by Lit Choi Wan. / Thesis (M.Sc.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-127). / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS / SUMMARY / LIST OF TABLES / LIST OF FIGURES / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Terminology & Overview --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Gell & Coombs Classification of Hypersensitivity --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Type I - Immediate Hypersensitivity --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Type II - Antibody Dependent Cytotoxic Hypersensitivity --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Type III - Immune-Complex Mediated Hypersensitivity --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Type IV - Cell-Mediated (Delayed-Type) Hypersensitivity --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Historical Review of IgE-Mediated Hypersensitivity --- p.7 / Chapter 1.4 --- The Clinical Biochemistry of IgE --- p.8 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Structure and Properties --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- The Fcε Receptors --- p.11 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Production and Tissue Localisation --- p.11 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Turnover in Blood and on Mast Cells --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4.5 --- Control of Synthesis --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4.6 --- The Role of IgE in Health and Disease --- p.14 / Chapter 1.5 --- Pathophysiology of IgE-Mediated Hypersensitivity --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Cell Activation and IgE Synthesis --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Activation of Mast Cells and Basophils --- p.22 / Chapter 1.6 --- Allergens --- p.25 / Chapter 1.7 --- Factors Predisposing to Allergy --- p.30 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- Genetic Predisposition --- p.30 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- Environmental Exposure --- p.32 / Chapter 1.7.3 --- Underlying Infection and Immune Status --- p.32 / Chapter 1.8 --- Epidemiology --- p.33 / Chapter 1.8.1 --- Allergic Diseases Worldwide --- p.33 / Chapter 1.8.2 --- Allergic Diseases in Hong Kong --- p.34 / Chapter 1.9 --- Diagnosis of IgE-Mediated Allergy --- p.36 / Chapter 1.9.1 --- Medical History and Physical Examination --- p.36 / Chapter 1.9.2 --- Introduction to Diagnostic Tests --- p.36 / Chapter 1.9.3 --- Skin Tests --- p.37 / Chapter 1.9.4 --- In Vitro Tests --- p.38 / Chapter 1.9.5 --- Serum Total IgE Assay --- p.41 / Chapter (1) --- Test Principle --- p.41 / Chapter (2) --- Normal Values of Serum Total IgE Concentration --- p.42 / Chapter 1.9.6 --- Allergen Specific IgE Concentration --- p.44 / Chapter (1) --- Principle of RAST --- p.44 / Chapter (2) --- Clinical Usefulness of RAST --- p.44 / Chapter 1.9.7 --- The CAP System --- p.46 / Chapter 1.9.8 --- Mixed Aeroallergen Specific IgE Assay (Phadiatop´ёØ) --- p.46 / Chapter 1.10 --- Further Notes on Allergic Rhinitis --- p.48 / Chapter 1.10.1 --- A Prevalent and Costly Health Problem --- p.48 / Chapter 1.10.2 --- Epidemiology --- p.48 / Chapter 1.10.3 --- Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis --- p.49 / Chapter 1.10.4 --- ENT Examination --- p.49 / Chapter 1.11 --- Aims of This Study --- p.51 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- MATERIALS AND METHOD I Evaluation of The Pharmacia CAP System --- p.52 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.53 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Pharmacia Reagents --- p.53 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Abbott Reagents --- p.54 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- In-House Reagents --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2 --- Apparatus and Equipment --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Components and Accessories of the CAP System --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Abbott IMx Analyser --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3 --- Methods for Evaluation of the Pharmacia CAP System --- p.56 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Principle of the Pharmacia CAP System RAST FEIA Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay --- p.56 