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Adrian Draper

Publications and source records attributed to Adrian Draper.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Modified Th2 responses at high-dose exposures to allergen: using an occupational model.

RATIONALE: The relationships between allergen exposures and allergy and asthma are complex. High exposure levels to cat allergen are associated with IgG- and IgG(4)-specific antibody responses without sensitization or risk of asthma, a process described as a "modified Th2 response." Attenuation of risk of allergy and asthma at high exposure levels has been reported in longitudinal studies of both childhood and occupational asthma. OBJECTIVES: To investigate, using an occupational model, the relationships among estimated exposure to aeroallergens, the production of specific IgE, IgG and IgG(4) antibodies, and the prevalence of associated symptoms. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of employees exposed to rats at work on six pharmaceutical sites across the United Kingdom. A total of 689 (89%) provided a blood sample and completed a questionnaire. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At highest exposure to rats, there was an attenuation of the exposure response for sensitization and symptoms. In contrast, the frequency of individuals producing high quantities of specific IgG and IgG(4) increased with exposure intensity. Ratios of IgG(4)/IgE were highest in those handling the greatest number of rats. Risk of developing work-related chest symptoms was lower for those who produced both specific IgE and IgG(4) compared to those with specific IgE only. CONCLUSIONS: High exposure to rats is associated with lower rates of specific IgE and symptoms but an increased frequency of high specific IgG and IgG(4) production. Specific IgG(4) produced together with specific IgE may reduce the risk of developing work-related chest symptoms compared with when specific IgE is produced alone.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

HLA associations with occupational sensitization to rat lipocalin allergens: a model for other animal allergies?

BACKGROUND: Laboratory animal allergy is a common occupational health problem affecting between 11% and 44% of exposed researchers. Allergy to rats and mice is most common, probably because these are the animals most frequently used. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that HLA class II molecules, involved in the presentation of allergen to the T cell and likely candidates for controlling the immune response, might be associated with sensitization to rat urinary proteins among laboratory animal handlers. METHODS: We undertook a cross-sectional study of 741 employees at 6 pharmaceutical sites across the United Kingdom who had contact at work with laboratory rats. In all, 109 cases with specific sensitization to rat proteins and 397 referents were HLA-typed for DRB1 and DQB1 loci. Amino acid analyses of significantly associated HLA molecules were carried out. RESULTS: HLA-DR7 was associated with sensitization (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; CI, 1.12-2.97), respiratory symptoms at work (OR, 2.96; CI, 1.64-5.37) and, most strongly, sensitization with symptoms (OR, 3.81; CI, 1.90-7.65). HLA-DR3 was protective against sensitization (OR, 0.55; CI, 0.31-0.97). Amino acid analyses of these 2 molecules indicated a biologically plausible explanation for the associations. CONCLUSION: HLA phenotype is an important determinant of individual susceptibility to sensitization and asthma among laboratory animal workers. Similar mechanisms might apply in other animal allergies.

Adolescent↗