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Biomedical subjects

H A Sampson

Publications and source records attributed to H A Sampson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Murine model of atopic dermatitis associated with food hypersensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an eczematous skin eruption that generally begins in early infancy and affects up to 12% of the population. The cause of this disorder is not fully understood, although it is frequently the first sign of atopic disease and is characterized by an elevated serum IgE level, eosinophilia, and histologic tissue changes characterized early by spongiosis and a CD4(+) T(H)2 cellular infiltrate. Hypersensitivity to foods has been implicated as one causative factor in up to 40% of children with moderate-to-severe AD. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish a murine model of food-induced AD. METHODS: Female C3H/HeJ mice were sensitized orally to cow's milk or peanut with a cholera toxin adjuvant and then subjected to low-grade allergen exposure. Histologic examination of skin lesions, allergen-specific serum Ig levels, and allergen-induced T-cell proliferation and cytokine production were examined. RESULTS: An eczematous eruption developed in approximately one third of mice after low-grade exposure to milk or peanut proteins. Peripheral blood eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE levels were noted. Histologic examination of the lesional skin revealed spongiosis and a cellular infiltrate consisting of CD4(+) lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mast cells. IL-5 and IL-13 mRNA expression was elevated only in the skin of mice with the eczematous eruption. Treatment of the eruption with topical corticosteroids led to decreased pruritus and resolution of the cutaneous eruption. CONCLUSION: This eczematous eruption resembles AD in human subjects and should provide a useful model for studying immunopathogenic mechanisms of food hypersensitivity in AD.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Utility of food-specific IgE concentrations in predicting symptomatic food allergy.

BACKGROUND: The double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergy. However, in a retrospective analysis of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis and food allergy, discrete food-specific IgE concentrations were established that could predict clinical reactivity to egg, milk, peanut, and fish with greater than 95% certainty. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the utility of these 95% predictive decision points in a prospective evaluation of food allergy. METHODS: Sera from 100 consecutive children and adolescents referred for evaluation of food allergy were analyzed for specific IgE antibodies to egg, milk, peanut, soy, wheat, and fish by using the Pharmacia CAP System FEIA. Food-specific IgE values were compared with history and the results of skin prick tests and food challenges to determine the efficacy of previously established 95% predictive decision points in identifying patients with increased probability of reacting during a specific food challenge. RESULTS: One hundred children (62% male; median age, 3.8 years; range, 0.4-14.3 years) were evaluated for food allergy. The diagnosis of food allergy was established by means of history or oral food challenge. On the basis of the previously established 95% predictive decision points for egg, milk, peanut, and fish allergy, greater than 95% of food allergies diagnosed in this prospective study were correctly identified by quantifying serum food-specific IgE concentrations. CONCLUSION: In a prospective study of children and adolescents referred for evaluation of food allergy, previously established 95% predictive decision points of food-specific IgE antibody concentrations for 4 major food allergens were effective in predicting clinical reactivity. Quantification of food-specific IgE is a useful test for diagnosing symptomatic allergy to egg, milk, peanut, and fish in the pediatric population and could eliminate the need to perform double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges in a significant number of children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Effects of cooking methods on peanut allergenicity.

BACKGROUND: Allergy to peanut is a significant health problem. Interestingly, the prevalence of peanut allergy in China is much lower than that in the United States, despite a high rate of peanut consumption in China. In China, peanuts are commonly fried or boiled, whereas in the United States peanuts are typically dry roasted. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether the method of preparing peanuts could be a factor in the disparity of allergy prevalence between the 2 countries. METHODS: Two varieties of peanuts grown in the United States were roasted, boiled, or fried. Proteins were analyzed by using SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Allergenicity was compared by using immunolabeling with sera from 8 patients with peanut allergy. RESULTS: The protein fractions of both varieties of peanuts were altered to a similar degree by frying or boiling. Compared with roasted peanuts, the relative amount of Ara h 1 was reduced in the fried and boiled preparations, resulting in a significant reduction of IgE-binding intensity. In addition, there was significantly less IgE binding to Ara h 2 and Ara h 3 in fried and boiled peanuts compared with that in roasted peanuts, even though the protein amounts were similar in all 3 preparations. CONCLUSION: The methods of frying or boiling peanuts, as practiced in China, appear to reduce the allergenicity of peanuts compared with the method of dry roasting practiced widely in the United States. Roasting uses higher temperatures that apparently increase the allergenic property of peanut proteins and may help explain the difference in prevalence of peanut allergy observed in the 2 countries.