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Assay Preparation and Procedure --- p.58 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Evaluation Experiments --- p.59 / Chapter (1) --- Elution Efficiency of Assay Washer96 --- p.59 / Chapter - --- Gross Assessment of Assay Washer96 --- p.59 / Chapter - --- Precision of Elution Volume in Each Well --- p.60 / Chapter - --- Overall Precision and Accuracy of Elution through ImmunoCAP --- p.60 / Chapter (2) --- Precision of RAST FEIA --- p.60 / Chapter (3) --- Accuracy --- p.61 / Chapter (4) --- Linearity and Detection Limits --- p.61 / Chapter (5) --- Recovery Study --- p.61 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 MATERIALS --- AND METHOD II Aetiology of Allergic Rhinitis in Hong Kong --- p.62 / Chapter 3.1 --- Patients and Controls --- p.63 / Chapter 3.2 --- Blood Samples --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3 --- Serum Total IgE Assay --- p.65 / Chapter 3.4 --- Mixed Aeroallergen Specific IgE (Phadiatop) --- p.67 / Chapter 3.5 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.67 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- RESULTS I Evaluation of The Pharmacia CAP System --- p.70 / Chapter 4.1 --- Elution Efficiency of Assay Washer96 --- p.71 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Gross Assessment of Elution Volume --- p.71 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Precision of Elution Volume in Each Well --- p.72 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Overall Precision and Accuracy of Elution through ImmunoCAP --- p.75 / Chapter 4.2 --- Precision of RAST FEIA --- p.75 / Chapter 4.3 --- Accuracy --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4 --- Linearity and Detection Limit --- p.79 / Chapter 4.5 --- Recovery --- p.79 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- RESULTS II Aetiology of Allergic Rhinitis in Hong Kong --- p.83 / Chapter 5.1 --- Patients and Controls --- p.84 / Chapter 5.2 --- "Serum Total IgE, Mixed Aeroallergen IgE (Phadiatop) and Specific IgE Concentrations in Patients and Controls" --- p.84 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Total IgE Concentration --- p.84 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Phadiatop´ёØ --- p.84 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Specific IgE Concentration --- p.93 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Degree and Severity of Sensitization --- p.93 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Single and Multiple Allergy --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Usefulness of Phadiatop´ёØ --- p.94 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- DISCUSSION I Evaluation of the Pharmacia CAP System --- p.95 / Chapter 6.1 --- Elution Efficiency of Assay Washer96 --- p.96 / Chapter 6.2 --- "Within-Batch and Between-Batch Precision, Accuracy, Linearity and Detection Limit, and Recovery of FEIA" --- p.97 / Chapter 6.3 --- Overall Evaluation --- p.98 / Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- DISCUSSION II Aetiology of Allergic Rhinitis in Hong Kong --- p.100 / Chapter 7.1 --- Patients and Controls --- p.101 / Chapter 7.2 --- Serum Total IgE Concentration --- p.102 / Chapter 7.3 --- Efficiency of Phadiatop´ёØ Screening Test --- p.103 / Chapter 7.4 --- Serum Specific IgE Assay and Aetiology of Allergic Rhinitis in Hong Kong --- p.107 / Chapter 7.4.1 --- Major Allergens in Allergic Rhinitis --- p.107 / Chapter 7.4.2 --- House Dust Mite --- p.108 / Chapter 7.4.3 --- Cockroach --- p.111 / Chapter 7.4.4 --- Cat and Dog --- p.111 / Chapter 7.4.5 --- Pollens --- p.112 / Chapter 7.4.6 --- Moulds --- p.113 / Chapter 7.4.7 --- Summary --- p.115 / REFERENCES --- p.118

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2004. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

