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Biomedical subjects

R Valenta

Publications and source records attributed to R Valenta.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Detection of an allergen in dog dander that cross-reacts with the major cat allergen, Fel d 1.

BACKGROUND: A considerable proportion of animal-allergic patients are sensitized to both cat and dog allergens but knowledge about cross-reactive allergens in cat and dog dander is limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether dog dander contains an allergen that cross-reacts with the major cat allergen, Fel d 1. METHODS: Recombinant Fel d 1 with the same immunological properties as natural Fel d 1 was used for quantitative (CAP) IgE competition experiments performed with sera obtained from cat-allergic patients (n=36). A Fel d 1 cross-reactive dog allergen was characterized by one- and two-dimensional immunoblotting using rFel d 1 for IgE inhibition experiments and with monospecific, polyclonal rabbit anti-recombinant Fel d 1 antibodies. RESULTS: In 25% of Fel d 1-reactive cat-allergic patients, more than 50% inhibition of IgE reactivity to dog allergens was achieved with recombinant Fel d 1. An Fel d 1 cross-reactive 20 kDa allergen with a pI of approximately 3.4 was detected in dander extracts of several different dog breeds. CONCLUSION: This is the first report demonstrating the presence of an Fel d 1-like allergen in dog dander extracts, which may be responsible for double positivity to cat and dog in serology. However, the clinical relevance of this cross-sensitization needs to be confirmed. These results are important for the diagnostic and therapeutic use of dog dander allergen extracts.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Natural rubber latex and hymenoptera venoms share ImmunoglobinE-epitopes accounting for cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on the prevalence and risk factors of latex sensitization have suggested a significant association between latex sensitization and the presence of one or more positive skin prick test responses to aeroallergens, food allergens and to one or more insect venoms. Xylose and core 3-fucose are typical complex glycans in plants and are foreign to mammals. Plant N-glycans and insect N-glycans may cross-react in humans. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate whether there are cross-reactive IgE-binding structures in natural rubber latex (NRL) and hymenoptera venoms and to examine their nature. METHODS: Hundred and twenty-five consecutive patients with insect venom allergy were screened for coincidental latex-specific IgE. IgE-binding components in the venoms from Apis mellifera and/or vespula species and in NRL extracts were characterized by IgE-immunoblotting to the natural allergen sources and determination of specific IgE to recombinant allergens. Cross-reactive components were investigated by inhibition experiments. The involvement of carbohydrates in the constitution of cross-reactive IgE-epitopes was further examined by specific IgE-binding to cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) in bromelain and horseradish peroxidase as well as by periodate treatment. RESULTS: NRL glove extracts inhibited patients' serum IgE-binding to venom allergens. Vice versa, the IgE-binding to latex glove extracts could be inhibited by pre-incubation with the insect venoms. Specific IgE-binding to recombinant latex allergens was absent, whereas the cross-reactive IgE-epitopes were sensitive to periodate treatment and specific IgE to CCD (MMXF and MUXF type) could be detected. CONCLUSION: Insect venoms and NRL share IgE-binding CCD that may be responsible for positive serological test results to NRL in patients with insect venom allergy. This copositivity occurs frequently (13.6%) among venom-allergic individuals and did not elicit clinical symptoms upon contact to latex in the patients examined. In contrast, true cosensitization to insect venoms and NRL allergens can occur and may not be missed.

Allergens↗
PubMed2006

A comparative analysis of the cross-reactivity in the polcalcin family including Syr v 3, a new member from lilac pollen.

