Molecular biology and allergy: current status and future prospects

Techniques of molecular biology are now being applied to all fields of clinieal medicine. Molecular biology shows particular promise in the field of allergy. Already, cloning studies are defining the protein sequence of many allergens and allowing recombinant allergens to be synthesized. Soon these reeombinant allergens will be added to immunotherapy extracts so that extracts will contain standard amounts of clinically important allergens. Molecular biology may fundamentally change the practice of allergy. The receptors for IgE on mast cells and basophils have been cloned. Mechanisms of regulation of IgE are being elucidated. It will soon be possible to design recombinant molecules i) to specifically inhibit the synthesis of IgE, ii) to inhibit the binding of IgE to its receptor, and iii) to prevent the transmission of signals which result in the release of mediators. The allergist may soon be able to attack the underlying atopic diathesis in his or her patients, not just treat the allergic symptoms. Copyright © 1992, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

Duke Scholars

Author Mary Louise Markert Pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology