Allergy Methods and Protocols: (138 Methods in Molecular Medicine)

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.

Table of Contents:
Understanding of the Molecular Mechanisms of Allergy.- T Cell — Primary Culture from Peripheral Blood.- Production of T-Cell Lines.- Production of Human T-Cell Clones.- Mapping of Human T-Cell Epitopes of Allergens.- Determining MHC Restriction of T-cell Responses.- Short-Term Culture of CD8 Cells and Intracellular Cytokine Staining.- Isolation, Flow Cytometric Analysis, and Suppression Assay of CD4+ CD25+ T-Regulatory Cells.- Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells as Antigen-Presenting Cells in T-Cell Proliferation and Cytokine Production.- Ultrasensitive ELISA for Measurement of Human Cytokine Responses in Primary Culture.- Quantification of Human Chemokine Production in TLR-Stimulated and Antigen-Specific Recall Responses.- Standardization of Allergen Extracts.- Immunoelectrophoresis for the Characterization of Allergen Extracts.- Conjugation of Haptens.- Monoclonal Antibodies.- Purification of Antibodies.- Collection of Air Samples to Quantify Exposure to Airborne Allergens.- Assay of Air Sample Eluates.- The Halogen Assay - A New Technique for Measuring Airborne Allergen.- Measurement of Specific IgG Anti-Fel d 1 Antibodies.- The Facilitated Antigen Binding (FAB) Assay - A Protocol to Measure Allergen-Specific Inhibitory Antibody Activity.- Microscopic Identification and Purity Determination of Pollen Grains.- Biopanning for the Characterization of Allergen Mimotopes.- Identification of Mast Cells and Mast Cell Subpopulations.- Purification and Characterization of Mast Cell Tryptase and Chymase from Human Tissues.- Experimental Activation of Mast Cells and Their Pharmacological Modulation.- In situ Hybridization.

Review :
From the reviews: "The purpose is to provide a comprehensive and readily accessible guide to techniques used in the investigation of allergic diseases. ... Students embarking on an investigative career in allergy and immunology will find this book particularly useful. ... would find a ready place in most laboratories where postgraduate students are working. ... It can be highly recommended to researchers who are starting out, and to those who would like an authoritative and succinct background to their work." (Ronald S. Walls, Doody's Review Service, October, 2008)