Dialysable leukocyte extracts (DLE) are complexes consisting of a large number of low-molecular-weight substances. These extracts have immunomodulatory properties, which are mainly attributed to small peptides commonly referred to as 'transfer factor'. This review focuses on the characteristics of DLE with transfer factor activity, together with the methods for their preparation and purification. The opportunities for applying the extracts for immunotherapy purposes against various diseases in humans and domestic animals are also discussed. Their ease of preparation and relatively low cost combined with the rapid positive effect they produce will make DLE subject to application in medicine in the future, including their use against new nosological entities.
CC-chemokines are important mediators of the allergic responses and regulate the cell trafficking. The aim of this study was to examine the serum levels of CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β and CCL5/RANTES, and to determine whether there are differences between ragweed-allergic subjects and healthy individuals out of the pollen season. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 24 subjects allergic to ragweed pollen and 12 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of chemokines/cytokines were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We observed significantly decreased concentrations of CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β and CCL5/RANTES in the sera of ragweed-allergic patients compared to the healthy individuals (32.2 vs. 106.4 pg/ml, 89.5 vs. 135.7 pg/ml, 63.4 vs. 119.2 pg/ml and 11.2 vs. 18.1 ng/ml, respectively, p < 0.01). In contrast to the CC-chemokines, the serum levels of IL-8/CXCL8 showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the allergic group compared to the non-allergic subjects. Interleukin 4 levels were similar in both groups. In the sera of allergic patients, we have also detected significantly elevated levels of ragweed-specific IgE and IgG. However, decreased serum concentrations of the four CC-chemokines and elevated levels of IL-8/CXCL8 can be used as biomarkers for more accurate evaluation of the allergic status of patients with pollen allergy out of the season, to study the mechanisms for activation/inhibition of the subclinical allergic responses and for development of therapeutic strategies.
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