Allergens↗
PubMed2001

A voluntary registry for peanut and tree nut allergy: characteristics of the first 5149 registrants.

BACKGROUND: A voluntary registry of individuals with peanut and/or tree nut allergy was established in 1997 to learn more about these food allergies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate a variety of features of peanut and tree nut allergy among the first 5149 registry participants. METHODS: The registry was established through use of a structured questionnaire distributed to all members of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and to patients by allergists. Parental surrogates completed the forms for children under the age of 18 years. RESULTS: Registrants were primarily children (89% of registrants were younger than 18 years of age; the median age was 5 years), reflecting the membership of the Network. Isolated peanut allergy was reported by 3482 registrants (68%), isolated tree nut allergy by 464 (9%), and allergy to both foods by 1203 (23%). Registrants were more likely to have been born in October, November, or December (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.18-1.23; P <.0001). The median age of reaction to peanut was 14 months, and the median age of reaction to tree nuts was 36 months; these represented the first known exposure for 74% and 68% of registrants, respectively. One half of the reactions involved more than 1 organ system, and more than 75% required treatment, frequently from medical personnel. Registrants with asthma were more likely than those without asthma to have severe reactions (33% vs 21%; P <.0001). In comparison with initial reactions, subsequent reactions due to accidental ingestion were more severe, more common outside the home, and more likely to be treated with epinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic reactions to peanut and tree nut are frequently severe, often occur on the first known exposure, and can become more severe over time.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Food Allergy Herbal Formula-1 (FAHF-1) blocks peanut-induced anaphylaxis in a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Peanut allergy is a major cause of fatal and near-fatal anaphylactic reactions to foods. There is no curative therapy for this condition. Traditional Chinese medicines have been reported to have antiallergic properties, which might be useful for treating peanut allergy. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Chinese herbal formula, FAHF-1, on peanut anaphylactic reactions in a mouse model of peanut allergy. METHODS: Mice were sensitized with freshly ground whole peanut in the presence of cholera toxin and boosted 1 and 3 weeks later. FAHF-1 treatment was initiated 1 week later and continued for 7 weeks. After treatment, mice were challenged with peanut, and anaphylactic symptoms, body temperatures, and plasma histamine and IgE levels were measured. T-cell proliferative responses and cytokine production were also determined. RESULTS: FAHF-1 completely blocked peanut-induced anaphylactic symptoms and markedly reduced mast cell degranulation and histamine release. Peanut-specific serum IgE levels were significantly reduced by 2 weeks of treatment at the time of challenge, and they remained lower 4 weeks after discontinuation of treatment. FAHF-1 significantly reduced peanut-induced lymphocyte proliferation as well as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 synthesis but not IFN-gamma synthesis. No toxic effects on liver or kidney functions were observed, nor was there any overall immune suppression. CONCLUSION: FAHF-1 protected peanut-sensitized mice from anaphylactic reactions and significantly reversed established IgE-mediated peanut allergy. This suggests that FAHF-1 might prove valuable for the treatment of peanut allergy.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

The US Peanut and Tree Nut Allergy Registry: characteristics of reactions in schools and day care.

