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ABSTRACT: The cockroach (CR) is an important cause of respiratory allergic disorders. We prepared a German CR extract in a standardized way and analyzed its allergenic properties.
The extract was prepared from German CR () obtained from a Korean colony, and its allergenic activity was compared with that of the commercial Hollister-Stier (HS) extract. The concentrations of Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 were measured, and an specific IgE binding inhibition assay was performed to assess IgE reactivity. Proteolytic activity was examined by gelatin zymography.
Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 were detected at 405 U/mg and 273 ng/mg, respectively, in the Korean extract, and at 187 U/mg and 56 ng/mg, respectively, in the HS extract. The Korean extract showed 94.2% inhibition of IgE reactivity, as compared with the HS extract. A similar pattern of IgE-reactive bands was detected for the two extracts, indicating that their allergenic components are similar. The proteolytic activities of the Korean and HS extracts were found to be similar in gelatin zymography. The endotoxin levels in the Korean and HS extracts were 3,440 EU/mL and 6,580 EU/mL, respectively.
The German CR extract was prepared in a standardized way. The extract produced in this study will be useful for the development of allergy diagnostics and immunotherapeutic agents.
Allergy, asthma & immunology research 03/2013; 5(2):102-5. · 1.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The house-dust mite (HDM), commonly found in human dwellings, is an important source of inhalant and contact allergens. In this report, the importance of HDM allergy in Korea and the characteristics of allergens from dust mite are reviewed with an emphasis on investigations performed in Korea. In Korea, Dermatophagoides farinae is the dominant species of HDM, followed by D. pteronyssinus. Tyrophagus putrescentiae is also found in Korea, but its role in respiratory allergic disease in Korea is controversial. The relatively low densities of mite populations and concentrations of mite major allergens in dust samples from Korean homes, compared to westernized countries, are thought to reflect not only different climatic conditions, but also cultural differences, such as the use of 'ondol' under-floor heating systems in Korean houses. HDM are found in more than 90% of Korean houses, and the level of exposure to HDM is clinically significant. About 40%-60% of Korean patients suffering from respiratory allergies, and more than 40% of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, are sensitized to HDM. Mite allergens can be summarized according to their inherent auto-adjuvant activities and/or their binding affinities to the adjuvant-like substances: proteolytic enzymes, lipid binding proteins, chitin binding proteins, and allergens not associated with adjuvant-like activity. In general, allergens with a strong adjuvant-like activity or adjuvant-binding activity elicit potent IgE reactivity. In Korea, Der f 2 is the most potent allergen, followed by Der f 1. Immune responses are modulated by the properties of the allergen itself and by the adjuvant-like substances that are concomitantly administered with the antigens. Characterization of allergenic molecules and elucidation of mechanisms by which adjuvant-like molecules modulate allergic reactions, not only in Korea but also worldwide, will provide valuable information on allergic diseases, and are necessary for the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.
Allergy, asthma & immunology research 11/2012; 4(6):313-25. · 1.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: House dust mites are the most important cause of respiratory allergy in Korea. Standardization of allergen extracts is essential for improving diagnostics and immunotherapeutics. This study was undertaken to evaluate the allergenicity of standardized house dust mite allergen extracts from Korean house dust mite isolates.
Allergen extracts were prepared from cultured Korean house dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus). Allergenic activities of Korean house dust mite extracts were compared to standardized extracts from a company in the United States whose allergen concentrations were expressed as Allergy Units (AUs). Specifically, we compared group 1 and 2 major allergens using two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and an in vivo intradermal test.
Major allergen concentrations were 17.0 µg/mg (5.0 µg/mg of Der f 1 and 12.0 µg/mg of Der f 2) for a D. farinae extract and 24.0 µg/mg (11.6 µg/mg of Der p 1 and 12.4 µg/mg of Der p 2) for a D. pteronyssinus extract. Using chloramphenicol (CAP) inhibition assays, AUs were 12.5 AU/µg for a D. farinae extract and 12.8 AU/µg for a D. pteronyssinus extract. Allergenic activities were 3- to 4-fold stronger when assessed by intradermal skin tests for in vivo standardization.
Allergen extracts were prepared from Korean house dust mites and the allergenicities of the extracts were estimated using AU measurements. House dust mite extracts prepared in this study could be utilized as a reference material, which will be useful for the development of diagnostic and immunotherapeutic reagents in Korea.
Allergy, asthma & immunology research 11/2012; 4(6):346-50. · 1.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Amino acid sequence variations have possible influences on the allergenicity of allergens and may be important factors in allergen standardization. This study was undertaken to investigate the sequence polymorphisms of group 1 and 2 allergens from Korean isolates of the house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus. cDNA sequences encoding group 1 and 2 allergens were amplified by RT-PCR and compared the deduced amino acid sequences. Der f 1.0101, which appeared in 64.0 % of the 50 sequences analyzed, was found to be predominant. Among the Der p 1 sequences, Der p 1.0102 and 1.0105 were predominant (58 %). Among the Der f 2 sequences, Der f 2.0102 (40.7 %) and a new variant with Gly at position 42 (27.8 %) were predominant. The deduced amino acid sequences of 60 Der p 2 clones were examined, and 28 variants with 1-5 amino acid substitutions were found. Interestingly, all of the Der p 2 sequences had Thr instead of Lys at position 49. Two variants (Leu40, Thr49, and Asn114 (26.6 %); Val40, Thr49, and Asn114 (20.0 %)) were found to be the most predominant forms of Der p 2. Der p 1 has a high rate of sporadic substitutions and the group 2 allergens show a more regular pattern with orderly associations of amino acid substitutions. Der f 1 and Der p 2 from Korean mite isolates have unique amino acid sequence polymorphisms. These findings provide important data for house dust mite allergen standardization.
Experimental and Applied Acarology 04/2012; 58(1):35-42. · 1.39 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Preparation of high quality allergen extracts is essential for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of allergic disorders. Standardization of allergen extracts concerns determination of the allergen unit, development of reference material and measurement of the overall IgE binding capacity of an allergen extract. Recently, quantification of individual allergens has been the main focus of allergen standardization because the allergenicity of most allergen extracts is known to be mainly dependent on the content of a small number of allergen molecules. Therefore, characterization of major allergens will facilitate the standardization of allergens. In this article, we review the current state of allergen standardization. In addition, we briefly summarize the components of allergen extracts that should be under control for the optimization of allergen standardization, since its adjuvant-like activities could play an important role in allergic reactions even though the molecule itself does not bind to the IgE antibodies from subjects.
Yonsei medical journal 05/2011; 52(3):393-400. · 0.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the population densities of potential malaria vectors, Anopheles species were collected by light traps in malaria endemic areas, Paju and Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do of Korea. Five Anopheles Hyrcanus sibling species (An. sinensis, An. pullus, An. lesteri, An. kleini, and An. belenrae) were identified by PCR. The predominant species, An. pullus was collected during the late spring and mid-summer, while higher population consists of An. sinensis were collected from late summer to early autumn. These 2 species accounted for 92.1% of all Anopheles mosquitoes collected, while the other 3 species accounted for 7.9%. Taking into account of these population densities, late seasonal prevalence, and long-term incubation period (9-13 months) of the Korean Plasmodium vivax strain, An. sinensis s.s is thought to play an important role in the transmission of vivax malaria in the study areas.
The Korean Journal of Parasitology 12/2010; 48(4):351-3. · 1.04 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Bla g 6, a German cockroach allergen, shows homology to muscle protein troponin C. It contains four calcium-binding domains at amino acid (aa) residues 20-30, 56-67, 96-107, and 132-143, and its immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivity is dependent upon calcium ion level. However, the IgE binding epitopes of Bla g 6 have not been investigated. This study aimed to analyze the IgE binding epitopes from the five peptide fragments of Bla g 6. The full-length of three Bla g 6 isoallergens (Bla g 6.0101, Bla g 6.0201, and Bla g 6.0301) and five peptide fragments (P1: aa 1-111, P2: aa 1-95, P3: aa 33-111, P4: aa 80-151, and P5: aa 33-151) of Bla g 6.0101 were generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and expressed in Escherichia coli. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed on 24 patients' sera that adjusted the final concentration 10 mM of CaCl(2) to determine the IgE activities of Bla g 6. Eight sera (33.3%), 9 sera (37.5%), and 11 sera (45.8%) showed IgE reactivity to Bla g 6.0101, Bla g 6.0201, and Bla g 6.0301, respectively. Among the sera from the positive IgE reactivity, three patients' sera were selected and the IgE reactivity was measured by ELISA with the five peptide fragments of Bla g 6. Based on IgE responses, one patient's serum exhibited the strongest IgE reactivity. We assumed that the aa between 96-151 residues, including the calcium binding domains III and IV, would be important for IgE binding. These results may provide information that will yield safe diagnostic methods and immunotherapeutics.