A polinose é uma rinite alérgica sazonal que acontece pela sensibilização por pólens. Possui periodicidade anual, repetindo-se os sintomas sempre na mesma época do ano. Clinicamente, é caracterizada por rinoconjuntivite e/ou asma brônquica. A imunoterapia alérgeno-específica é o único tratamento capaz de modificar a evolução natural da doença, porém, depende fundamentalmente da correta identificação do alérgeno responsável. Diante disso e do número de pacientes que procuram o Ambulatório de Alergia da Universidade de Fortaleza com manifestações alérgicas exacerbadas na época de floração do cajueiro, o objetivo deste estudo foi produzir um extrato protéico a partir do pólen do cajueiro e identificar os alérgenos ainda não estudados presentes neste pólen. Doze pacientes residentes em Fortaleza, Nordeste do país, foram selecionados com base na história de rinite alérgica persistente e agravamento dos sintomas no momento da floração do cajueiro. Foi selecionado outro grupo com rinite alérgica que vive na mesma região, entretanto não apresenta relação clínica com a época de floração. Além disso, foram incluídos 5 indivíduos não-atópicos e expostos ao cajueiro como grupo controle. O soro desses pacientes foi testado em Western Blot 1D e 2D (WB) e as proteínas selecionadas foram submetidas à espectrometria de massas para identificação. Os epitopos foram preditos in silico pesquisando sequências detectadas por massa contra bases de dados de epítopos já conhecidos. Foi possível identificar alguns homólogos de alérgenos de outros pólens, como isoflavona redutase (Bet v 6), beta-1,3-glucanase (Ole e 9), proteína de choque térmico 70kDa (Cor a 10), além de outras proteínas que podem representar novos alergénios, tais como aminociclase, glutamina sintetase, fosfoglucomutase, ?-1,4-glucano-proteína-sintase, factor de alongamento 2 e biotina carboxilase, entre outros. A predição de epítopos revelou a possibilidade de reatividade cruzada com outros alérgenos de pólen conhecidos, tais como Phl p 4, Mal d 1, além de outros aeroalérgenos que também apareceram. Esta é a primeira descrição da alergia ao pólen do caju mostrando a reatividade específica de IgE no soros dos pacientes. A caracterização imunológica e estrutural de novos alérgenos, além de auxiliar no diagnóstico e tratamento de alergias não descritas, oferece ferramentas para prever epítopos e produzir moléculas hipoalergênicas nesta era da medicina de precisão / Pollinosis is a seasonal allergic rhinitis that develops due to pollens sensitization. Symptoms are manifested always in the same period of the year. Clinically, it is characterized by rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only available treatment that can modify the natural course of the disease, however, it relies on the correct identification of the triggering allergen. Considering this and the number of patients attending the Allergy Clinic at University of Fortaleza with exacerbation of allergic symptoms during cashew flowering period, the aim of this study was to produce a protein extract from cashew tree pollen and identify the allergens not yet studied. Twelve patients living in Fortaleza, Northeast of country, were selected based on history of persistent allergic rhinitis and aggravation of symptoms at the time of cashew tree flowering. Another group living in the same region with allergic rhinitis without clinical relation with the flowering season was selected. Also 5 non-atopic subjects exposed to cashew tree were selected as a control group. The serum of these patients was tested for 1D and 2D Western Blotting (WB) and selected proteins were submitted to mass spectrometry for identification. Epitopes were predicted by in silico search comparing detected sequences against epitope databases. It was possible to identify some homologs of allergens from other pollens such as isoflavone reductase (Bet v 6), beta-1,3-glucanase (Ole e 9), heat shock protein 70kDa (Cor a 10), besides other proteins that might represent novel allergens, such aminociclase, glutamina sintetase, phosphoglucomutase, alpha-1,4-glucan-protein-synthase, elongation factor 2 and biotin carboxylase among others. The epitope prediction revealed the possibility of cross-reactivity with other known pollen allergens such as Phl p 4, Mal d 1 and other aeroallergens also appeared. This is the first description of cashew pollen allergy showing specific IgE reactivity of patients\' sera. The immunological and structural characterization of new allergens, besides aiding the diagnosis and treatment of non-described allergies, offers tools for predicting epitopes and producing hypoallergenic molecules in this era of precision medicine

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst. / Härtill 6 uppsatser.

No description available.

