Practice advice

Molecular allergology

Working group apl. Prof. A. Lorentz

Mast cells and eosinophils are main effector cells in allergic inflammation. Allergy is defined as an immunologic hyperreaction on normally harmless environmental antigens (allergens). Allergies go along with typical symptoms like eczema, mucosal swelling, vomiting and diarrhea or even anaphylactic shock, all of them resulting from inflammatory processes. After contact with the allergen, specific IgE antibodies are produced being capable of recognizing those antigens/allergens. The IgE molecules are bound to the IgE surface receptor on mast cells. Upon a second contact with the specific allergen, the antigens are bound to the IgE antibodies. This leads to activation of IgE receptors and therefore to anaphylactic reaction with release of mediators like histamine and the following inflammatory reactions (Fig. 1). 

Our working group deals with elucidation of molecular mechanisms of mediator release. Moreover, we analyze intracellular signaling pathways in activation of mast cells and eosinophils. As there are hints that the biological clock, so the day-night-rhythm, plays a role in allergic diseases, we examine whether inflammatory cells like mast cells and eosinophils are controlled by the biological clock. Additionally, we analyze the role of mast cells in immune defense that is the interplay of mast cells and bacteria or bacterial products. Another emphasis of our work lies on the influence of immunomodulatory nutritional compounds on mast cells and other cells of the intestinal mucosa, and their potential use as nutraceuticals in therapy especially of intestinal inflammation (Fig. 2).

Projects

• • Molecular mechanisms of mast cell mediator release

• • Biological clock in mast cells and eosinophils

• • Interaction of mast cells and bacteria

• • Effect of immunomodulatory nutritional compounds on mast cells