Protein and Peptide Letters 09/2010; 17(9):1170-6. · 1.94 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Allergen extracts from dust mites and cockroaches commonly found in Korean homes were used to evaluate their enzymatic activity as they are believed to influence allergenicity. Allergen extracts were prepared from 3 dust mite species (Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and 3 cockroach species (Blattella germanica, Periplaneta americana, and P. fuliginosa) maintained in the Korea National Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank. Proteins were extracted in PBS after homogenization using liquid nitrogen. The activities of various enzymes were investigated using the API Zym system. No significant difference in phosphatase, lipase, or glycosidase activity was observed among the 6 allergen extracts, but much difference was observed in protease activity. Protease activity was assessed in more detail by gelatin zymography and the EnzChek assay. Extract from T. putrescentiae showed the highest protease activity, followed by those of the cockroach extracts. Extracts from D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus showed only weak protease activity. Gelatinolytic activity was detected mainly in a 30-kDa protein in D. farinae, a 28-kDa protein in D. pteronyssinus, a > 26-kDa protein in T. putrescentiae, a > 20-kDa protein in B. germanica, and a > 23-kDa protein in P. americana and P. fuliginosa. The information on various enzymatic activities obtained in this study may be useful for future studies. In particular, the strong protease activity found in cockroach extracts could contribute to sensitization to cockroach allergens, which is known to be associated with the development of asthma.
The Korean Journal of Parasitology 06/2010; 48(2):151-5. · 1.04 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cockroach infestations have been linked with allergic diseases such as asthma in humans. Bla g 5, sigma class glutathione S-transferase (GST), is the major cockroach allergen which has the highest IgE response value of all cockroach allergens. Although several cockroach allergens have been identified and cloned, information regarding their B ell and T cell IgE-binding epitopes is limited. In order to analyze the IgE binding epitopes of Bla g 5, full-length and five peptide fragments (A, 1-100 amino acid residue; B, 91-200; Ba, 1-125; Bb, 1-150; Bc, 1-175) were expressed. Twelve (37.5%) of 32 sera from cockroach-sensitized subjects showed positive IgE reactivity to the recombinant Bla g 5 (rBla g 5). Six strong positive sera were selected for the epitope study. Recombinant proteins not containing 176-200 amino acid residues were unable to react to sera from cockroach sensitized individuals, suggesting that this region contains the IgE-binding epitope. Despite strong IgE reactivity to rBla g 5, the pooled serum from 5 cockroach-sensitized patients did not show IgE reactivity to all synthetic peptides consisting of 15 residues covering 161-200 amino acids. These results suggest the possibility that Bla g 5 may have a conformational epitope in the C-terminal region. GST is the important target for the development of vaccines and drugs against allergic diseases because of high cross-reactivity among insect species. This study will aid recombinant allergen research for immunotherapy of cockroach allergens and other insect allergens.
Protein and Peptide Letters 05/2010; 17(5):573-7. · 1.94 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Arthropods are important in human health, which can transmit pathogens to humans, parasitize, or produce important allergens. Allergy prevalence becomes higher in Korea recently as well as other developed countries in contrast to a decrease of infectious diseases. Allergic diseases caused by household arthropods have increased dramatically during the last few decades since human beings spend more their time for indoor activities in modernized life style. Household arthropods are one of the most common causes of allergic diseases. Biological characterization of household arthropods and researches on their allergens will provide better understanding of the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and suggest new therapeutic ways. Therefore, studies on arthropods of allergenic importance can be considered one of the major research areas in medical arthropodology and parasitology. Here, the biology of several household arthropods, including house dust mites and cockroaches, the 2 most well known arthropods living indoor together with humans worldwide, and characteristics of their allergens, especially the research activities on these allergens performed in Korea, are summarized.