BACKGROUND: Polcalcins are pollen-specific allergens with two EF-hand calcium-binding sites that exhibit strong cross-reactivity. Our objective was to isolate and express the cDNA coding of the EF-hand calcium-binding allergen from lilac pollen and to study cross-reactivity with other polcalcins from related and nonrelated pollen sources with different specific antibodies and sera from two different populations. METHODS: Specific cDNA was amplified by PCR, cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Purification was achieved by gel permeation and ion exchange chromatographies. ELISA titration and inhibition assays were performed using the recombinant forms of Syr v 3, Ole e 3, Che a 3 and Phl p 7 with sera from two Spanish regions with different sensitization profiles, as well as Phl p 7- and Ole e 3-specific polyclonal rabbit antisera, and an Ole e 3-specific monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: Syr v 3 displays two EF-hand consensus sites and 8863 Da of theoretical molecular mass. The allergen consists of 80 residues with identities ranging from 66 to 87% with polcalcins included in this study. Syr v 3, Ole e 3, Che a 3 and Phl p 7 showed a similar IgG- and IgE-binding capacity although differences at quantitative level were observed depending on the population of patients' sera. CONCLUSION: Syr v 3 is a polcalcin with structural and antigenic similarities to the members of this family. Diagnosis of polcalcin-sensitized patients could be performed whatever polcalcin used, whereas for immunotherapy, primary sensitization to a particular allergenic source should be considered.

Allergens↗
PubMed2006

The role of Foxp3+ T cells in long-term efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic mucosal tolerance induction in mice.

BACKGROUND: Mucosal tolerance induction is suggested as treatment strategy for allergic diseases. Using a murine model of birch pollen (BP) allergy we investigated the long-term efficacy and the underlying mechanisms of mucosal tolerance induction with two structurally different molecules in a prophylactic and in a therapeutic set-up. METHODS: The three-dimensional major BP allergen Bet v 1 or a nonconformational hypoallergenic fragment thereof was intranasally applied before (prophylaxis) or after sensitization (therapy). RESULTS: In the prophylactic application both the Bet v 1 allergen and the fragment prevented allergic sensitization, and this effect lasted for 1 year. In the therapeutic approach established allergic immune responses were also suppressed after treatment with either of the molecules. However, a long-lasting curative effect (6 months) was only achieved with the Bet v 1 allergen but not with the Bet v 1 fragment. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of splenocytes revealed that tolerance induction with the Bet v 1 allergen was associated with enhanced expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, interleukin (IL)-10, and Foxp3 mRNA in CD4+ T cells, whereas treatment with the fragment led to the induction of either Foxp3 (prophylaxis) or IL-10 (therapy) alone. CONCLUSION: From these data we concluded (i) that the mechanisms underlying peripheral tolerance are linked to the conformation of the antigen, (ii) that mucosal tolerance is mediated by separate regulatory cell subsets, and (iii) that the long-term efficacy of immunosuppression is associated with the presence of Foxp3+ T cells.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2006

Factors responsible for differences between asymptomatic subjects and patients presenting an IgE sensitization to allergens. A GA2LEN project.

The synthesis of allergen-specific IgE is required for the development of allergic diseases including allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma (patients), but many individuals with allergen-specific IgE do not develop symptoms (asymptomatic subjects). Differences may exist between asymptomatic subjects and patients. Whether the presence of allergen-specific IgE translates into clinical allergy most likely depends on a complex interplay of multiple factors. These include a family history of atopy, the levels of total serum IgE and, allergen-specific IgE or IgG, epitope-specificity of IgE and their degree of polyclonality (mono- vs polysensitized), as yet unidentified serum factors, the balance of T regulatory cells (Treg) and Th1/Th2 cells, the polymorphisms of the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI) and other factors regulating the activation of FcepsilonRI-bearing cells. Asymptomatic subjects may be more often monosensitized than patients who may be more often polysensitized. There are many unanswered important questions that need to be addressed in order to better understand how IgE sensitization translates into clinical allergy. The assessment of differences between the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups of subjects represent one of the scientific programs of Global Allergy and Asthma European Network funded by the European Union and the hypotheses underlying these differences are presented in this paper.

Allergens↗
PubMed2005

Poor association between allergen-specific serum immunoglobulin E levels, skin sensitivity and basophil degranulation: a study with recombinant birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and an immunoglobulin E detection system measuring immunoglobulin E capable of binding to Fc epsilon RI.

