• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2019

The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (AD) includes a test that checks allergen-mediated skin reactions and a method of measuring the total IgE and allergen-specific IgE in blood. However, these test methods are performed directly on the patient, which cause some pain or discomfort. In addition, the skin response test or IgE may result in false negative in about 20% of patients. In the present study, to identify specific biomarkers, HaCaT cells were used as a human keratinocyte that make up the skin, were treated IL-4 and IL-13 for 24 hours to induce a situation similar to keratinocytes in AD patients. In the HaCaT cells, pro-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-5, IL-6, and MCP-1 were increased by IL-4 and IL-13 and skin barrier proteins was reduced by IL-4 and L-13. This results showed that a situation similar to the stratum corneum of an actual patient is induced in HaCaT cells. And then the secretions of Kallikrein (KLK) 5 and KLK7 protease were checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It was specifically increased by IL-4 and IL-13. This showed that AD-related protease can be detected at the protein level using keratinocytes that can be taken in a non-invasive manner and suggested the possibility of applying it to AD diagnosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.121-126
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• 2023

Purpose: Sublingual immunotherapy is currently promoted by various companies, with administration schedules variable in the different products even though almost all are standardized immunologically. So, this study was planned to examine the efficacy of simple nondaily dosing of sublingual immunotherapy instead of the widely used daily schedule. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma were enrolled. Sublingual immunotherapy (manufactured at the allergen immunotherapy preparation unit at Mansoura University) was given in suitable bottles with a dropper mechanism that permits comfortable dosing under the tongue. The physician recommended that the patient put the drops under his/her tongue and leave the drops beneath the tongue for 2 minutes before swallowing. This was repeated every 3 days, with the drop number and concentration gradually rising. Results: After 2 months of follow-up, 65.8% responded partially to the symptom score and 26.3% responded completely to the medication score. There was a significant decline in the symptom and medication scores from the baseline scores (p<0.0001). After 4 months of follow-up, 95.8% responded partially to symptom scores and no one has not responded; 54.2% responded completely to medication scores; and 81% of studied patients had no side effects. However, the most frequent side effect was a sore throat. Conclusion: Our nondaily schedule of sublingual immunotherapy is tolerable, safe, and effective in patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.104-112
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the general features of allergic patients in northwestern Chungcheongnamdo who visited Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital. The subjects in this study were 1692 suspected allergic patients. After their allergic symptoms were checked and a MAST-CLA test was conducted, the following results were obtained: 1. The mean age of the subjects was 23.1 years old. The male patients represented 56.2% and the female patients accounted for 43.8%. 1387 (82.0%) patients of those investigated suffered from allergic disease. 2. Among the 1387 patients, 1022 (73.7%) patients showed an increased total IgE level. The positive rate of those who were in their 40s (87.0%) was the highest, but their age made no difference to their positive rate of total IgE. 3. Concerning the positive rate for allergen specific antibody by age, those who were in their teens (73.5%) topped the list and similar in all age group except in their 40s. By gender, the positive rate of the male and female were 56.3% and 43.9% respectively. Regarding the positive rates by allergic disease, those who suffered from allergic rhinitis (60.4%) were most vulnerable, followed by the patients with allergic dermatitis (47.4%), with bronchial asthma (47.2%) and with urticaria (39.4%). 4. As for seasonal positive rates, they were most susceptible in April (77.2%) and May (71.1%). We discovered a significant difference according to seasons; Spring (60.1%), Winter (45.4%) and Summer (39.2%). 5. In case of Korean inhalent panel, the most dominant allergen-specific antibodies were "Cockroach mix" (31.1%), followed by "D. pteronyssius" (23.8%) and "Dog" (14.3%). In the event of food panel, the most popular allergen-specific antibodies were "D. farinae" (25.0%), followed by "D. pteronyssinus" (19.8%) and "Hose dust" (12.0%). 6. The residential type made no difference to the positive rates of "House dust", "Cockroach mix" and "Dog" as major antigen but compared with others, positive rates for "Tick" were somewhat higher in apartment buildings.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.35-48
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• 1996

