• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.56 no.12
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• pp.505-513
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• 2013

Because the prevalence of allergic diseases has significantly increased in recent years, understanding the causes and mechanisms of these disorders is of high importance, and intense investigations are ongoing. Current knowledge pinpoints immune tolerance mechanisms as indispensable for healthy immune response to allergens in daily life. It is evident that development and maintenance of allergen-specific T cell tolerance is of vital importance for a healthy immune response to allergens. Such tolerance can be gained spontaneously by dose-dependent exposures to allergens in nature or by allergen-specific immunotherapy. Allergen-specific immunotherapy induces regulatory T cells with the capacity to secrete interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-${\beta}$, limits activation of effector cells of allergic inflammation (such as mast cells and basophils), and switches antibody isotype from IgE to the noninflammatory type IgG4. Although allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only method of tolerance induction in allergic individuals, several factors, such as long duration of treatment, compliance problems, and life-threatening side effects, have limited widespread applicability of this immunomodulatory treatment. To overcome these limitations, current research focuses on the introduction of allergens in more efficient and safer ways. Defining the endotypes and phenotypes of allergic diseases might provide the ability to select ideal patients, and novel biomarkers might ensure new custom-tailored therapy modalities.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.9-15
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• 2013

Objectives : The root of Codonopsis pilosula (Fr.) Nannf. (Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix) has been traditionally used as a oriental medicine with an anti-thrombotic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-gastric ulcer effects and immunological adjuvant. In this study, we investigated the effect of 70% ethanol extract of Codonopsis Pilosulae Radix (CPR-E) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic responses in mice. Methods : Mice were sensitized (1, 8, and 15 days) with OVA and airway challenged(22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 days) to induced allergic responses. CPR-E extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/body weight was orally administered from days 21 to 30 consecutively. The levels of allergic mediators such as histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and Th1/Th2 cytokines such as IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-4 were measured in the sera of mice by ELISA. The histological change of lung tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results : CPR-E extract significantly decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE, and IL-4 compared with those of OVA control group, but significantly increased the serum level of IFN-${\gamma}$. Based on H&E staining, CPR-E extract inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues with histological changes. Conclusions : These results indicate that CPR-E extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic responses through regulating the cytokine balance, suggesting that the extract may be useful for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1273-1278
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• 2009

This study aimed to evaluate the potential allergenicity of Cry proteins in insect-resistant genetically modified (GM) maizes (Bt11, MON810, and MON863) using serum screening tests. Serum samples were obtained from Korean children (0-15 years old) with allergic symptoms who had positive maize-specific IgE. The levels of serum specific IgE was measured by the Phadia ImmunoCAP system and considered as positive when they are 0.35 kU/L or higher. Cry proteins (Cry1Ab in Bt11, mCry1Ab in MON810, and Cry3Bb1 in MON863) were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified for serum screening. The reactivity of purified Cry proteins was confirmed by IgE immunoblots in 50 patients (maize-sensitized patients). There was no reaction between Cry proteins and sera from maize-sensitized patients. Our results suggest that these Cry proteins are not likely to cause allergic reactions. Further studies using more sera from patients with true clinical allergies are needed to evaluate the potential allergenicity of novel proteins in GM maize.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1071-1077
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• 2017

A rise in the occurrence of allergic diseases is attributed to the dysregulated balance of type 1/type 2 immunity, where type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells predominate over type 1 T-helper (Th1) cells, leading to an abnormally increased production of IgE in response to unharmful antigens. Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is a rich source of beneficial lactic acid bacteria. In this study, we investigated the ability of Enterococcus faecium FC-K derived from kimchi to induce type I immunity in the presence of Th2 polarizing conditions in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with E. faecium FC-K induced the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12. Under the in vitro Th2 conditions in which splenic T cells were activated in the presence of IL-4, E. faecium FC-K enhanced the ability of T cells to produce interferon $(IFN)-{\gamma}$. Using the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model, male BALB/c mice receiving E. faecium FC-K reduced the serum level of total IgE, but not that of OVA-specific IgE. Furthermore, the population of activated splenic B cells during OVA immunization was decreased in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice, accounting for a reduction of total IgE in the serum. Restimulating splenocytes from OVA-immunized mice with OVA ex vivo resulted in an increased production of $IFN-{\gamma}$, with no effect on IL-4, in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice. These observations provide the evidence that E. faecium FC-K can be a beneficial probiotic strain that can modulate the Th2-mediated pathologic response.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.11
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• pp.348-354
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the causes, symptoms, and complications of hypoproteinemia to prevent hypoproteinemia and provide appropriate treatment to children with atopic dermatitis. Methods: Children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis with hypoproteinemia and/or hypoalbuminemia were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' medical records, including family history, weight, symptoms, treatment, complications, and laboratory test results for allergies and skin cultures, were examined. Results: Twenty-six patients (24 boys) were enrolled. Seven cases had growth retardation; 7, keratoconjunctivitis; 6, aural discharges; 5, eczema herpeticum; 4, gastrointestinal tract symptoms; and 2, developmental delays. In 21 cases, topical steroids were not used. According to the blood test results, the median values of each parameter were elevated: total IgE, 1,864 U/mL; egg white-specific IgE, $76.5kU_A/L$; milk IgE, $20.5kU_A/L$; peanut IgE, $30kU_A/L$; eosinophil count, $5,810/{\mu}L$; eosinophil cationic protein, $93.45{\mu}g/L$; and platelet count, $666.5{\times}10^3/{\mu}L$. Serum albumin and total protein levels decreased to 2.7 g/dL and 4.25 g/dL, respectively. Regarding electrolyte abnormality, 10 patients had hyponatremia, and 12, hyperkalemia. Systemic antibiotics were used to treat all cases, and an antiviral agent was used in 12 patients. Electrolyte correction was performed in 8 patients. Conclusion: Hypoproteinemia accompanying atopic dermatitis is common in infants younger than 1 year and may occur because of topical steroid treatment continuously being declined or because of eczema herpeticum. It may be accompanied by growth retardation, keratoconjunctivitis, aural discharge, and eczema herpeticum and can be managed through skin care and topical steroid application without intravenous albumin infusion.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.7-15
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• 2004

