CD-sens seems to be very useful for the determination of a patient's allergen sensitivity and should be evaluated for the measurement and monitoring of anti-IgE treatment efficacy. CD-max, the conventional approach to basophil allergen challenge, which mirrors cell reactivity, gives incorrect information.

Transfused IgE antibodies will sensitize mast cells and basophils to CD-sens levels similar to those of allergic patients. The recipients expressed 'slow' or 'rapid' CD-sens decline, indicating two different basophil populations. After transfusion of plasma with >10 kU(A)/l IgE antibody the recipient could have allergen reactive basophils for up to 7 weeks.

IgE-sensitization to SUX, MOR and PHO was detected in Norway but not in Sweden. One possible explanation is the unrestricted use of cough mixtures containing MOR derivatives in Norway.

Most of the patients in this study had, still 3 years after closing of 6 years Xolair treatment, a surprisingly mild and stable asthma. Interestingly, the observed, considerable, downregulation of basophil allergen sensitivity, CD-sens, most likely representing mast cell allergen sensitivity, contributed to the clinical results.

One hundred and sixty-two women with respiratory allergy to animal danders and/or pollens were randomly allocated to a diet consisting of either a very low ingestion of hens' egg and cows' milk or a daily ingestion of one hens' egg and about 11 of cows' milk during the last 3 months of pregnancy. One hundred and sixty-three infants were followed prospectively up to 18 months of age when the cumulated incidence of atopic disease in each child was evaluated blindly. No significant differences in the distribution of atopic disease were found among the infants in relation to the maternal diet during late pregnancy. The numbers of skin-prick tests positive to ovalbumin, ovomucoid, beta-lactoglobulin and cows' milk were likewise not influenced by differences in the maternal diet during late pregnancy. Genetic factors rather than maternal diet during the perinatal period probably have a greater effect on the incidence of atopic diseases during early infancy.

CD-sens and ABA, in contrast to basophil reactivity, seem to be promising tools to monitor protective immune responses initiated by ASIT.

The currently recommended doses of Xolair very efficiently eliminate IgE antibodies if the IgE antibody fraction is <1% of total IgE but has not enough effect on allergen sensitivity if the fraction is >3-4%. Further studies will show if increased doses of Xolair would help also these patients, who seem to represent about 1/3 of the patient population.

Most of the patients 12-14 months had, after closing of 6-year Xolair treatment, a surprisingly mild asthma. Interestingly, and probably contributing to the clinical results, a downregulation of basophil, and presumably also mast cell, reactivity, was seen.