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PubMed · 11048763

Primary sensitization to inhalant allergens.

C Macaubas·S L Prescott·T J Venaille·B J Holt·T B Smallacombe·P D Sly·P G Holt
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Abstract

The neonatal T-cell system is capable of responding to allergens at birth, indicating the occurrence of prenatal sensitization, and the cytokine profile of these responses is skewed towards the Th-2 type. This response is further modified by postnatal exposure to different types of allergens. In relation to inhalant allergen (employed by HDM) the low level fetal Th-2 responses in non-atopics appear to be down-regulated rapidly after birth, parallel to an increase in allergen-specific IFN-gamma production. In contrast, atopics appear to consolidate their initial Th-2 responses, and around the age of 6 exhibit a cytokine response profile similar to the adult pattern. A pre-existing deficiency in IFN-gamma production may be one of the key factors determining the postnatal persistence of Th-2 responses in atopics.

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AllergensAnimalsChildChild, PreschoolCytokinesDustEnvironmental ExposureFemaleHumansHypersensitivityInfantInfant, NewbornMitesPregnancyPrenatal Exposure Delayed EffectsJournal Article

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C Macaubas, S L Prescott, T J Venaille, B J Holt, T B Smallacombe, P D Sly, P G Holt. 2000. Primary sensitization to inhalant allergens.. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1399-3038.2000.00502.x

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