A polinose é uma rinite alérgica sazonal que acontece pela sensibilização por pólens. Possui periodicidade anual, repetindo-se os sintomas sempre na mesma época do ano. Clinicamente, é caracterizada por rinoconjuntivite e/ou asma brônquica. A imunoterapia alérgeno-específica é o único tratamento capaz de modificar a evolução natural da doença, porém, depende fundamentalmente da correta identificação do alérgeno responsável. Diante disso e do número de pacientes que procuram o Ambulatório de Alergia da Universidade de Fortaleza com manifestações alérgicas exacerbadas na época de floração do cajueiro, o objetivo deste estudo foi produzir um extrato protéico a partir do pólen do cajueiro e identificar os alérgenos ainda não estudados presentes neste pólen. Doze pacientes residentes em Fortaleza, Nordeste do país, foram selecionados com base na história de rinite alérgica persistente e agravamento dos sintomas no momento da floração do cajueiro. Foi selecionado outro grupo com rinite alérgica que vive na mesma região, entretanto não apresenta relação clínica com a época de floração. Além disso, foram incluídos 5 indivíduos não-atópicos e expostos ao cajueiro como grupo controle. O soro desses pacientes foi testado em Western Blot 1D e 2D (WB) e as proteínas selecionadas foram submetidas à espectrometria de massas para identificação. Os epitopos foram preditos in silico pesquisando sequências detectadas por massa contra bases de dados de epítopos já conhecidos. Foi possível identificar alguns homólogos de alérgenos de outros pólens, como isoflavona redutase (Bet v 6), beta-1,3-glucanase (Ole e 9), proteína de choque térmico 70kDa (Cor a 10), além de outras proteínas que podem representar novos alergénios, tais como aminociclase, glutamina sintetase, fosfoglucomutase, ?-1,4-glucano-proteína-sintase, factor de alongamento 2 e biotina carboxilase, entre outros. A predição de epítopos revelou a possibilidade de reatividade cruzada com outros alérgenos de pólen conhecidos, tais como Phl p 4, Mal d 1, além de outros aeroalérgenos que também apareceram. Esta é a primeira descrição da alergia ao pólen do caju mostrando a reatividade específica de IgE no soros dos pacientes. A caracterização imunológica e estrutural de novos alérgenos, além de auxiliar no diagnóstico e tratamento de alergias não descritas, oferece ferramentas para prever epítopos e produzir moléculas hipoalergênicas nesta era da medicina de precisão / Pollinosis is a seasonal allergic rhinitis that develops due to pollens sensitization. Symptoms are manifested always in the same period of the year. Clinically, it is characterized by rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only available treatment that can modify the natural course of the disease, however, it relies on the correct identification of the triggering allergen. Considering this and the number of patients attending the Allergy Clinic at University of Fortaleza with exacerbation of allergic symptoms during cashew flowering period, the aim of this study was to produce a protein extract from cashew tree pollen and identify the allergens not yet studied. Twelve patients living in Fortaleza, Northeast of country, were selected based on history of persistent allergic rhinitis and aggravation of symptoms at the time of cashew tree flowering. Another group living in the same region with allergic rhinitis without clinical relation with the flowering season was selected. Also 5 non-atopic subjects exposed to cashew tree were selected as a control group. The serum of these patients was tested for 1D and 2D Western Blotting (WB) and selected proteins were submitted to mass spectrometry for identification. Epitopes were predicted by in silico search comparing detected sequences against epitope databases. It was possible to identify some homologs of allergens from other pollens such as isoflavone reductase (Bet v 6), beta-1,3-glucanase (Ole e 9), heat shock protein 70kDa (Cor a 10), besides other proteins that might represent novel allergens, such aminociclase, glutamina sintetase, phosphoglucomutase, alpha-1,4-glucan-protein-synthase, elongation factor 2 and biotin carboxylase among others. The epitope prediction revealed the possibility of cross-reactivity with other known pollen allergens such as Phl p 4, Mal d 1 and other aeroallergens also appeared. This is the first description of cashew pollen allergy showing specific IgE reactivity of patients\' sera. The immunological and structural characterization of new allergens, besides aiding the diagnosis and treatment of non-described allergies, offers tools for predicting epitopes and producing hypoallergenic molecules in this era of precision medicine