The Korean Journal of Parasitology 10/2009; 47 Suppl:S143-53. · 1.04 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background: The storage mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, produces potent allergens, many of which have not been characterized. This study was undertaken to characterize the allergenicity of troponin C from T. putrescentiae.Methods: A cDNA encoding 17.7 kDa troponin C, with homology to cockroach allergen Bla g 6, was identified from T. putrescentiae-expressed sequence tags. Recombinant troponin C was expressed and IgE responses to the recombinant protein were assessed in the presence and absence of 10 mM CaCl(2). Cross-reactivity between T. putrescentiae troponin C and Bla g 6 was tested using an inhibition ELISA. Results: Recombinant T. putrescentiae troponin C shares 62.7-85.5% homology with troponin C from various arthropods. Sera from 5 of 47 subjects in our study group (10.6%) showed IgE binding to the recombinant protein. Interestingly, addition of 10 mM CaCl(2) increased the intensity of IgE binding approximately 2-fold. In an immune-inhibition ELISA with these sera, T. putrescetiae troponin C and Bla g 6 did not cross-react significantly. Conclusions: Troponin C is a new mite allergen with calcium-dependent IgE reactivity.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 09/2009; 151(3):207-13. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cockroaches have been recognized as a major cause of asthma. Bla g 4 is one of the most important German cockroach allergens. The aim of this study is to investigate IgE reactivity to the recombinant Bla g 4 (rBla g 4) in the sera of allergic patients and identify linear IgE binding epitope. For protein expression, full-length Bla g 4 (EF202172) was divided into 5 overlapping peptide fragments (E1: aa 1-100, E2: aa 34-77, E3: aa 74-117, E4: aa 114-156, and E5: aa 153-182). The full-length and 5 peptide fragments of Bla g 4 was generated by PCR and over-expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The IgE binding reactivities of the full-length and peptide fragments were measured by ELISA using 32 serum samples of cockroach allergy. The sera of 8 patients (25%) reacted with rBla g 4. Four sera (100%) showed IgE-binding reactivity to full-length and peptide fragment 4, and 2 sera (50%) reacted with peptide fragment 2. One (20%) serum reacted with peptide fragment 3. The results of ELISA using overlapping recombinant fragments indicated that the epitope region was located at amino acid sequences 34-73 and 78-113, and major IgE epitope of Bla g 4 was located at amino acid sequences 118-152 of C-terminal. B-cell epitope analysis of German cockroach allergen Bla g 4 could contribute to the strategic development of more specific and potentially efficacious immunotherapy.
The Korean Journal of Parasitology 04/2009; 47(1):31-6. · 1.04 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Bla g 2 is a cockroach allergen of great importance. This study was conducted to identify IgE-binding epitope(s) of Bla g 2 using the recombinant protein technique. Approximately 50% of tested sera showed IgE reactivity to Pichia-expressed Bla g 2 (PrBla g 2) and E. coli-expressed Bla g 2 (ErBla g 2). Only 5.3% of serum samples showed stronger reactivity to PrBla g 2 than ErBla g 2, indicating that serum was reactive to conformational or carbohydrate epitopes. The full-length and 5 peptide fragments of Bla g 2 were produced in E. coli. All fragments showed IgE-binding activity to the cockroach-allergy patients' sera. Specifically, peptide fragments of amino acid residue 1-75 and 146-225 appeared to be important for IgE-binding. The information about the IgE-binding epitope of Bla g 2 can aid in the diagnosis and treatment for cockroach allergies.
The Korean Journal of Parasitology 01/2009; 46(4):243-6. · 1.04 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The cockroach allergen Bla g 4, a putative lipocalin, is known to exhibit frequent sequence variations. However, the previously reported cDNA sequences are truncated at the N terminus. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms by which these sequence variations are generated.
Rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR and RT-PCR were performed to obtain the full sequence of the Bla g 4 cDNA, and PCR was also used to clone the Bla g 4 genomic DNA. In addition, Bla g 4 protein variants were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.
Nine additional amino acid residues at the N terminus of Bla g 4 were identified, and 2 genes encoding Bla g 4, both of which consisted of 5 exons, were cloned. Examination of 34 clones of Bla g 4 cDNA obtained by RT-PCR revealed 14 variants. In particular, Bla g 4 sequences showed frequent clusters of variations in residues 38-45, 61-82 and 144-163. Differences in cDNA sequences may imply that RNA sequences are edited after transcription. More than 10 spots were identified between pH 5 and 7 upon two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, indicating that multiple variants of Bla g 4 are produced at the protein level.
