Immunological Aspects of Allergy and Allergic Diseases

Immunological Aspects of Allergy and Allergic Diseases PDF

Author: E. Rajka

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-11-11

Total Pages: 205

ISBN-13: 1461572371

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SPECIFICITY It is a basic assumption that, for reasons unknown, the constituents of the human body may become antigenic, and then the patient produces antibodies against them. Some autoantibodies are tissue specific (e.g. haemolytic anaemia, pernicious anaemia) whereas others are non-tissue specific (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus). To prove 'autoimmunity' in the strict sense is not an easy task. In any event, the outcome of antigenic stimulation-whether antibody formation or tolerance-seems to depend on the same factors for autoantigens as it does for any other antigen [146]. Rabbits rendered tolerant to bovine serum albumin respond to immunization with human serum albumin, and in doing so frequently produce antibodies that react with bovine serum albumin, which means the termination of tolerance. This is of special interest as a model of autoimmune disease since natural tolerance of body constituents might be terminated by immunization with a cross-reactive antigen from the environment (266]. It cannot be overemphasized how difficult it could be, at least in several in stances, to delineate specific from non-specific events in any immunological pro cess. Cyclic AMP may be one of the examples for non-specific inducers, whereas thymopoietin (25a ], for instance, induces only the differentiation of cells with thymus-specific antigens. The participation of cells recruited by lymphokines also represents non-specific amplification. Lymphocytes of unrelated specificity con tinue to accumulate in experimental autoimmune inflammation after elimination of the specifically sensitized cells that initiated the inflammation [262].

Immunological and Clinical Aspects of Allergy

Immunological and Clinical Aspects of Allergy PDF

Author: M.H. Lessof

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 440

ISBN-13: 9401162174

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In the scientific aspects of immunology, the pace of advance has been almost overwhelming, but with some notable exceptions, clinical benefits have been slow. For those who are interested in allergy, the situation has been somewhat different. Here, the scientific aspects have lagged sadly behind other branches of immunology. There has, however, been a recent explosion of knowledge, which began with the discovery of immunoglobulin E, and a curious situation has come to light. The speculations of the older allergists, which had often been derided as mere inventions, now appear to be largely true. A number of 'preposterous' hypotheses have acquired the respectability that comes with scientific proof and the entire field is now full of excitement and challenge. It is no longer doubted that 'reaginic' antibody can sensitize cells that reside beneath the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. Skin prick tests with 'hair of the tail of the dog' have been legitimized by correlating them with the carefully validated results of radioallergosorbent tests. It has furthermore been shown beyond doubt that immunotherapy with increasing amounts of bee venom really can 'hyposensitize' patients who have previously suffered anaphylactic reactions to bee stings. This book has been published in the hope that, in the field of allergy, it will bridge the gap between basic science and the clinical application.

Cellular, Molecular, and Clinical Aspects of Allergic Disorders

Cellular, Molecular, and Clinical Aspects of Allergic Disorders PDF

Author: Sudhir Gupta

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-11-11

Total Pages: 637

ISBN-13: 1468409883

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Impressive progress has been made in the general field of immunology which has made possible new understanding and pragmatic approaches to the patient with allergic disease. Indeed, one working in the field of immunology senses a major revolution of immunobiologic thinking, much of which has relevance to the clinical practice of allergy. To the practicing allergist, pediatrician, or internist who must deal with allergic patients, the surging new information may seem confusing and bewildering. As part of our comprehensive series on modern immunobiology which aims to digest this progress, we believe it is appropriate to devote an entire volume to the fundamental principles, new knowledge, and clinical lore on which the modern practice of allergy must be based. In the present volume we strive to bring together relevant contributions from leaders in the field of immunobiology with those whose work stands at the forefront of clinical practice. The advancing understanding has in numerous instances reached the point of clinical application, and we have tried to encompass in this volume the entire scope of modern allergy.

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