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Koehler U, Hildebrandt O, Walliczek U, Höhle L, Weissflog A, Heselhaus J, Kerzel S, Urban C, Sohrabi K, Gross V. Was ist für die Diagnostik und Therapieverlaufskontrolle von chronischem Husten wichtig? Pneumologie 2015; 69:588-94. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1392616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Rogosch T, Kerzel S, Dey F, Wagner JJ, Zhang Z, Maier RF, Zemlin M. IgG4 and IgE transcripts in childhood allergic asthma reflect divergent antigen-driven selection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:5801-8. [PMID: 25385824 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The physiologic function of the "odd" Ab IgG4 remains enigmatic. IgG4 mediates immunotolerance, as, for example, during specific immunotherapy of allergies, but it mediates tissue damage in autoimmune pemphigus vulgaris and "IgG4-related disease." Approximately half of the circulating IgG4 molecules are bispecific owing to their unique ability to exchange half-molecules. Better understanding of the interrelation between IgG4 and IgE repertoires may yield insight into the pathogenesis of allergies and into potential novel therapies that modulate IgG4 responses. We aimed to compare the selective forces that forge the IgG4 and IgE repertoires in allergic asthma. Using an IgG4-specific RT-PCR, we amplified, cloned, and sequenced IgG4 H chain transcripts of PBMCs from 10 children with allergic asthma. We obtained 558 functional IgG4 sequences, of which 286 were unique. Compared with previously published unique IgE transcripts from the same blood samples, the somatic mutation rate was significantly enhanced in IgG4 transcripts (62 versus 83%; p < 0.001), whereas fewer IgG4 sequences displayed statistical evidence of Ag-driven selection (p < 0.001). On average, the hypervariable CDRH3 region was four nucleotides shorter in IgG4 than in IgE transcripts (p < 0.001). IgG4 transcripts in the circulation of children with allergic asthma reflect some characteristics of classical Ag-driven B2 immune responses but display less indication of Ag selection than do IgE transcripts. Although allergen-specific IgG4 can block IgE-mediated allergen presentation and degranulation of mast cells, key factors that influence the Ag-binding properties of the Ab differ between the overall repertoires of circulating IgG4- and IgE-expressing cells.
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Schieck M, Michel S, Suttner K, Illig T, Zeilinger S, Franke A, Vogelberg C, von Berg A, Bufe A, Heinzmann A, Laub O, Rietschel E, Simma B, Frischer T, Genuneit J, Kerzel S, Kabesch M. Genetic variation in TH17 pathway genes, childhood asthma, and total serum IgE levels. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 133:888-91. [PMID: 24184148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Rogosch T, Kerzel S, Hoss K, Hoersch G, Zemlin C, Heckmann M, Berek C, Schroeder HW, Maier RF, Zemlin M. IgA response in preterm neonates shows little evidence of antigen-driven selection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:5449-56. [PMID: 23105134 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1103347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
After birth, contact to environmental Ags induces the production of IgA, which represents a first line of defense for the neonate. We sought to characterize the maturation of the repertoire of IgA H chain transcripts in circulating blood B cells during human ontogeny. We found that IgA H chain transcripts were present in cord blood as early as 27 wk of gestation and that the restrictions of the primary Ab repertoire (IgM) persisted in the IgA repertoire. Thus, B cells harboring more "mature" V(H) regions were not preferred for class switch to IgA. Preterm and term neonates expressed a unique IgA repertoire, which was characterized by short CDR-H3 regions, preference of the J(H) proximal D(H)7-27 gene segment, and very few somatic mutations. During the first postnatal months, these restrictions were slowly released. Preterm birth did not measurably accelerate the maturation of the IgA repertoire. At a postconceptional age of 60 wk, somatic mutation frequency of IgA H chain transcripts reached 25% of the adult values but still showed little evidence of Ag-driven selection. These results indicate that similar to IgG, the IgA repertoire expands in a controlled manner after birth. Thus, the IgA repertoire of the newborn has distinctive characteristics that differ from the adult IgA repertoire. These observations might explain the lower affinity and specificity of neonatal IgA Abs, which could contribute to a higher susceptibility to infections and altered responses to vaccinations, but might also prevent the development of autoimmune and allergic diseases.
