Allergy and Immunology Gateway

Gene expression during poxvirus infection

A microarray study in cells infected with cowpox, monkeypox or vaccinia virus showed differential expression of immune responses genes, providing a key resource for understanding these important zoonotic infections

Peanut allergen remains on tables if not wiped up

Peanut allergen remained present on a table top for 110 days, without degradation, and was removed on cleaning, reinforcing the importance of cleaning surfaces before and after eating for peanut allergen sufferers.

Increased use of Salbutamol linked to forest fire pollution

Dr C. Elliott and colleagues monitor the impact of chronic lung diseases by measuring dispensation of Salubutamol in forest fire afflicted regions in British Columbia.

Inflammation during chikungunya virus infection

Chikungunya Virus infected mouse macrophages in vitro, leading to robust TNF-alpha expression with an absence of apoptosis and a poor innate response. This inflammatory response likely contributes to the joint pain often seen during infection.

Understanding NSC transplantation

Neural stem cell (NSC) grafting results initially in a high degree of cell loss followed by a strong glial cell response; early post-transplantation events were studied using bioluminescence imaging in a mouse model.

Apps and asthma management

A systematic assessment of apps for asthma self-management finds that none combine reliable information with appropriate supportive tools, thus physicians considering recommending these should apply caution as some apps may be unsafe.