BACKGROUND: Results from several studies indicate that the magnitude of immediate symptoms of type I allergy caused by allergen-induced cross-linking of high-affinity Fc epsilon receptors on effector cells (mast cells and basophils) is not always associated with allergen-specific IgE levels. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of results from intradermal skin testing, basophil histamine release and allergen-specific IgE, IgG1-4, IgA and IgM antibody levels in a clinical study performed in birch pollen-allergic patients (n = 18). METHODS: rBet v 1-specific IgEs were measured by quantitative CAP measurements and by using purified Fc epsilon RI-derived alpha-chain to quantify IgE capable of binding to effector cells. Bet v 1-specific IgG subclasses, IgA and IgM levels were measured by ELISA, and basophil histamine release was determined in whole blood samples. Intradermal skin testing was performed with the end-point titration method. RESULTS: Our study demonstrates on the molecular level that the concentrations of allergen-specific IgE antibodies capable of binding to Fc epsilon RI and biological sensitivities are not necessarily associated. A moderate association was found between cutaneous and basophil sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the quantitative discrepancies and limitations of the present diagnostic tools in allergy, even when using a single allergenic molecule. The quantity of allergen-specific serum IgE is only one component of far more complex cellular systems (i.e. basophil-based tests, skin tests) used as indirect diagnostic tests for IgE-mediated allergic sensitivity.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Development of an in vitro system for the study of allergens and allergen-specific immunoglobulin E and immunoglobulin G: Fcepsilon receptor I supercross-linking is a possible new mechanism of immunoglobulin G-dependent enhancement of type I allergic reactions.

BACKGROUND: IgE-dependent activation of mast cells (MCs) is a key pathomechanism of type I allergies. In contrast, allergen-specific IgG Abs are thought to attenuate immediate allergic reactions by blocking IgE binding and by cross-linking the inhibitory Fcgamma receptor IIB on MCs. OBJECTIVES: To establish a defined in vitro system using human MCs to study the biological activity of allergens and to investigate the role of allergen-specific IgE and IgG. METHODS: Purified human intestinal MCs sensitized with different forms of specific IgE Abs were triggered by monomeric and oligomeric forms of recombinant Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, in the presence or absence of allergen-specific IgG Abs. Results MCs sensitized with an anti-Bet v 1 IgE mAb or sera obtained from birch pollen allergic patients released histamine and sulphidoleukotrienes after exposure to oligomeric Bet v 1. Monomeric Bet v 1 provoked mediator release only in MCs sensitized with patients sera but not in MCs sensitized with anti-Bet v 1 IgE mAb. Interestingly, MC activation could be induced by supercross-linking of monomeric Bet v 1 bound to monovalent IgE on MCs with a secondary allergen-specific IgG pAb. By using IgG F(ab')2 fragments we provide evidence that this effect is not a result of IgG binding to Fcgamma receptors. CONCLUSION: This assay represents a new tool for the in vitro study of MC activation in response to natural and genetically modified allergens. Fcepsilon receptor I supercross-linking by allergen-specific IgG Abs provides a possible new mechanism of IgG-dependent enhancement of type I allergic reactions.

Allergens↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of purified Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens and extract by two-dimensional immunoblotting and quantitative immunoglobulin E inhibitions.

BACKGROUND: The allergens of the house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p), one of the most important indoor allergen sources, occur as isoallergens that differ in their amino acid sequence. These variations may influence allergenic activity and thus may have impact on diagnostic tests and specific immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether single purified recombinant mite allergens contain the IgE epitopes of the natural Der p isoallergens. METHODS: A panel of purified recombinant (rDer p 2, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 14) and two natural (nDer p 1 and 4) mite allergens were used to establish IgE reactivity profiles of Der p allergic patients and to inhibit IgE reactivity to two-dimensionally separated Der p isoallergens. In addition, we determined the percentage of Der p extract-specific IgE which could be preadsorbed with a mixture of purified mite allergens (nDer p 1, rDer p 2, 5, 7, 8 and 10) from sera of mite-allergic patients (n=18) in a non-denaturing RAST-based inhibition. RESULTS: We demonstrate that single recombinant mite allergens inhibit IgE reactivity to the corresponding natural isoallergens. A mixture of purified mite allergens (nDer p 1, rDer p 2, 5, 7, 8 and 10) bound on an average 76% of Der p-specific IgE antibodies. CONCLUSION: The studied recombinant and natural mite allergens contain a large portion of Der p-specific IgE and may be used for diagnostic tests and therapy of Der p allergy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Vaccination with genetically engineered allergens prevents progression of allergic disease.

