CD23, the low-affinity immunoglobulin (Ig)E receptor (FcepsilonRII), is widely distributed on the surface of various human cells. CD23 mediates numerous IgE-related immune responses (including allergen focusing) by enhancing IgE antigen complex presentation, regulating IgE synthesis, influencing cell differentiation and growth of both B- and T-cells, and stimulating production of pro-inflammatory mediators from monocytes/macrophages, eosinophils, and even airway smooth muscle cells. Both membrane and soluble CD23 play an important role in allergic reactions. Cellular contacts and cytokines modulate its expression in a concerted manner as needed for allergic reactions. Expression of CD23 and soluble CD23 has been associated with allergic diseases. Targeting CD23 with monoclonal antibody (MAb) is a promising candidate therapy in allergic diseases. A newly developed agent known as Lumiliximab, which is an anti-CD23 MAb (Lumiliximab), was demonstrated to be a well-tolerated agent in a phase I clinical trial (a placebo-controlled study with allergic asthma). Adverse events were mild, and no relationship was apparent between the dose of Lumilixilab and the frequency, severity, or type of event. Sustained and dose-dependent decreases in mean serum total IgE concentrations were noted. The serum half-life of Lumilixilab increased from 2 to 10 d with increasing doses. Blocking antigen presentation, preventing costimulation signals, and reducing production of pro-inflammatory mediators are some of the potential mechanisms involved for anti-CD23 activity. Although the safety and clinical efficacy of Lumilixilab in allergic asthma and rhinitis require confirmation, the observed data imply that anti-CD23 is a promising candidate therapy option for future treatment of allergic diseases.
Since many allergens have been identified in these fungal species, identifying and controlling these fungal species in asthmatic homes might be expected to improve asthma care and benefit asthmatic children.
Positive thermal anomalies about one month before the 3 September 2010 <i>M</i><sub>w</sub> = 7.1 New Zealand earthquake and "coincidental" quasi-synchronous fluctuations of GPS displacement were reported. Whether there were similar phenomena associated with the aftershocks? To answer it, the following was investigated: multiple parameters including surface and near-surface air temperature, surface latent heat flux, GPS displacement and soil moisture, using a long-term statistical analysis method. We found that local thermal and deformation anomalies appeared quasi-synchronously in three particular tectonic zones, not only about one month before the mainshock, but also tens of days before the 21 February 2011 <i>M</i><sub>w</sub> = 6.3 aftershock, and that the time series of soil moisture on the epicenter pixel had obvious peaks on most of the anomalous days. Based on local tectonic geology, hydrology and meteorology, the particular lithosphere-coversphere-atmosphere coupling mode is interpreted and four mechanisms (magmatic-hydrothermal fluids upwelling, soil moisture increasing, underground pore gases leaking, and positive holes activating and recombining) are discussed
Asthma and allergic diseases are believed to be complex genetic diseases which may result from the interaction of multiple genetic factors and environmental stimuli. In past decades, great efforts have been exerted in unraveling their genetic basis. The strategies in discovering genes and genetic variants, confirming their importance in pathogenesis of asthma and allergic diseases, as well as their strengths and limitations are summarized comprehensively and concisely. The current consensus about the genetic basis of asthma and allergic diseases is briefly described as well.
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