OBJECTIVE: Severe food-allergic reactions occur in schools, but the features have not been described. STUDY DESIGN: Participants in the US Peanut and Tree Nut Allergy Registry (PAR) who indicated that their child experienced an allergic reaction in school or day care were randomly selected for a telephone interview conducted with a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 4586 participants in the PAR, 750 (16%) indicated a reaction in school or day care, and 100 subjects or parental surrogates described 124 reactions to peanut (115) or tree nuts (9); 64% of the reactions occurred in day care or preschool, and the remainder in elementary school or higher grades. Reactions were reported from ingestion (60%), skin contact/possible ingestion (24%), and inhalation/possible skin contact or ingestion (16%). In the majority of reactions caused by inhalation, concomitant ingestion/skin contact could not be ruled out. Various foods caused reactions by ingestion, but peanut butter craft projects were commonly responsible for the skin contact (44%) or inhalation (41%) reactions. For 90% of reactions, medications were given (86% antihistamines, 28% epinephrine). Epinephrine was given in school by teachers in 4 cases, nurses in 7, and parents or others in the remainder. Treatment delays were attributed to delayed recognition of reactions, calling parents, not following emergency plans, and an unsuccessful attempt to administer epinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: School personnel must be educated to recognize and treat food-allergic reactions. Awareness must be increased to avoid accidental exposures, including exposure from peanut butter craft projects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Hypoallergenicity and efficacy of an amino acid-based formula in children with cow's milk and multiple food hypersensitivities.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the hypoallergenicity and efficacy of a pediatric amino acid-based formula (AAF), EleCare, for children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) and multiple food allergies (MFA). STUDY DESIGN: Hypoallergenicity was determined by performing blinded oral food challenges in 31 consecutive children with documented CMA. Growth, tolerance, and biochemical response were evaluated during a nonrandomized feeding study with each child serving as his or her own control. RESULTS: Thirty-one children (median age, 23.3 months; range, 6 months to 17.5 years) were recruited; 29 had MFA, 17 had acute reactions and cow's milk-specific IgE antibody, and 14 had allergic eosinophilic gastroenteritis. At study entry, 23 were receiving another AAF; 13 had not tolerated extensively hydrolyzed formula. Eighteen subjects with allergic eosinophilic gastroenteritis and/or MFA were followed up while receiving AAF for a median of 21 months (range, 7 to 40 months), with biochemical analysis performed at 4 months. No statistically significant differences were observed in the change in weight or height National Center for Health Statistics z scores from entry; the percent of expected growth exceeded 90%. There was a small decline in percent eosinophils and increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum ferritin level (P < .05). Except for small increases in plasma leucine and valine levels (P < or = .006), the remaining biochemical markers were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The AAF was hypoallergenic and effective in maintaining normal growth for children with CMA and MFA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

IgE and IgG binding epitopes on alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin in cow's milk allergy.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk is one of the most common causes of food allergy in the first years of life. We recently defined IgE and IgG binding epitopes for alpha(s1)-casein, a major cow's milk allergen, and found an association between recognition of certain epitopes and clinical symptoms of cow's milk allergy (CMA). Since alpha-lactalbumin (ALA) and beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) are suspected to be significant allergens in cow's milk, we sought to determine the structure of sequential epitopes recognized by IgE antibodies to these proteins. We further sought to assess the pattern of epitope recognition in association with the clinical outcome of CMA. METHODS: According to the known amino acid sequence of ALA and BLG, 57 and 77 overlapping decapeptides (offset by two amino acids), respectively, were synthesized on a cellulose derivatized membrane. Sera from 11 patients 4-18 years of age with persistent CMA (IgE to cow's milk >100 kU(A)/l) were used to identify IgE binding epitopes. In addition, 8 patients < 3 years of age and likely to outgrow their milk allergy (IgE to cow's milk < 30 kU(A)/l) were used to investigate the differences in epitope recognition between patients with 'persistent' and those with 'transient' CMA. Seven patients 4-18 years of age were used for assessing the IgG binding regions. RESULTS: In patients with persistent allergy, four IgE binding and three IgG binding regions were identified on ALA, and seven IgE and six IgG binding epitopes were detected on BLG. The younger patients that are likely to outgrow their allergy recognized only three of these IgE binding epitopes on BLG and none on ALA. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of IgE antibodies to multiple linear allergenic epitopes may be a marker of persistent CMA. The usefulness of IgE binding to distinct epitopes on whey proteins in defining the patients that would have a lifelong CMA needs to be investigated in further studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides can reverse Th2-associated allergic airway responses and alter the B7.1/B7.2 expression in a murine model of asthma.

