardless of atopic status. A transient early Th2-like response is downregulated after the third pollen season in nonatopic but not atopic children. Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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