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Rogosch T, Kerzel S, Hoi KH, Zhang Z, Maier RF, Ippolito GC, Zemlin M. Immunoglobulin analysis tool: a novel tool for the analysis of human and mouse heavy and light chain transcripts. Front Immunol 2012; 3:176. [PMID: 22754554 PMCID: PMC3384897 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequence analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy and light chain transcripts can refine categorization of B cell subpopulations and can shed light on the selective forces that act during immune responses or immune dysregulation, such as autoimmunity, allergy, and B cell malignancy. High-throughput sequencing yields Ig transcript collections of unprecedented size. The authoritative web-based IMGT/HighV-QUEST program is capable of analyzing large collections of transcripts and provides annotated output files to describe many key properties of Ig transcripts. However, additional processing of these flat files is required to create figures, or to facilitate analysis of additional features and comparisons between sequence sets. We present an easy-to-use Microsoft® Excel® based software, named Immunoglobulin Analysis Tool (IgAT), for the summary, interrogation, and further processing of IMGT/HighV-QUEST output files. IgAT generates descriptive statistics and high-quality figures for collections of murine or human Ig heavy or light chain transcripts ranging from 1 to 150,000 sequences. In addition to traditionally studied properties of Ig transcripts – such as the usage of germline gene segments, or the length and composition of the CDR-3 region – IgAT also uses published algorithms to calculate the probability of antigen selection based on somatic mutational patterns, the average hydrophobicity of the antigen-binding sites, and predictable structural properties of the CDR-H3 loop according to Shirai’s H3-rules. These refined analyses provide in-depth information about the selective forces acting upon Ig repertoires and allow the statistical and graphical comparison of two or more sequence sets. IgAT is easy to use on any computer running Excel® 2003 or higher. Thus, IgAT is a useful tool to gain insights into the selective forces and functional properties of small to extremely large collections of Ig transcripts, thereby assisting a researcher to mine a data set to its fullest.
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Kerzel S, Zemlin M, Rogosch T, Ollert M, Renz H, Klaus G, Maier RF. Plasmapheresis prior to omalizumab administration in a 15-year-old boy with severe asthma and very high IgE levels: sustained effect over 2 years. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2011; 223:356-9. [PMID: 22012605 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1287824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-IgE therapy with omalizumab is an innovative therapy option in patients with severe allergic asthma. However, many patients are excluded from this treatment due to very high serum IgE levels which lie above the weight-dependent cut-off for a reasonable omalizumab administration (700 kU/l). OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate whether a preceding plasma exchange is suitable to establish the starting basis for a subsequent anti-IgE therapy in a 15 year-old boy with steroid-resistant unstable allergic asthma whose pretreatment serum IgE levels ranged between 3 000 and 8 000 kU/l. METHODS Our aim was to create a period with relatively low IgE serum concentrations, which could be overridden by a high dose of omalizumab. 3 sessions of plasmapheresis were performed and 3×3 000 ml plasma were exchanged against albumin solution. RESULTS We removed an absolute amount of 8 650 kU total IgE. During plasmapheresis, serum IgE levels markedly declined and fell below 500 kU/l. Immediately after the third plasma exchange, we started omalizumab therapy. As expected, total IgE levels began to rise again upon cessation of plasmapheresis, and after 2 months the pre-treatment values were reached. In contrast, serum concentrations of free IgE remained stable on a level of about 80 kU/l during the whole observation period. During this period, the boy displayed a considerable improvement of asthma control and an increase in quality of life. In addition, his previously poor lung function normalized. CONCLUSIONS Plasmapheresis prior to omalizumab administration is suitable to temporarily reduce grossly elevated serum IgE levels and might facilitate anti-IgE therapy in selected patients previously considered not suitable for this therapy.
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Kerzel S, Rogosch T, Wagner J, Preisser K, Yildirim AÖ, Fehrenbach H, Garn H, Maier RF, Schroeder HW, Zemlin M. A single DH gene segment is sufficient for the establishment of an asthma phenotype in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2011; 156:247-58. [PMID: 21720170 DOI: 10.1159/000323527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously shown that the allergic sensitization to ovalbumin does not represent a superantigen-like immune response. In gene-targeted mice (ΔD-iD) with a single modified Diversity gene segment (D(H)) of the immunoglobulin heavy chain, enriched for charged amino acids, the asthma phenotype in a murine model was markedly alleviated compared to wild-type animals. OBJECTIVE We now sought to determine whether the confinement to a single D(H) gene segment alone leads to a reduced allergic phenotype. METHODS We examined another gene-targeted mouse strain (ΔD-DFL) with a single D(H) gene segment which encodes for neutral amino acids, thus reflecting the preferential repertoire in wild-type mice. Mice were sensitized intraperitoneally to ovalbumin. RESULTS Despite the constraint to a single D(H) gene segment, ΔD-DFL mice mounted high total and allergen-specific IgG(1) and IgE serum levels after sensitization to ovalbumin. The affinity constants of allergen-specific IgG(1) antibodies did not differ between ΔD-DFL and wild type. Following challenge with aerosolized allergen, a marked local T(H)2 cytokine response and an eosinophilic airway inflammation developed. Quantitative histology revealed increased mucus production and intense goblet cell metaplasia which were identical to those in wild type. Moreover, ΔD-DFL mice developed an airway hyperreactivity to methacholine and to the specific allergen, which both did not differ from those in wild-type animals. CONCLUSION A single D(H) gene segment is sufficient for the establishment of the asthma phenotype in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. Thus, the allergic phenotype depends on the amino acid composition and not on the diversity of the classical antigen-binding site.
