Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of ABPA in a human individual comprise determining if the individual carries antibodies reactive with one or more ABPA-related recombinant allergens, which one or more ABPA-related recombinant allergens discriminate between ABPA and allergic sensitization to A. fumigatus. Suitable allergens include rAsp F4, rAsp F6, rAsp F8, and ABPA-related fragments thereof which bind with IgE or IgG antibody.

Abstract: This invention is related to the protein chip for allergy diagnosis and the detection method for allergen antibodies. The protein chip of this invention is a solid chip with one crude protein attached to each spot, isolated from various kinds of allergen. By reacting those plates with the sample of allergic patients, the various allergen can be detected at the same time, and the kinds of antibodies related with the allergic reactions caused by the certain allergens.

Abstract: Novel cell surface molecules recognized by monoclonal antibodies against a cell surface molecule of lymphocytic cells that play an important role in autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases have been isolated, identified, and analyzed for their functions. The cell surface molecules are expressed specifically in thymocytes, lymphocytes activated by ConA-stimulation, and peripheral blood lymphocytes, and induce cell adhesion. Antibodies against the cell surface molecules significantly ameliorate pathological conditions of autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method comprising subjecting a test site of a responsive system to a primary challenge; subjecting the same test site to a secondary challenge, wherein the secondary challenge is designed to enhance and/or prolong a response of the responsive system to the primary challenge, without confounding the response nor altering the mechanism by which the primary challenge elicits a response from the responsive system; and assessing the response subsequent to the secondary challenge. The methods claimed herein also preferably comprise the additional step(s) of subjecting test site(s) to one or more pre-challenge intervention(s) and/or post-challenge intervention(s) and/or concurrent-challenge intervention(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to new non-therapeutic methods allowing the level of skin neurosensitivity and/or the state of neurosensorial skin reactivity of an individual to be evaluated by applying a peripheral nervous system stimulant to one skin area, the method being implemented under conditions of safety and comfort acceptable for the user, irrespective of his or her skin type.

Abstract: A 30 kDa ragweed complete pollen extract disulfide protein allergen has been purified from ragweed pollen. IgE immunoblots with sera of ragweed, walnut and ryegrass sensitive patients indicated that the 30 kDa protein is a major allergen. The 30 kDa protein finds use in allergy testing and immunotherapy regimens.

Abstract: Disclosed are major allergenic proteins in cashew nut, which are legumin-like proteins and 2S albumins. Also disclosed is a polypeptide allergen in the 7S superfamily, which includes vicilin-like and sucrose binding proteins. Several linear epitopes of the cashew nut are identified and characterized. The invention further discloses the sequence of cDNA encoding the allergenic polypeptide, the allergen being designated Ana o 1, and also describes the characterization of the expressed recombinant polypeptide and associated methods employing the polypeptide.

Abstract: A purified Ig-E binding immunogenic polypeptide the amino acid sequence of which consists of SEQ ID NO:1 is disclosed. The purified amino acid sequence is a major allergen of the walnut Juglans regia. Also described are a diagnostic test kit and use of the purified polypeptide in tests for identifying patients having an allergy to walnuts. Mutations of the disclosed polypeptide, as well as nucleic acid sequences encoding therefor are claimed as part of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for assessing immunocompetence, cellular or humoral immunity, antigen exposure, or allergic conditions in an individual by accelerating diagnostic particles into a target skin site in the individual are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microfluidized lysate preparations of Leishmania parasites and methods of making thereof. Also disclosed are methods of using the microfluidized lysate preparations in skin test antigen assays as well as kits comprising the microfluidized lysate preparations. The microfluidized lysate preparations are made under current good manufacturing practice and may therefore be standardized and such preparations may be produced with consistently.

Abstract: It is described a process for the preparation of ECP from nasal mucosa of a subject; the ECP protein so obtainable; and a method for monitoring the phlogosis from allergic reaction of a subject.

Abstract: A chemokine receptor binds to MCP-1, MIP-1&agr; and/or RANTES. It can be used in screening for agents which act as antagonists to MCP-1, MIP-1&agr; and/or RANTES. Such agents may be useful in treating various disorders, including allergies, atheromas and diseases mediated by viruses. They may also be useful in preventing graft rejection and in protecting stem cells from potentially damaging effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract: A method and kit for determining candidates for immunotherapy, for monitoring the effect of immunotherapy and analysis of cell mediated immunity functionality in a patient who needs immunotherapy is provided. The method includes performing two intracutaneous skin tests and reading the skin test after twenty-four hours. One skin test is the administration of a mitogen such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (ConA), pokeweed antigen (PWA) and other mitogens as known in the art. The PHA skin test responses reflect the ability of the T-lymphocytes which are present to react to PHA and to release cytokines like IL-2 and induce a monocyte/macrophage infiltration leading to the DTH dermal reaction which is observed in the skin test characteristic of the afferent limb response of the immune system. The NCM (mitogen-stimulated natural cytokine mixture) skin test reflects the ability of preformed T-cell cytokines to induce the monocyte/macrophage accumulation characteristic of the efferent limb response.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae soluble protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of evaluating the immunological status of a subject comprising the steps of 1) determining the content of an antibody in a liquid sample from the subject using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the presence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 1, 2) determining the content of an antibody in the liquid sample using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the absence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 2, and 3) interrelating measurements 1 and 2 to express the interference and using the interference as a parameter for evaluating the immunological status of the subje

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring local reactions, such as inflammatory responses, associated with injection sites. The method is performed using a temporary tattoo, which is transferred from a substrate to the skin of a subject, to measure the local reaction to an injection. A kit is also disclosed that can be used to perform the disclosed method. One example of the method includes transferring from the substrate to the subject's skin a temporary tattoo having a plurality of concentric rings and using the rings to measure the local reaction. For example, if the local reaction exceeds the boundary of the largest ring, the local reaction is considered clinically significant and additional medical interventions may be sought.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a systemic or autoimmune disorder and methods for treating the same by inducing the production of or otherwise providing an autoantibody that recognizes a skin basement membrane component.

Abstract: Skin prick test for the determination of the predisposition of an individual to develop marginal periodontitis, said kit comprising: (a) a first reagent containing a known quantity of a surface structure common to anaerobic Gram negative pathogens which is capable of triggering the inflammatory response associated with periodontitis and gingivitis; (b) second reagent containing an agonist to said individual; (c) a negative control; and (d) instructions for the use of said kit; and a method for such determination of predisposition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of establishing the origin of useful animals, in particular cattle, pigs and the like. This method comprises the following steps: a) the live animal is marked biologically by applying at least one antigen which is harmless to the animal and humans: and b) the specific antibodies formed by the application of the at least one antigen are identified by means of an enzymimmunological or immunochemical detection process.