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) administered during Ag sensitization or before Ag challenge can inhibit allergic pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in murine models of asthma. In this study, we investigated whether CpG-ODN can reverse an ongoing allergic pulmonary reaction in a mouse model of asthma. AKR mice were sensitized with conalbumin followed by two intratracheal challenges at weekly intervals. CpG-ODN was administered 24 h after the first Ag challenge. CpG-ODN administration reduced Ag-specific IgE levels, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eosinophils, mucus production, and airway hyperreactivity. We found that postchallenge CpG-ODN treatment significantly increased IFN-gamma concentrations and decreased IL-13, IL-4, and IL-5 concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and spleen cell culture supernatants. Postchallenge CpG-ODN treatment also increased B7.1 mRNA expression and decreased B7.2 mRNA expression in lung tissues. These results suggest that CpG-ODN may have potential for treatment of allergic asthma by suppressing Th2 responses during IgE-dependent allergic airway reactions. The down-regulation of Th2 responses by CPG-ODN may be associated with regulation of the costimulatory factors B7.1 and B7.2.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2000

Mutational analysis of the IgE-binding epitopes of P34/Gly m Bd 30K.

BACKGROUND: Peanuts and soybeans are 2 foods that have been shown to be responsible for many atopic disorders. Because of their nutritional benefit, soybean proteins are now being used increasingly in a number of food products. Previous studies have documented multiple allergens in soybean extracts, including glycinin, beta-conglycinin, and the P34/Gly m Bd 30K protein. OBJECTIVE: Our overall goal was to identify soybean-specific allergens to begin to understand molecular and immunochemical characteristics of legume proteins. The specific aim of the current investigation was to identify the essential amino acid residues necessary for IgE binding in the 5 distinct immunodominant epitopes of P34/Gly m Bd 30K. METHODS: Serum IgE from 6 clinically sensitive soybean-allergic individuals was used to identify P34/Gly m Bd 30K in the native and single amino acid substituted peptides with use of the SPOTS peptide synthesis technique to determine critical amino acids required for IgE binding. RESULTS: The intensity of IgE binding and epitope recognition by serum IgE from the individuals varied substantially. With use of serum from 6 clinically soybean-sensitive individuals, 2 of the 5 immunodominant epitopes could be mutagenized to non-IgE binding peptides. CONCLUSIONS: Single-site amino acid substitution of the 5 immunodominant epitopes of Gly m Bd 30K with alanine revealed that IgE binding could be reduced or eliminated in epitopes 6 and 16 in the serum obtained from 6 soybean-sensitive patients.

