Main description:

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition with new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in allergy through the use of various protocols that cover disciplines like allergy, immunology, cell biology, and histology. The chapters in this book cover topics such as characterization of allergens using western blotting and mass spectrometry, collecting and sampling airborne allergens, IgG antibodies, identification and characterization of allergen specific T cells, and the role of antigen presenting cells in T cell proliferation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Cutting-edge and thorough, Allergy: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for researchers interested in beginning or continuing their research in the study of allergies.

Contents:

Preface...Table of Contents...Contributing Authors...
1. Understanding of the Molecular Mechanisms of AllergyMeinir Jones
2. T-Cell: Primary Culture from Peripheral BloodMonika Raulf
3. Measurement of Allergen-Specific Inhibitory Antibody ActivityMohamed H. Shamji and James N. Francis
4. Immunoelectrophoresis for the Characterization of Allergen ExtractsGitte Nordskov Hansen and Jorgen Nedergaard Larsen
5. Standardization of Allergen ExtractsJorgen Nedergaard Larsen and Sten Dreborg
6. Quantifying Human Innate Cytokine and Chemokine Responses Ex Vivo via Pattern Recognition Receptor StimulationNatascha Fitch, Stephanie J. Marshall, William P. Stefura, Rishma Chooniedass, Allan B. Becker, and Kent T. HayGlass
7. Improved Methods for Quantifying Human Chemokine and Cytokine Biomarker Responses: Ultrasensitive ELISA and Meso Scale Electrochemiluminescence AssaysWilliam P. Stefura, Caroline Graham, Larisa Lotoski, and Kent T. HayGlass
8. Development of Mould Antigen-Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) to Quantify Airborne Antigen ExposureEva Zahradnik and Monika Raulf
9. Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells as Antigen Presenting Cells in T-Cell Proliferation and Cytokine ProductionSun-sang J. Sung
10. The Use of Dual Cell Tracker Dye Staining for the Identification and Characterization of Peanut Specific T-Cell SubsetsCecilia Dunsterville, Alick C. Stephens, Gideon Lack, and Victor Turcanu
11. The Use of pMHCII Tetramer Technology for the Identification and Characterization of CD4+ T CellsErik Wambre
12. Isolation and Characterization of Lymphocytes from Human Mucosal BiopsiesNadine E.G. Upton, Thomas S. Hayday, and Louisa K. James
13. Development of a Dipstick Assay for Soy Allergens: Inexpensive Detection to Control Allergen ExposureDaniel Alvarez-Simon and Susana Gomez-Olles
14. Novel Method for the Purification of House Dust Mite Allergen Der p 1 and Its Use in Structure-Based Chemical Design of Novel InhibitorsJihui Zhang and Clive Robinson
15. Measurement of Specific IgG Anti-Fel d 1 AntibodiesMeinir Jones
16. Measurement of Specific IgG4 Anti-Mouse Urine AntibodiesJennifer Canizales
17. Preparation of Samples for a Mass Spectrometry Based Method to Identify Allergenic ProteinsMary Brian