Research focus: |
Lehrstuhl für Haut- und Geschlechtskrankheiten
Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Würzburg Mail: grunewald-s.derma@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de Url: http://www.hautklinik.uni-wuerzburg.de |
Scientific members:
Scientific assistants:
Other participating persons and organisations:
Research foci (and basic equipment-based research projects):
Pathogenesis and therapy of atopic disorders
Results:
We studied the impact of route and frequency of antigen exposure on IgE response in murine models for atopic disorders. We could show the frequent antigen application in low doses via skin and airways induce high level IgE synthesis. (Nelde, A., Teufel, M., Hahn, C., Duschl, A., Sebald, W., Bröcker, E. B. and Grunewald, S. M.: The impact of route and frequency of antigen exposure on IgE response in allergy Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 124: 461, 2001)
In addition, we studied the role of the IL-4/IL-13 system in allergies in detail. IL-4 and IL-13 are so far the only known cytokines which can induce IgE class switching. However we could show that upon prolonged allergen exposure IL-4 and IL-4R alpha knockout mice develop specific IgE synthesis leading to anaphylaxis. (Grunewald, S. M., Teufel, M., Erb, K., Nelde, A., Mohrs, M., Brombacher, F., Bröcker, E. B., Sebald, W. and Duschl, A.: Upon prologed allergen exposure IL-4 and IL-4R alpha knockout mice produce specific IgE synthesis leading to anaphylaxis Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 125: 322, 2001)
Furthermore, we investigated the influence of virus infections on allergy development in mouse models. We could show the infection with Influenza A virus leads to flu antigen induced cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice. (Grunewald, S.M.., Hahn, C., Wohlleben G.,Teufel, M., Major, T., Moll, H., Bröcker, E.B., Erb, K.: Infection with Influenza A virus leads to flu antigen induced cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice J Invest Dermatol , 118: 645, 2002)