Allergens↗
PubMed2000

Dose-response in double-blind, placebo-controlled oral food challenges in children with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Double-blind, placebo-controlled oral food challenges (DBPCFCs) are considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing food hypersensitivity, but the dose that elicits positive challenges, or determinants that may predict dose-response relationships, have not been reported. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the quantity of food that elicits reactions during DBPCFCs and to evaluate parameters that may predict the provocative dose and severity of reaction. METHODS: We reviewed challenge data for all positive challenges to 6 common allergenic foods in children with atopic dermatitis evaluated for food allergy over a 13-year period. Challenge food was generally administered in 6 doses at 10- to 15-minute intervals beginning with 400 to 500 mg and completing with a total of 8 to 10 g of food. An open feeding of a larger portion followed negative challenges. At the physician's discretion, a lower starting dose was occasionally used (100 mg, 250 mg). Food-specific IgE antibody concentrations (radioallergosorbent test [RAST]) were determined on stored sera of 20% of the challenges selected randomly and 99.6% had prick skin tests (PSTs) performed to the challenged food. RESULTS: A total of 196 children (45% male; median age 5 y 9 mo; atopic dermatitis 98%, asthma 62%) had 513 positive challenges distributed as follows: egg 267, milk 117, soy 53, wheat 40, peanut 24, fish 12. The percentage of children reacting at the first dose (500 mg or less) was as follows: egg 49%, milk 55%, soy 28%, wheat 25%, peanut 26%, and fish 17%. Twenty-six milk challenges and 22 egg challenges were positive at a first dose of 250 mg; 3 milk challenges and 7 egg challenges were positive at a first dose of 100 mg. Eleven percent of the reactions that occurred on the first dose were severe. The percentage reacting after the final dose of the DBPCFC (or during open challenge) were egg 11%, milk 12%, soy 19%, wheat 12.5%, peanut 8.7%, and fish 25%. There was not a strong correlation between PST absolute wheal size or score (adjusted for histamine controls) and dose at reaction or severity of reaction (R(s) range -0.22 to 0.39 for particular foods). Serum concentration of food-specific IgE did not correlate well with the dose causing a reaction or with severity (R(s) range -0.40 to 0.55 for particular foods). CONCLUSIONS: This food-allergic population may react to as little as 100 mg of food, possibly less, and the dose causing a reaction and the severity of reaction is not predicted by PST or RAST. Lower doses (100 mg or less) should be investigated for their appropriateness in initiating DBPCFCs.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

Quantitative IgE antibody assays in allergic diseases.

During the past several years, immunoassays for specific IgE antibodies have been refined to permit reporting results in mass units. Thus quantitative immunoassays for IgE antibodies may be an adjunct to skin tests. In cases of food allergy among children with atopic dermatitis, cutoff values for IgE antibody concentrations to egg, milk, peanut, and fish have been derived to provide 95% positive and 90% negative predictive values. Food-specific IgE antibody determinations can also be used to predict which food allergies are resolving spontaneously. Elevated egg-specific IgE antibody levels in infancy are associated with significantly increased risk for development of inhalant allergies later in childhood. In cases of inhalant allergy, specific IgE antibody levels correlate closely with results of inhalation challenge studies in cat-sensitive persons. Also, mite-specific IgE antibody levels correlate significantly with the mite allergen contents of reservoir dust in the homes of mite-sensitive persons. Immunoassays for quantitation of specific IgE antibodies may be used to document allergen sensitization over time and to evaluate the risk of reaction on allergen exposure. However, immunoassays and skin tests are not entirely interchangeable, and neither will replace the other in appropriate circumstances.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗
PubMed2000

A murine model of peanut anaphylaxis: T- and B-cell responses to a major peanut allergen mimic human responses.

BACKGROUND: Peanut allergy affects 0.6% of the US population. At the present time, allergen avoidance is the only therapeutic option. Animal models of food-induced anaphylaxis would facilitate attempts to design novel immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of peanut allergy. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a murine model of IgE-mediated peanut hypersensitivity that closely mimics human peanut allergy. METHODS: C3H/HeJ mice sensitized orally with freshly ground whole peanut and cholera toxin as adjuvant were challenged orally 3 and 5 weeks later with crude peanut extract. Anaphylactic reactions were determined. T- and B-cell responses to Ara h 1 and Ara h 2, the major peanut allergens, were characterized by evaluating splenocyte proliferative responses and IgE antibody concentrations. Furthermore, IgE antibodies in the sera of patients with peanut allergy and mice were compared for antibody binding to Ara h 2 isoforms and allergenic epitopes. RESULTS: Peanut-specific IgE was induced by oral peanut sensitization, and hypersensitivity reactions were provoked by feeding peanut to sensitized mice. The symptoms were similar to those seen in human subjects. Ara h 1- and Ara h 2-specific antibodies were present in the sera of mice with peanut allergy. Furthermore, these Ara h 2-specific IgE antibodies bound the same Ara h 2 isoforms and major allergenic epitopes as antibodies in the sera of human subjects with peanut allergy. Splenocytes from mice with peanut allergy exhibited proliferative responses to Ara h 1 and Ara h 2. CONCLUSION: This murine model of peanut allergy mimics the clinical and immunologic characteristics of peanut allergy in human subjects and should be a useful tool for developing immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of peanut allergy.