Genetic polymorphisms among individual cockroaches, the existence of multiple genes and sequence variations caused by RNA editing produce sequence diversity of Bla g 4, which may influence its allergenicity. The sequence information obtained in this study will be helpful for the standardization of the cockroach allergen and thereby aid in the development of diagnostics and immunotherapeutics.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 12/2008; 148(4):339-45. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cockroach glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are known to elicit strong IgE responses. This study was undertaken to compare the IgE reactivity of German cockroach GSTs, Bla g 5 (sigma class) and delta class GST (BgGSTD1).
Full-length Bla g 5 and BgGSTD1 were cloned, and their recombinant proteins were expressed and purified. Their IgE reactivities and cross-reactivities were examined by ELISA using sera from cockroach-sensitized subjects.
A predominant variant of Bla g 5 cDNA has amino acid substitutions at positions 10 (C to F) and 42 (N to K). BgGSTD1 has substitutions at positions 27 (E to N) and 207 (K to R). Sera from cockroach-sensitized patients showed 20.5% IgE reactivity to Bla g 5 and 17.9% IgE reactivity to BgGSTD1. However, inhibition studies using 1 serum sample with the highest IgE reactivity showed limited cross-reactivity.
IgE-binding frequency to the cockroach GSTs was low, but the titer of IgE reactivity was strong in some sera. The inclusion of different classes of GSTs could be helpful for the delicate diagnosis and immunotherapy of cockroach allergy.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 09/2008; 148(1):59-64. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The allergenicity of allergens could be influenced by amino acid substitutions in B- or T-cell epitope regions. The German cockroach is known to produce potent allergens inducing strong IgE-mediated allergic reactions. This study was performed to investigate sequence variations in major allergens of the German cockroach.
Reverse transcriptase PCR was used to amplify the cDNA sequences encoding major allergens of the German cockroach (Bla g 1, Bla g 2, Bla g 4, and Bla g 5).
The deduced amino acid sequences revealed 38 Bla g 1 variants with 1-7 amino acid substitutions (98.6-99.8% identity), 28 Bla g 2 variants with 1-3 substitutions (99.1-99.7%), 27 Bla g 4 variants with 0-32 substitutions (82.4-100%), and 8 Bla g 5 variants with 1-2 substitutions (99.0-99.5%), respectively. Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 showed sporadic amino acid substitutions despite the divergence in their sequences. Bla g 4 exhibited frequent variations, with clusters of substitutions in residues 29-38, 52-80, and 132-155. Sequence variations in Bla g 4 imply the presence of multiple isoforms and isoallergens, which may in turn have various effects on the IgE-binding capacity and T-cell responsiveness. Only 8 variants were found in Bla g 5, with infrequent amino acid changes of one or two residues.
Analyses of T-cell and IgE-binding epitope regions would clarify the effect of sequence polymorphisms on allergenicity, which in turn will aid in the design of allergen formulations for diagnosis and immunotherapy for cockroach allergies.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 02/2008; 145(1):1-8. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Storage mites have been recognized as a cause of asthma and rhinitis. Studies from several countries have shown that the IgE-mediated allergy to storage mites is of considerable importance, especially in rural populations. This study aimed to identify and characterize new allergens from Tyrophagus putrescentiae. A partial cDNA sequence encoding tropomyosin was isolated from the cDNA library by immunoscreening using anti-mouse IgG1 sera raised against T. putrescentiae whole body extract. The deduced amino acid sequence shares 64-94% identity with previously known allergenic tropomyosins. Its recombinant protein was produced by using a pET 28b expression system and purified by affinity chromatography using Ni-NTA agarose. The IgE reactivities of tropomyosins from T. putrescentiae and Dermatophagoides farinae were compared by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Recombinant Tyr p 10 showed 12.5% (5/40) IgE-binding reactivity, whereas recombinant Der f 10 showed 25% (10/40) IgE-binding reactivity against the same sera from storage mite-sensitized and house dust mite-sensitized subjects. Both recombinant Tyr p 10 and Der f 10 showed little inhibition of IgE binding to T. putrescentiae crude extract by ELISA. Tropomyosin seems to contribute only a small portion of the cross-reactivity with house dust mites.
