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Antibody therapy reduces asthma in mice

Researchers have found that C5aR blockade promotes Th2 sensitization upon first exposure to inhaled allergen, while during established inflammation suppresses the cardinal features of asthma. This study provides new insights into the role of the anaphylatoxin C5a receptor in type 2 immunity and asthma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2006

JCI table of contents: March 1, 2006

Researchers block C5a receptor to prevent or induce asthma-like symptoms in mice, identifying mechanism by which C5aR signaling prevents response. C5aR blockade also reduces severity of asthma-like symptoms after allergen exposure.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2006

JCI table of contents, February 23, 2006

Researchers found that a protein called alpha4-beta1 integrin promotes the homing of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells to tumor-associated blood vessels. Inhibiting this process could be useful in suppressing new blood vessel formation in tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 23, 2006

New study on childhood asthma shows home-based interventions are cost-effective

A new study shows that home-based environmental interventions can significantly reduce asthma symptoms and healthcare costs in children. The program, which targeted six major allergen classes, resulted in a 19% decrease in unscheduled clinic visits and a 13% reduction in albuterol inhaler use.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 11, 2005

Bleach found to neutralize mold allergens

Researchers at National Jewish Health conducted the first human studies on bleach's ability to neutralize mold allergens. The study showed that dilute household bleach solutions significantly reduced allergic health effects in patients with Aspergillus allergies.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 22, 2005

Day care settings are a significant source of indoor allergens

A recent study found that day care centers are a major source of indoor allergens, with detectable levels of various allergens present in every facility. The study also discovered significant differences between carpeted and non-carpeted surfaces, with lower concentrations of allergens on non-carpeted surfaces.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 1, 2005

Suppressing the cells that trigger cat allergy

Researchers from Imperial College London identified a population of T cells that can suppress the proliferation of allergen-reactive T cells in vitro. This finding suggests a potential new approach to treating cat allergy, which has become more frequent in industrialized countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 28, 2005

Cockroach allergens have greatest impact on childhood asthma in many US cities

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that cockroach allergens are a primary contributor to childhood asthma in inner-city home environments. The study suggests that general cleaning practices, extermination techniques, and maintenance methods can reduce allergen levels.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 8, 2005

Sniffing out the culprits of dust allergies

A team of scientists has developed a novel method to detect the culprits behind dust allergies, using PNA-encoded protease substrate microarrays. This innovative approach reveals the specific proteins responsible for triggering allergic reactions in humans, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying dust allergy.

SourceCell Press·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateOct 15, 2004

Changes in home environment can reduce asthma symptoms in inner-city children

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that reducing allergens and tobacco smoke in the home can significantly reduce asthma symptoms in African-American and Hispanic children. The research involved over 900 children aged 5-11, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 8, 2004

Pollen-blocking cream may help reduce allergy symptoms

Researchers found that a new ointment, applied inside the nose, significantly reduced symptom scores in patients with allergic rhinitis. The treatment improved airflow by nearly 20 percent and reduced symptoms by about 60 percent compared to a placebo.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateAug 16, 2004

New tests for nut allergens

Researchers have developed new tests that can detect trace amounts of common tree nut allergens, such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts. These tests could lead to more accurate food labeling and reduced risk of cross-contamination in processed foods.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJun 17, 2004

National study shows 82 percent of U.S. homes have mouse allergens

A recent study by Cohn et al. found that 82 percent of U.S. homes contain mouse allergens, with kitchen floors being the most contaminated area. The study, conducted across the entire country, highlights the need for clinicians to consider rodent and cockroach problems as risk factors when treating allergy and asthma patients.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 8, 2004

Common airborne substance makes asthmatics more sensitive to house dust mites: study

A new study from the University of North Carolina Health Care found that exposure to ozone and endotoxin can make asthmatics more sensitive to house dust mites, worsening their symptoms. The research involved 14 participants with mild asthma who inhaled low levels of endotoxin, followed by an allergen challenge test.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 9, 2003

JCI table of contents, 1 August 2003

Researchers found that 8 out of 20 commonly used NSAIDs can selectively lower Abeta42 levels in mice, with flurbiprofen showing the most promise. Additionally, studies revealed increased T cell reactivity to Abeta protein in older humans and patients with Alzheimer's disease, which could inform the design of future vaccines.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2003

Two major food allergy firsts in North America

A new study reveals that peanut allergies are on the rise in Quebec, affecting approximately 1.5% of Montreal schoolchildren, compared to previous estimates of 0.5%. The Association québécoise des allergies alimentaires has also launched a certification program for allergen-free food products.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for February (first issue)

A new study found that caregivers with higher perceived stress levels had infants who experienced more wheezing episodes during the first 14 months of life. Additionally, exposure to German cockroach allergen was associated with increased risk of asthma attacks in susceptible children. Researchers also developed a molecular model of th...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2002

Potential allergy vaccine boosts hope for sufferers

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a potential allergy vaccine using a modified rye grass protein that reduces allergenic response while boosting immune system. The vaccine, delivered in its pure form, may significantly reduce risk of anaphylactic shock and increase immunotherapy efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateFeb 6, 2002

Race Plus Roaches: A Breathtaking Link

Research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center reveals that African-American children are 16.4 times more likely than Caucasian children to be sensitive to cockroach allergens, highlighting the link between race and asthma. The study also found that poor children and those from urban areas are more susceptible to roach infestation.