IgE-mediated allergy affects >25% of the population in industrialized countries. Repeated contact with the disease-eliciting allergens induces rises of allergen-specific IgE Abs and progression of the disease to more severe manifestations. Our study uses a type of vaccine that is based on genetically modified allergen derivatives to treat allergic patients. We developed hypoallergenic derivatives of the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, by genetic engineering and vaccinated birch pollen-allergic patients (n = 124) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Active treatment induced protective IgG Abs that inhibited allergen-induced release of inflammatory mediators. We also observed a reduction of cutaneous sensitivity as well as an improvement of symptoms in actively treated patients. Most important, rises of allergen-specific IgE induced by seasonal birch pollen exposure were significantly reduced in vaccinated patients. Vaccination with genetically engineered allergen derivatives is a therapy for allergy that not only ameliorates allergic reactions but also reduces the IgE production underlying the disease.

Allergens↗
PubMed2004

Vaccines for birch pollen allergy based on genetically engineered hypoallergenic derivatives of the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1.

BACKGROUND: We have recently engineered recombinant derivatives of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 (rBet v 1 fragments and trimer) with strongly reduced allergenic activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the in vivo characterization of potential allergy vaccines based on Al(OH)3-adsorbed genetically modified rBet v 1 derivatives in mice. METHODS: BALB/c mice were immunized either with courses of nine injections of increasing doses of Al(OH)3-adsorbed rBet v 1 wild-type, rBet v 1 fragments, rBet v 1 trimer or Al(OH)3 alone in weekly intervals or with three high-dose injections applied in intervals of 3 weeks. Humoral immune responses to rBet v 1 wild-type and homologous plant allergens were measured by ELISA and Western blotting, and the ability of mouse antibodies to inhibit the binding of allergic patients IgE to Bet v 1 was studied by ELISA competition experiments. RESULTS: In both schemes, hypoallergenic rBet v 1 derivatives induced low IgE but high IgG1 responses against rBet v 1 wild-type. The IgG1 antibodies induced by genetically modified rBet v 1 derivatives cross-reacted with natural Bet v 1 and its homologues from alder (Aln g 1) as well as hazel (Cor a 1) and strongly inhibited the binding of birch pollen allergic patients' IgE to Bet v 1 wild-type. CONCLUSION: Genetically modified hypoallergenic rBet v 1 derivatives induce blocking antibodies in vivo. Their safety and efficacy for the treatment of birch pollen and associated plant allergies can now be evaluated in clinical immunotherapy studies.

Allergens↗
PubMed2004

Birch pollen rupture and the release of aerosols of respirable allergens.

BACKGROUND: Birch pollen allergens have been implicated as asthma triggers; however, pollen grains are too large to reach the lower airways where asthmatic reactions occur. Respirable-sized particles containing birch pollen allergens have been detected in air filters, especially after rainfall but the source of these particles has remained speculative. OBJECTIVE: To determine the processes by which birch pollen allergens become airborne particles of respirable size with the potential to contribute to airways inflammation. METHODS: Branches with attached male catkins were harvested and placed in a controlled emission chamber. Filtered dry air was passed through the chamber until the anthers opened, then they were humidified for 5 h and air-dried again. Flowers were disturbed by wind generated from a small electric fan. Released particles were counted, measured and collected for immuno-labelling and high-resolution microscopy. RESULTS: Birch pollen remains on the dehisced anther and can rupture in high humidity and moisture. Fresh pollen takes as long as 3 h to rupture in water. Drying winds released an aerosol of particles from catkins. These were fragments of pollen cytoplasm that ranged in size from 30 nm to 4 microm and contained Bet v 1 allergens. CONCLUSION: When highly allergenic birch trees are flowering and exposed to moisture followed by drying winds they can produce particulate aerosols containing pollen allergens. These particles are small enough to deposit in the peripheral airways and have the potential to induce an inflammatory response.