Protein and Peptide Letters 02/2007; 14(5):431-6. · 1.94 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Allergy prevalence has increased worldwide over the last 25 years along with industrialization and westernized lifestyles. Indoor allergens are primarily responsible for the sensitization and development of atopic diseases. The main indoor allergens are known to be derived from various arthropods which account for up to 80% of the kingdom Animalia. The two classes of arthropods are Insecta, which includes cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, ants and silverfishes, and Arachnida, which includes mites, spiders, ticks, and scorpions and are the main sources of the allergens. Excreted materials, cast-overs from skin-molting, and dead debris are sources of allergens that can sensitize genetically predisposed individuals and elicit allergic disorders. The use of molecular biology techniques has contributed to the identification and characterization of an ever-increasing number of allergens. However, key determinants and allergen properties that drive allergic responses are poorly understood. The biological characterization of allergens will provide an understanding of the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Protein and Peptide Letters 02/2007; 14(10):934-42. · 1.94 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We evaluated the efficacy of health education in reducing indoor arthropod allergens in Seoul. The mite control measures comprised the use of mite-proof mattress and pillow coverings, regular washing of potentially infested materials, maintenance of a low humidity, removal of carpets, and frequent vacuum cleaning. Cockroach control measures included trapping, application of insecticides, and protecting food. Of 201 homes enrolled in October 1999, 63 volunteers were included in a 2-year follow-up survey between April 2000 and January 2002. Before intervention, the density of mites/g of dust varied greatly; 27.1/g in childrenos bedding, 20/g in adult bedding, 7.2/g on the floors of childrenos bedrooms, 6.8/g in sofas, 5.9/g on the floors of adultos bedrooms, 3.9/g on living room floors, 3.7/g in carpets, and 1.9 mites/g on kitchen floors. The predominant mite species and house percentages infested were; Dermatophagoides farinae 93%, D. pteronyssinus 9%, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae 8%. Comparing 1999 and 2001 infestations, before and after 25 mo of education, mite abundance was reduced by 98%, from 23.7 to 0.57 mites/g of dust. In 1999, cockroaches were detected in 62% homes: 36% Blattella germanica and 35% Periplaneta spp., including 9% double infestations of B. germanica and P. americana. Following intervention, cockroach infestation rates decreased to 22% of houses in 2000 and 23% in 2001. We conclude that continuous and repetitive health education resulted in the effective control of domestic arthropods.
The Korean Journal of Parasitology 04/2006; 44(1):73-9. · 1.04 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The prevalence of allergic disorders has increased over the past few decades and the quality of life has been significantly influenced at least for the allergic subjects. Allergen avoidance is thought to be the best way of preventing clinical manifestation of the disease, however, it is not possible for some allergens, and other pharmacological and/or immunological treatment has to be made. Repetitive injection of sensitized allergens to the patients (immunotherapy) is the only known curative approach to the disease even though the exact mechanism is not clear to date. Crude extract of allergens has lots of shortcomings which might arouse unexpected results. Genetic engineering and recombinant allergens are thought to be one of the alternative ways to overcome these limitations. Genetic engineering could facilitate the investigation of immune responses of the subjects especially on B cell and T cell epitopes, and produce the therapeutic allergens which might minimize the possible side effects. Furthermore, conjugation of immuno-modulatory molecules such as CpG-ODN, cytokines, or toxins which could act specifically to the given allergens, and maleylation of the allergens could maximize the prophylactic or therapeutic effect. Immunotherapies for the pollen allergy and insect sting allergy have been thought to be successful. House dust mite allergy and cockroach allergy have been reported less beneficial by immunotherapeutic approaches. Cockroaches are one of the most important causes of asthma, and severe complications are often reported in the children in city dwellers with low-incomes. The studies of the biological functions of cockroach allergens and the use of recombinant allergens should allow understanding of mechanisms of cockroach-elicited allergic disorders and development of allergen-specific and sensitive diagnostics and tailored therapeutic approaches in the future.
Current Protein and Peptide Science 03/2006; 7(1):57-71. · 2.89 Impact Factor
