Allergy Methods and Protocols

In recent years, allergy research has focused on the causes and mechanisms of allergy. These cover a range of disciplines including allergy, immunology, cell biology and histology and include methods to investigate the cellular response to allergens, cytokine profile, MHC restriction, T regulatory cells. In recent years, allergy research has focused on the causes and mechanisms of allergy. In parallel, there is also an impetus to try to understand mechanisms of natural tolerance and immunotherapy where allergy is being dampened. In Allergy: Methods and Protocols a groundbreaking new title from the Methods in Molecular Medicine series, leaders in the field provide assistance for researchers to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in allergy by featuring an array of protocols. These cover a range of disciplines including allergy, immunology, cell biology and histology and include methods to investigate the cellular response to allergens, cytokine profile, MHC restriction, T regulatory cells. Techniques discussed include; B and T cell epitope mapping, characterization of allergens, conjugation of haptens, preparation of monoclonal antibodies, collection and sampling of airborne allergens, IgG antibodies and facilitated antigen blocking assays, identification and purification of mast cells and in situ hybridisation. Allergy: Methods and Protocols will be a remarkably useful bench tool for anyone embarking in or continuing with their research in allergy. This book provides an extensive laboratory techniques for use by those involved in allergy research. Protocols cover everything form the preparation and storage of extracts, to the measurement of IgE and IgG, to the use of monoclonal antibodies. Also covered are important measuring techniques including those for airborne allergan exposure, allergens in dust reservoirs, and cross-reactivity. In keeping with the established format of the Methods in Molecular Medicine series, each chapter opens with a detailed introduction about a specific techniques which is followed by a comprehensive description of the equipment and reagents needed. Detailed step-by-step instructions describe how to perform each method and the Notes section provides invaluable information on trouble-shooting and optimization techniques that are drawn from the extensive experience of the authors.