Diferentes estudos têm demonstrado uma maior prevalência de rinite alérgica nas áreas urbanas, sugerindo um efeito decorrente da exposição à poluentes. Por esta razão, resolvemos estudar a relação da poluição atmosférica com os achados do citológico nasal em 11 pacientes com rinite alérgica nas quatro estações do ano e compará-los a 12 indivíduos normais. No verão, observamos um aumento significante de eosinófilos no grupo alérgico (p = 0,007) e um predomínio de células ciliadas no grupo controle (p = 0,021). No outono, houve um predomínio de neutrófilos no grupo controle (p = 0,027). No inverno, ocorreu um aumento de neutrófilos (p = 0,015) no grupo controle. Houve um aumento das células caliciformes (p = 0,019) no grupo alérgico. Na primavera, ocorreu um aumento dos neutrófilos (p = 0,025) no grupo controle / Different studies have demonstrated an increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in urban areas, suggesting an effect resulting from exposure to pollutants. Therefore, we studied the relationship between atmospheric pollution and nasal cytological findings in 11 patients with allergic rhinitis during the four seasons of the year compared to 12 normal individuals. In summer, a significant increase in eosinophils was observed in the allergic group (p = 0.007) and there was a predominance of ciliated cells in the control group (p = 0.021). In autumn, neutrophils predominated in the control group (p = 0.027), and an increase in neutrophils (p = 0.015) was observed in winter. An increase in goblet cells (p = 0.019) was observed in the allergic group. In spring, there was an increase of neutrophils (p = 0.025) in the control group

Conclusions. SBL showed its efficacy in treating the animal model of allergic rhinitis. Its mechanisms may be related to its suppressive action on PCA reaction, the production of TXB2 and the expression of eNOS, as well as its modulation of cytokines, including IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF and TNF-alpha, release from mast cells. The clinical trial showed that SBL had more beneficial action on the quality of life, in comparison to the placebo, in the domains of RE and BP. Some symptoms evaluations of PAR patients, including GF, NB and SF were more markedly improved in the SBL group when compared with the placebo group. Furthermore, the use of SBL, with the study dose and treatment period, was safe. However, the accurate efficacy and mechanisms of SBL are largely unknown and need further investigation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) / Introduction. Although great progress in treatment of allergic rhinitis have made in recent years, remarkably increasing prevalence and cost in epidemiology studies strongly suggest the difficulties in the management of allergic rhinitis. Shi-Bi-Lin (SBL) is a formula modified from the traditional Chinese herbal formula Cang-Er-Zi-San (CEZS) and a classic European formula SinupretRTM. CEZS has been used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis for several centuries in East Asia communities, and SinupretRTM has been used in treating paranasal sinusitis and rhinitis widely in Europe for decades. However, its therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. We examined the efficacy and the possible mechanism of SBL in an animal model of allergic rhinitis and in cell culture study using Human Mast Cell Line (HMC-1) and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC). In addition, a clinical trial was conducted to examine its clinical efficacy and safety. / Results. In the animal study, SBL showed a potent effect in relieving the symptoms of nasal obstruction, sneezing and nasal scratching (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but had no convincing effect in decreasing the nasal discharge (P>0.05). In PCA test, IgG1 increased in a modest manner in the SBL-treated group when compared with the sham group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Eosinophil infiltration and the expression of eNOS in nasal mucosa, but not iNOS, were obviously lower in the SBL treated group (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in comparison to the sham group. The levels of thromboxane B (TXB)2 in the nasal lavage fluid, but not histamine and peptide leukotrienes (p-LTs), showed significantly lower than that of the sham group (P<0.05). In vitro study showed that SBL modulated the cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, release from human mast cell line (HMC-1). However, the mRNA expressions of these cytokines were not significantly altered. As the controls, dexamethasone, desloratadine and budesonide had more potently inhibitory effects on cytokines release from HMC-1. The component herbs generally had stimulatory effects on the cytokine release from HMC-1 and variable effects on PBMC. In the clinical trial, a total of 84 patients were recruited in the clinical trial and 77 of them completed the trial. Although no significant differences of each domain between the SBL and placebo groups were detected, findings supported the efficacy of SBL were obtained. / by Zhao Yu. / "July 2005." / Advisers: C. A. Van Hasselt; Ping-Chung Leung; Kong-Sang Woo. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-01, Section: B, page: 0172. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references. / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Diferentes estudos têm demonstrado uma maior prevalência de rinite alérgica nas áreas urbanas, sugerindo um efeito decorrente da exposição à poluentes. Por esta razão, resolvemos estudar a relação da poluição atmosférica com os achados do citológico nasal em 11 pacientes com rinite alérgica nas quatro estações do ano e compará-los a 12 indivíduos normais. No verão, observamos um aumento significante de eosinófilos no grupo alérgico (p = 0,007) e um predomínio de células ciliadas no grupo controle (p = 0,021). No outono, houve um predomínio de neutrófilos no grupo controle (p = 0,027). No inverno, ocorreu um aumento de neutrófilos (p = 0,015) no grupo controle. Houve um aumento das células caliciformes (p = 0,019) no grupo alérgico. Na primavera, ocorreu um aumento dos neutrófilos (p = 0,025) no grupo controle / Different studies have demonstrated an increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in urban areas, suggesting an effect resulting from exposure to pollutants. Therefore, we studied the relationship between atmospheric pollution and nasal cytological findings in 11 patients with allergic rhinitis during the four seasons of the year compared to 12 normal individuals. In summer, a significant increase in eosinophils was observed in the allergic group (p = 0.007) and there was a predominance of ciliated cells in the control group (p = 0.021). In autumn, neutrophils predominated in the control group (p = 0.027), and an increase in neutrophils (p = 0.015) was observed in winter. An increase in goblet cells (p = 0.019) was observed in the allergic group. In spring, there was an increase of neutrophils (p = 0.025) in the control group

Die Allergische Rhinitis als Allergie vom Typ I (Soforttyp) ist nicht nur in Deutschland und Europa weit verbreitet, sondern eine weltweit auftretende Erkrankung. Als Verursacher werden neben bereits bekannten Aeroallergenen wie Hausstaubmilben, Gräser oder Pollen auch luftgetragene Algen diskutiert, die als möglichen Mechanismus über eine T-Zell-abhängige Stimulation Antigen-bindender B-Zellen zur IgE-Produktion führen. Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit der Untersuchung des allergenen Potentials der luftgetragenen Algenspezies S. bacillaris, T. aeria und X. montanum. Dafür wurden mittels direkter und indirekter Sandwich-ELISA-Verfahren Seren von Patienten mit der Diagnose Allergische Rhinitis oder Idiopathische Rhinitis auf enthaltene IgE-Antikörper getestet, die spezifisch an festphasengebundene Algenproteine binden. Des Weiteren wurden Kompetitionstestungen zur Untersuchung der Kreuzhemmbarkeit der drei Algen sowie SDS-Gelelektrophoresen und Western Blots zur Bestimmung der Molmasse der Algenproteine und zum Nachweis der Spezifität des algenbindenden IgEs durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass die getesteten Algenproteine in der Lage sind, eine entsprechende Immunantwort mit IgE-Produktion auszulösen. Diese neue Gruppe von Allergenen konnte hinsichtlich der Entstehung einer Allergie vom Soforttyp und der damit verbundenen klinischen Bedeutung bewertet werden.