Background: The heat shock proteins (HSPs) play an important role in cellular protection mechanisms against physical or chemical stresses. In this study scFv antibodies specific for human HSP70.1 were isolated from a semi-synthetic human scFv library with the ultimate goal of developing anti-HSP70.1 intracellular antibody (intrabody) that may offer an attractive alternative to gene targeting to study the function of the protein in cells. Methods: A semi-synthetic human scFv display library ($5{\times}10^{8}$ size) was constructed using pCANTAB-5E vector and the selection of the library against bacterially expressed recombinant human HSP70.1 was attempted by panning. Results: Three positive clones specific for recombinant HSP70.1 were identified. All three clones used $V_{H}$ subgroup III. On the other hand, $V_{L}$ of two clones belonged to the kappa light chain subgroup I, but the other utilized $V_{k}$ subgroup IV Interestingly, these scFv molecules specifically reacted to the recombinant HSP70.1, yet failed to recognize native HSP70 induced in U937 human monocytic cells by heat treatment. Conclusion: Our results indicated that affinity selection of an scFv phage display library using recombinant antigens produced in E. coli might not guarantee the isolation of scFv antibody molecules specific for a native form of the antigen. Therefore, the source of target antigens needs to be chosen carefully in order to isolate biofunctional antibody molecules.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.20-35
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• 2008

Objective : This study was designed to investigate the effects of Curcuma longa Rhizoma(CLR) on asthma. Methods : Detecting splenocyte proliferation rates, cytokines and antigen specific antibody isotypes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In addition, the present author I also investigated changes in spleen and histopathological changes of lung tissues. Results : Oral administration of CLR lowered spleen weight and splenocyte proliferation rates. In addition, levels of IL-4, IL-17A and Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor(GM-CSF), Th2 driven cytokines, were lowered respectively and IFN-g, and Th1 driven cytokine, were elevated by CLR. Levels of Ovalbumin(OVA) specific IgE and IgGl in BALF were also lowered by oral administration of CLR too. Conclusion : CLR is useful to treat patients with asthma and the mechanisms are related to the in suppression of Th2 skewing reactions.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.38-54
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• 2008

Objective : This study was designed to investigated effects of Pinelliae Rizoma (PR) on asthma Methods : Detecting antigen specific antibody isotypes, cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In addition, the present author also investigated changes in weight of spleen and proliferation rates of splenocytes. Finally, histopathological observation of the lung tissue was also investigated. Results : Oral administration of PR lowered OVA specific IgE levels in serum, IgG1 levels in serum and BALF. PR also decreased production levels of IL-4 in BALF. In addition, total cells in BALF were decreased by oral administration of PR effectively. In histapathological observation, PR group showed downward tendency of inflammatory cell infiltration around small vessels. Conclusion : PR is useful to treat patients with asthma and the mechanisms are related in suppression of Th2 skewing reactions.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.267-272
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• 2012

This study evaluated the change in anti-allergy activity of ${\beta}-glucan$ by electron beam irradiation. ${\beta}-Glucan$ was irradiated at dose of 50 kGy and then orally pre-treated with electron beam irradiated and non irradiated ${\beta}-Glucan$ for 7 days. After pre-treatment, allergy was induced by injection of ovalbumin (OVA). Serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and OVA-specific IgE levels in the allergic mice was significantly increased but the mice pre-treated 50 kGy electron beam irradiated ${\beta}-glucan$ was significantly decreased the levels of total IgE and OVA-specific IgE, respectively. Moreover, cytokine production (interleukin-4) was also decreased in the 50 kGy electron beam irradiated ${\beta}-Glucan$ pre-treated mice. These results indicate that pre-treatment of 50 kGy electron beam irradiated ${\beta}-glucan$ may elevate the anti-allergy activity. Therefore, electron beam-irradiated ${\beta}-glucan$ could be used for nutraceutical foods in food industry.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.425-433
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• 2004

Background : Induction of oral tolerance (OT) has been known to prevent allergic inflammation in acute asthma model within 4 weeks. However it is remained whether induction of OT may effectively prevent allergic inflammation in chronic asthma model over 4 weeks. We observed the effect of induction of OT on allergic inflammation and airway remodeling in chronic asthma model up to 8 weeks. Methods : 5-week-old female BALB/c mice divided into 4 groups-control group, asthma group, low dose OT group, and high dose OT group. To induce oral tolerance mice were fed ovalbumin (OVA) before sensitization with OVA and aluminum hydroxide-1 mg for 6 consecutive days in the low dose OT group and 25 mg once in the high dose OT group. Mice in the asthma group were fed phosphate buffered saline instead of OVA. After sensitization followed by repeated challenge with aerosolized 1% OVA during 6 weeks, enhanced pause (Penh), inflammatory cells, IL-13, and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids as well as OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels in serum were measured. In addition the degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and peribronchial fibrosis were observed from lung tissues by PAS and Masson's trichrome stain. Results : Both OT groups showed a significant decrease in Penh, inflammatory cells, IL-13, and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels in BAL fluids as well as OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels in serum compared with the asthma group (P<0.05). In addition, the degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and peribronchial fibrosis were significantly attenuated in both OT groups compared with the asthma group (P<0.01). Conclusion : These results suggest that induction of OT may effectively prevent allergic inflammation as well as airway remodeling even in chronic asthma model up to 8 weeks.