2S Albumins, Plant↗
PubMed2000

Genetics of peanut allergy: a twin study.

BACKGROUND: The role of genetics in the etiology of peanut allergy is unknown. For complex genetic traits, twin studies can provide information on the relative contribution of genetic factors to a disease, as the relative confounding effects of environmental factors are markedly decreased. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to search for evidence that genetic factors influence peanut allergy by comparing the concordance rate for this allergy among monozygotic and dizygotic twins. METHODS: Twin pairs with at least one member with peanut allergy were ascertained through the Food Allergy Network by advertisements in the organization's newsletters and Web site. Individuals with peanut allergy or parental surrogates were interviewed by telephone. A full atopic history was obtained, and peanut allergy and zygosity were determined using previously validated questionnaires. Heritability of peanut allergy was determined using univariate genetic model fitting by maximum likelihood with the Mx statistical modeling software package. RESULTS: Seventy-five twin pairs were recruited. Seventeen pairs were excluded because of unconvincing peanut allergy histories (9 pairs, including 4 of uncertain zygosity) or because one twin had reportedly never ingested peanut (8 pairs). The median age of the 58 remaining twin pairs was 5 years (range 1 to 58 years). Seventy individuals had peanut allergy. In addition to convincing histories of peanut allergy, 52 (74%) had been tested (skin prick testing with or without radioallergosorbent assay) and all had positive reactions to peanut. Twenty-nine of the 70 had experienced >1 reaction to peanut; 29 of 70 had multisystem reactions. Among the monozygotic pairs (n = 14), 9 were concordant for peanut allergy (pairwise concordance, 64.3%) and among dizygotic pairs (n = 44), 3 were concordant for peanut allergy (pairwise concordance, 6.8%; chi(2) = 21.38, P <.0001). Heritability of peanut allergy was estimated at 81. 6% (95% confidence interval 41.6% to 99.7%) with model fitting using a population prevalence of peanut allergy of 0.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The significantly higher concordance rate of peanut allergy among monozygotic twins suggests strongly that there is a significant genetic influence on peanut allergy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The chinese herbal medicine formula MSSM-002 suppresses allergic airway hyperreactivity and modulates TH1/TH2 responses in a murine model of allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a major public health problem worldwide, and the morbidity and mortality of asthma have increased in the past two decades. The reputed efficacy, low cost, and relative absence of side effects of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have led to increasing interest in the use of TCMs for the treatment of asthma in Western countries. However, there are few well-controlled scientific studies on the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of TCMs used to treat asthma. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of the Chinese herbal medicine formula MSSM-002, derived from TCMs used to treat allergic asthma, on a well-characterized mouse model of allergic asthma. METHODS: Mice sensitized intraperitoneally and challenged intratracheally with conalbumin were treated with MSSM-002 24 hours after the first intratracheal challenge. Dexamethasone-treated, saline solution sham-treated, and naive mice served as controls. The effects of MSSM-002 on allergic airway hyperreactivity, inflammation, antigen-specific antibody production, lung histologic features, and cytokine profiles were evaluated. RESULTS: MSSM-002 treatment virtually eliminated airway hyperreactivity and markedly reduced the total number of cells and the percent eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids compared with the sham-treated group. Lung histologic features showed that MSSM-002 reduced inflammation and mucus production. These effects were equivalent to the effects of dexamethasone, but in contrast to the overall immunosuppressive effects of dexamethasone MSSM-002 treatment decreased antigen-specific IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels without suppressing IgG2a and IFN-gamma synthesis. CONCLUSION: MSSM-002 exhibits anti-airway hyperresponsiveness, anti-airway inflammation, and immunoregulatory effects on T(H)1/T(H)2 responses, which may be useful for treatment of allergic asthma.

Animals↗