Allergens↗
PubMed2004

Non-anaphylactic surface-exposed peptides of the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, for preventive vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Almost 100 million allergic patients are sensitized to the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, a 17 kDa protein containing most of the IgE epitopes present in pollens of trees belonging to the Fagales order and plant-derived food. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to develop an approach for the rational design of B cell epitope-derived, non-allergenic peptide allergy vaccines. METHODS: According to the three-dimensional (3-D) structure of birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, six peptides comprising 25-32 preferably solvent-exposed amino acids were synthesized. RESULTS: Because of lack of secondary structure, the peptides showed no allergenic activity in allergic patients. In a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, peptide vaccination induced Bet v 1-specific IgG and prevented IgE-mediated allergic sensitization to Bet v 1. The protective role of peptide-induced blocking antibodies is demonstrated by inhibition of allergic patients IgE binding to the allergen and by blocking of allergen-induced basophil degranulation. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate the mechanistic importance of blocking antibodies for allergy vaccination and present a B cell epitope-based approach for the rational design of safe peptide allergy vaccines whenever the structure of the disease-eliciting allergen is known.

Allergens↗
PubMed2004

Component-resolved diagnosis of house-dust mite allergy with purified natural and recombinant mite allergens.

BACKGROUND: Mites belong to the most frequent and potent allergen sources. Immunotherapy with mite allergen extracts is frequently performed if allergen avoidance is not possible or successful. However, highly controversial results have been reported for mite-specific immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop diagnostic concepts that may contribute to an improved selection of patients for immunotherapy with Der p allergen extracts and that may be used for immunological monitoring of patients undergoing this treatment. METHODS: The IgE reactivity profiles to Der p extract were determined in a Middle European mite-allergic population by IgE immunoblotting and by using a panel of seven purified natural or recombinant Der p allergens (nDer p 1, nDer p 4, rDer p 2, rDer p 5, rDer p 7, rDer p 8, rDer p 10). Furthermore, we investigated the sensitization and cross-reactivity to house-dust- and storage-mite allergen extracts by CAP FEIA measurements and by IgE competition studies. RESULTS: More than 95% of the patients could be diagnosed with a combination of nDer p 1 and rDer p 2. With the methods used, we could discriminate mite-allergic patients who were mainly sensitized to the major Der p allergens (Der p 1, Der p 2) from patients with a broad sensitization profile, including highly cross-reactive allergens (e.g. Der p 10: tropomyosin) as well as reactivity to storage mites. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic tests containing the major mite allergens (i.e. Der p 1, Der p 2) and highly cross-reactive mite allergens (e.g. Der p 10) may improve the diagnostic selection of patients for immunotherapy with Der p extracts. These tests may also be used for the immunological monitoring of patients undergoing immunotherapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Analysis of the sensitization profile towards allergens in central Africa.

BACKGROUND: Almost no information is available regarding the prevalence of IgE-mediated allergies and the disease-eliciting allergens in tropical Africa. OBJECTIVE: To study IgE-mediated allergies and the allergen profile in allergic patients from Zimbabwe. METHODS: The frequency of sensitization to common environmental allergen sources was determined by skin prick testing in 650 allergic patients from Zimbabwe. Fifty representative sera were analysed for IgE reactivity to 20 respiratory and 20 food allergen extracts by multiallergen extract testing. The IgE reactivity profiles to recombinant pollen and mite allergens were compared between grass pollen- and mite-sensitized patients from Zimbabwe and central Europe. Sera from grass pollen-allergic patients were also analysed for IgE reactivity to nitrocellulose-blotted natural timothy grass and Bermuda grass pollen allergens. RESULTS: IgE-mediated allergies were found to be common in Zimbabwe. Similar to the situation in central Europe, mites and grass pollens represented the most prevalent allergen sources. However, the IgE reactivity profiles determined with single recombinant pollen and mite allergens revealed interesting differences between the European and African patients, which most likely reflect the local allergen exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The striking differences regarding sensitization to grass pollen and mite allergens between African and European patients revealed by recombinant allergen-based testing emphasize the need for component-resolved allergy testing to optimize allergy prevention and therapy in different populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Microarrayed recombinant allergens for diagnosis of allergy.