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Rogosch T, Kerzel S, Hoß K, Hörsch G, Maier RF, Zemlin M. Postnatale Reifung des IgA Repertoires bei Frühgeborenen. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2011. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1273794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Raker V, Maxeiner J, Montermann E, Grabbe S, Taube C, Reske-Kunz A, Sudowe S, Hahn C, Mösges R, Böhm M, Becker B, Kostev K, Kothe A, Köberlein J, Koerner-Rettberg C, Heesen I, Rothoeft T, Hamelmann E, Ballmann M, Eitenmüller A, Piano L, Glowania A, Klimek L, Weber R, Hermelingmeier K, Heubach C, Koschel D, Weber CN, Höffken G, Buhl T, Meynberg H, Kaune K, Hünecke P, Schön M, Fuchs T, Pfützner W, Kneisel A, Kerzel S, Zemlin M, Kettner J, Lehnigk U, Häfner D, Narkus A. Atemwege. ALLERGO JOURNAL 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03362413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kerzel S, Rogosch T, Struecker B, Maier RF, Zemlin M. IgE transcripts in the circulation of allergic children reflect a classical antigen-driven B cell response and not a superantigen-like activation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:2253-60. [PMID: 20660349 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is the most frequent chronic disorder in childhood. Although IgE is a central effector molecule in allergic diseases, the nature of the IgE response is still under debate. The objective of our study was to clarify whether the IgE repertoire in the circulation of allergic children represents a classical Ag-driven and oligoclonal B cell response, a superantigen-like activation of a subset of B cells, or a polyclonal B-1 cell expansion. Using a highly sensitive RT-PCR method, we amplified, cloned, and sequenced IgE H chain transcripts from 13 children with allergic asthma. We gained 1366 functional IgE sequences, which currently represent the most extensive collection of human IgE transcripts. Compared to IgM transcripts from the same children, the somatic mutation rate was significantly enhanced in IgE transcripts (21 per thousand versus 72 per thousand; p < 0.001), which renders a polyclonal B-1 response unlikely. Moreover, IgE sequences displayed significantly enhanced Ag selection and hence were indicative of a classical Ag-driven immune response with affinity maturation (p < 0.001). In contrast to several recent studies, the usage pattern of variable gene segment of the H Ig chain in IgE transcripts followed the germline complexity, arguing against a superantigen-like interaction. We conclude that IgE transcripts in the circulation of children with allergic asthma reflect a classical adaptive B-2 cell response. This study provides reference data for a better characterization of the IgE response under immunomodulating therapies, such as anti-IgE therapy or allergen-specific immunotherapy.
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Rogosch T, Kerzel S, Sikula L, Gentil K, Liebetruth M, Schlingmann KP, Maier RF, Zemlin M. Plasma Cells and Nonplasma B Cells Express Differing IgE Repertoires in Allergic Sensitization. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:4947-54. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0900859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Michels J, Kerzel S, Gronow A, Maier RF, Haas H, Zemlin M. Das „Interleukin–4-induzierende Prinzip“ von Schistosoma mansoni-Eiern (IPSE) ist ein B-Zell-Superantigen. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Rogosch T, Kerzel S, Sikula L, Schlingmann KP, Maier RF, Zemlin M. Plasmazellen und Gedächtnis-B-Zellen exprimieren nach allergischer Sensibilisierung unterschiedliche Immunglobulin E-Repertoires. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Strücker B, Rogosch T, Maier RF, Zemlin M, Kerzel S. Molekulare Charakterisierung der IgE-Antwort bei Kindern mit allergischem Asthma bronchiale. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Maskow C, Kerzel S, Rogosch T, Maier RF, Zemlin M. Analyse von B-lymphozytären Subpopulationen des darmassoziierten lymphatischen Gewebes. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kerzel S, Preißer K, Rogosch T, Schroeder Jr. HW, Maier RF, Zemlin M. Die Atemwegshyperreagibilität in einem Mausmodell des allergischen Asthma wird durch Modifikationen der klassischen Antigen-Bindungsstelle verhindert. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Dey F, Kerzel S, Maier RF, Zemlin M, Rogosch T. IgG4-Antikörper werden anhand ihrer Affinität selektiert und können mit IgE um die Bindung am Allergen konkurrieren. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kerzel S, Zemlin M, Rogosch T, Klaus G, Maier RF. Plasmapherese ermöglicht eine Omalizumab-Therapie bei einem jugendlichen Asthma Patienten mit sehr hohen IgE-Serumspiegeln. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kerzel S, Wagner J, Rogosch T, Schroeder Jr. HW, Maier RF, Zemlin M. Ein singuläres DH Gen-Segment ist ausreichend für die Entwicklung eines Asthma-Phänotyps in einen murinen Modell der allergischen Atemwegsentzündung. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Dehne J, Rogosch T, Maier RF, Zemlin M, Kerzel S. Allergische Kinder besitzen veränderte Lymphozyten-Subpopulationen. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Meyer K, Rogosch T, Maier RF, Zemlin M, Kerzel S. Charakterisierung des IgE-Repertoires der Milz und Lunge in einem murinen Modell des Asthma bronchiale. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Liebetruth M, Rogosch T, Gentil K, Maier RF, Zemlin M, Kerzel S. Eine Infektion mit Litomosoides sigmodontis reduziert die akute allergische Atemwegsentzündung im murinen Asthma-Modell. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1251061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abram M, Wegmann M, Fokuhl V, Sonar S, Luger EO, Kerzel S, Radbruch A, Renz H, Zemlin M. Nerve growth factor and neurotrophin-3 mediate survival of pulmonary plasma cells during the allergic airway inflammation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:4705-12. [PMID: 19342646 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0802814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Allergen-specific Abs play a pivotal role in the induction and maintenance of allergic airway inflammation. During secondary immune responses, plasma cell survival and Ab production is mediated by extrinsic factors provided by the local environment (survival niches). It is unknown whether neurotrophins, a characteristic marker of allergic airway inflammation, influence plasma cell survival in the lung. Using a mouse model of allergic asthma, we found that plasma cells from the lung and spleen are distinct subpopulations exhibiting differential expression patterns of neurotrophins and their receptors (Trks). In vitro, the nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) led to a dose-dependent increase in viability of isolated pulmonary plasma cells due to up-regulation of the antiapoptotic Bcl2 pathway. In parallel, the expression of transcription factors that stimulate the production of immunoglobulins (X-box binding protein 1 and NF-kappaB subunit RelA) was enhanced in plasma cells treated with NGF and NT3. These findings were supported in vivo. When the NGF pathway was blocked by intranasal application of a selective TrkA inhibitor, sensitized mice showed reduced numbers of pulmonary plasma cells and developed lower levels of allergen-specific and total serum IgE in response to OVA inhalation. This suggests that in the allergic airway inflammation, NGF/TrkA-mediated pulmonary IgE production contributes significantly to serum-IgE levels. We conclude that the neurotrophins NGF and NT3 act as survival factors for pulmonary plasma cells and thus are important regulators of the local Ab production in the allergic airway disease.
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Kerzel S, Zemlin M, Kömhoff M, Klaus G, Maier RF. Hyperferritinemia as the Diagnostic Clue in Life-Threatening Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2009; 221:318-21. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1104596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kerzel S, Wagner J, Rogosch T, Yildirim AO, Sikula L, Fehrenbach H, Garn H, Maier RF, Schroeder HW, Zemlin M. Composition of the immunoglobulin classic antigen-binding site regulates allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of experimental asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2009; 39:591-601. [PMID: 19220320 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03178.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When bound to mast cell FcepsilonRI, IgE serves as antigen receptor for allergic reactions, permitting specific identification of the allergen. Although the core of the classic antigen-binding site is heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (CDR-H3), recent studies suggest that allergens might also bind IgE in a superantigen-like fashion outside the classic antigen-binding site. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the contribution of the classic CDR-H3-centric antigen-binding site to the development of an allergic phenotype. METHODS Using a murine model of experimental asthma, we characterized a gene-targeted mouse strain expressing an altered range of CDR-H3s (DeltaD-iD mice) in response to the hydrophobic allergen ovalbumin (OVA). Mutant and wild-type (wt) mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with OVA; non-sensitized mice served as controls. RESULTS We found the composition of the classic CDR-H3-centric antigen-binding site to be critical for the development of characteristic aspects of allergic asthma. (i) Compared with wt animals, DeltaD-iD mice showed a significantly less pronounced OVA-induced rise in allergen-specific IgE levels and hence in total serum IgE levels. (ii) In addition, DeltaD-iD mice demonstrated a significant reduction in eosinophilic airway inflammation, as well as in interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13 levels in BAL fluids. CONCLUSION Allergic sensitization and airway inflammation depend on the composition of the predominant CDR-H3 repertoire, suggesting that the classic CDR-H3-centric antigen-binding site plays a crucial role in creating the immunological interface between allergen and IgE. Our results further emphasize a central role of IgE, not only in mediating but also in regulating the allergic immune response.
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