Non-biting midges fchironomidae, Dipteral are one of the largest insect families, which are distributed worldwidely and are found in nearly all types of inland waters. They are known to be aggressive inhalant allergens which cause allergenic diseases. In this study, the crude antigens of Chironomus SavipLumn adults which are most widely distributed in Korea were extracted. and their allergens were analysed with the sera from experimentally sensitized mice. The mice were immunized with $1{\;}\mu\textrm{g}{\;}or{\;}10{\;}\mu\textrm{g}$ of the crude antigens, respectively, and the specific serum IgE levels were measured by both ELISA and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) techniques. The highest levels of both total IgE and chironomid-specific IgE were found in the mouse sera obtained after 9 weeks of the first infection with $1{\;}\mu\textrm{g}$ crude antigen. The crude antigen was separated into 16-18 protein bands on gel by SDS-PAGE. The crude extract was assessed by SDS-PAGE/immunoblot analysis. One IgE-binding band (65 kDa) was detected by developing with colorimetric substrate, and 4 IgE-binding bands (65, 52, 35 and 25 kDa) by developing with CSPD chemiluminescent substrate. The SDS-PAGE gel of the crude extract of chironomid adults was equally cut into 30 pieces and each of them was eluted to isolate proteins by molecular weight, and the allergenicity of each eluate was assessed by applying P-K test on rats. Proteins of 65, 35 and 15 KDa showed the highest P-K titer (${\times}512$) which was 16 times higher than that of the crude extract (${\times32}$). The P-K titer of 52 kDa protein was also 4 times higher ($128{\times}$) than that of the crude extract, whereas the 25 kDa protein poorly responded, which seemed not antigenic. In conclusion, the present result in mice demonstrated that adults of Chironomus fcuiplumus, a predominent species in Korea, cause allergenic diseases and the main allergens are 65, 52, 35 and 15 kDa proteins, of which 65 kDa protein seems to be a main allergen.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.295-300
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• 2013

Der f 2 is the group 2 major allergen of a house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) and its function has been recently suggested. To determine the optimal condition of sensitization to recombinant Der f 2 (rDer f 2) in murine model of asthma, we compared the effectiveness with different adjuvants in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Mice from both strains sensitized with rDer f 2 by intraperitoneal injection or subcutaneous injection on days 1 and 14. The dosage was $20{\mu}g$. Freund's adjuvants with pertussis toxin (FP) or alum alone were used as adjuvants. On days 28, 29, and 30, mice were challenged intranasally with 0.1% rDer f 2. We evaluated airway hyperresponsivenss, eosinophil proportion in lung lavage, airway inflammation, and serum allergen specific antibody responses. Naive mice were used as controls. Airway hyperresponsiveness was increased in C57BL/6 with FP, and BALB/c with alum (PC200: $13.5{\pm}6.3$, $13.2{\pm}6.7$ vs. >50 mg/ml, p<0.05). The eosinophil proportion was increased in all groups; C57BL/6 with FP, BALB/c with FP, C57BL/6 with alum, BALB/c with alum ($24.8{\pm}3.6$, $20.3{\pm}10.3$, $11.0{\pm}6.9$, $5.7{\pm}2.8$, vs. $0.0{\pm}0.0$%, p<0.05). The serum allergen specific IgE levels were increased in C57BL/6 with FP or alum (OD: $0.8{\pm}1.4$, $1.1{\pm}0.8$, vs. $0.0{\pm}0.0$). C57BL/6 mice were better responders to rDer f 2 and as for adjuvants, Freund's adjuvant with pertussis toxin was better.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.1492-1496
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• 2007

In vitro IgE class switching could be induced through co-culture of CD40L-expressing KU812 cells and CD40-expressing B cells in the presence of IL-4 or IL-13. It has been generated several B cell lines, which produce rice allergen (RA)-specific IgM antibody by in witγo immunization (IVI) using peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL). In this study, induction of RA-specific IgE antibody by KU812 cells was attempted. Before co-culture, we determined the CD40 expression in RA-specific B cell lines, RA9G11 and the CD40 ligand (CD40L) expression in activated KU812 cells by treatments with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin for 6 hrs. Flow cytometric analysis shown that RA9G11 and activated KU812 cells expressed high level of CD40 and CD40L, respectively. RA9G11 cells were cultured with activated KU812 cells for 12 days in the presence of IL-4 for IgE class switching. Mature $C{\varepsilon}$ mRNA level and RA-specific IgE spot forming cells (SFC) were observed in all culture condition, and especially, high level of RA-specific IgE synthesis was determined the same ratio of RA9G11 and activated KU812 cells in the presence of 50U IL-4. Therefore, induction of RA-specific IgE synthesis by activated KU812 cells can be contributed in the application for allergic therapy and prevention.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.115-119
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• 2011