We suggest that the coapplication of recombinant allergens and microarray technology can lead to the development of new forms of multi-allergen tests which allow the determining and monitoring of complex sensitization profiles of allergic patients in single assays. The allergen extracts which have so far been used for diagnosis only allowed the determining of whether an allergic patient is sensitized against a particular allergen source, but the disease-eliciting allergens could not be identified. Through the application of recombinant DNA technology a rapidly growing panel of recombinant allergen molecules has become available which meanwhile comprises the epitope spectrum of most of the important allergen sources. We demonstrate that microarray technology can be used to establish multi-allergen tests consisting of microarrayed recombinant allergen molecules. Microarrayed recombinant allergens can be used to determine and monitor the profile of disease-eliciting allergens using single tests that require minute amounts of serum from allergic patients. The wealth of diagnostic information gained through microarray-based allergy testing will likely improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment of allergy.

Allergens↗
PubMed2003

Allergen-specific immunotherapy with a monophosphoryl lipid A-adjuvanted vaccine: reduced seasonally boosted immunoglobulin E production and inhibition of basophil histamine release by therapy-induced blocking antibodies.

BACKGROUND: Allergen-specific immunotherapy represents a causal form of treatment for IgE-mediated allergies. The allergen extract-based analyses of immunotherapy-induced effects yielded highly controversial results regarding a beneficial role of therapy-induced IgG antibodies. OBJECTIVE: We analysed allergen-specific IgE, IgG subclass, and IgM responses in patients treated with a grass pollen allergy vaccine adjuvanted with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), a Th1-inducing agent, and in a placebo group using recombinant timothy grass pollen allergen molecules (rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 5). RESULTS: The strong induction of allergen-specific IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies observed only in the actively treated group was associated with significant clinical improvement. Therapy-induced allergen-specific IgM and IgG2 responses were also noted in several actively treated patients. An inhibition of allergen-dependent basophil histamine release was only obtained with sera containing therapy-induced allergen-specific IgG, but not with sera obtained before therapy or from placebo-treated patients. Moreover, patients with therapy-induced allergen-specific IgG antibodies showed a reduced induction of allergen-specific IgE responses during seasonal grass pollen exposure. CONCLUSION: Successful immunotherapy with the MPL-adjuvanted grass pollen allergy vaccine is associated with the production of allergen-specific IgG antibodies. These blocking antibodies may have protective effects by inhibiting immediate-type reactions and systemic increases of IgE responses caused by seasonal allergen exposure.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2003

Characterization of recombinant cat albumin.

BACKGROUND: Indoor allergens derived from animals and mites often contribute to exacerbation of skin manifestations in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. OBJECTIVE: To produce and characterize recombinant cat albumin, a cross-reactive animal allergen. METHODS: A complete cDNA coding for cat albumin was obtained by RT-PCR amplification from cat liver RNA. Recombinant cat albumin was expressed in Escherichia coli as hexahistidine-tagged protein, purified by nickel affinity chromatography and studied for IgE reactivity with sera from cat-allergic patients by ELISA and immunoblotting. Furthermore, CD203c expression of basophils from cat-allergic patients upon exposure to recombinant cat albumin was analysed. RESULTS: Recombinant cat albumin, a cross-reactive animal allergen sharing most IgE epitopes with its natural counterpart, was produced in E. coli. It was recognized preferentially by IgE from AD patients and elicited IgE-dependent basophil activation in sensitized patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant cat albumin may be used as a paradigmatic tool to analyse mechanisms of allergen-triggered exacerbation of AD, for diagnostic and, perhaps for therapeutic purposes.

Albumins↗