Soybean proteins are widely used for human and animal feeds worldwide. The use of soybean protein has been expanded in the food industry due to their excellent nutritional benefits. But, antinutritional and allergenic factors are present in the raw mature soybean. P34 protein, referred as Gly m Bd 30K, has been identified as a predominant immunodominant allergen. The objective of this research is to identify the genetic mode of P34 protein for the improvement of soybean cultivar with a very low level of P34 protein. Two $F_2$ populations were developed from the cross of "Pungsannamulkong" ${\times}$ PI567476 and "Gaechuck2ho" ${\times}$ PI567476 (very low level of P34 protein). Relative amount of P34 protein was observed by Western blot analysis. The observed data for the progeny of "Pungsannamulkong" and PI567476 were 133 seeds with normal content of P34 protein and 35 seeds with very low level of P34 protein (${\chi}^2=1.157$, P=0.20-0.30). For the progeny of "Gaechuck#1" and PI567476, the observed data were 177 seeds with normal content of P34 protein and 73 seeds with very low level of P34 protein (${\chi}^2=2.353$, P=0.10-0.20). From pooled data, observed data were 310 seeds with normal content of P34 protein and 108 seeds with very low level of P34 protein (${\chi}^2=0.156$, P=0.50-0.70). The segregation ratio (3:1) and the Chi-square value obtained from the two populations suggested that P34 protein in mature soybean seed is controlled by a single major gene. Single gene inheritance of P34 protein was confirmed in 32 $F_2$ derived lines in $F_3$ seeds, which were germinated from the low level of P34 protein obtained from the cross of "Pungsannamulkong" and PI567476. These results may provide valuable information to breed for new soybean line with low level of P34 protein and identification of molecular markers linked to P34 locus.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.257-263
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• 2021

For this survey, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing was conducted using 14 species-specific primers to monitor the labeling of allergy-causing substances in various foods. Sixty samples from stationary stores near elementary schools and imported confectionery shops were tested, including snacks, candies, and chocolate. Allergens of milk, wheat, eggs, tomatoes, almonds and peanuts were detected in 30 cases (50.0%). In addition, many products were detected as either containing unlabeled substances or not showing allergen-related information and labeling in Korean. In order to ensure that consumers are able to purchase products safely and securely, a system for thorough guidance and monitoring of allergen-related labeling by domestic manufacturing and processing companies and import-related companies is required.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.60-71
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• 2023

Cockroaches can cause allergic sensitization in humans via contact with their feces or frass. Antibiotics can affect concentration of major allergen and total bacteria production in German cockroaches (Blattella germanica). This study examined the ability of antibiotic-treated German cockroaches to induce allergic airway inflammation and the effect of antibiotics on their lipopolysaccharide and Bla g1, 2, and 5 expression levels. Specifically, we measured the ability of German cockroach extract (with or without prior antibiotic exposure) to induce allergic inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells and a mouse model of asthma. Bacterial 16S rRNA and lipopolysaccharide levels were lower in ampicillin-treated cockroaches than in the control group. The Bla g1, Bla g2, and Bla g5 expression in ampicillin-treated cockroaches decreased at both the protein and RNA levels. In human bronchial epithelial cell lines BEAS-2B exposed to the ampicillin-treated extract, expression levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 were lower than that in the control group. The total cell count and eosinophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also lower in mice exposed to the ampicillin-treated extract than in those exposed to normal cockroach extract. Mouse lung histopathology showed reduced immune cell infiltration and mucus production in the ampicillin group. Our results showed that ampicillin treatment reduced the symbiont bacterial population and major allergen levels in German cockroaches, leading to reduced airway inflammation in mice. These results can facilitate the preparation of protein extracts for immunotherapy or diagnostics applications.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.409-415
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• 2007

Allergy skin prick test and intradermal test represent one of the major tools in the diagnosis of IgE-mediated diseases like as atopic asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food and drug allergy, and insect bite when properly performed. Skin tests are of particular importance in fields such as allergen standardization, pharmacology, and epidemiology. Even if skin tests seem easy to perform, adequate and proper interpretation requires well-trained physicians who can recognize the numerous factors that may modify the results of skin tests.