Allergies are generally thought to be a detrimental outcome of a mistargeted immune
response that evolved to provide immunity to macroparasites. Here we present arguments to …

Mammalian genomes encode genes for more than 30 phospholipase A2s (PLA2s) or
related enzymes, which are subdivided into several classes including low-molecular-weight …

Mast cells are known to be the main effector cells in the elicitation of the IgE‐mediated
allergic response. The specific location of mast cells within tissues that interface the external …

Mast cells (MC s) play a central role in tissue homoeostasis, sensing the local environment
through numerous innate cell surface receptors. This enables them to respond rapidly to …

The ability of certain proteins to induce an allergic response in susceptible individuals is well
established. Symptoms can range from mild erythema or rhinitis, to acute, and possibly fatal …

Venoms consist of toxic components that are delivered to their victims via bites or stings.
Venoms also represent a major class of allergens in humans. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a …

Virus like particles (VLPs) are known to induce potent B cell responses in the absence of
adjuvants. Moreover, epitope-specific antibody responses may be induced by VLPs that …

Until recently, mast cells have been viewed primarily as harmful because of their key role as
effector cells of allergic and potentially lethal anaphylactic reactions. Their contribution to …

Microenvironment-based alterations in phenotypes of mast cells influence the susceptibility
to anaphylaxis, yet the mechanisms underlying proper maturation of mast cells toward an …

Anaphylaxis due to Hymenoptera stings is one of the most severe consequences of IgE-
mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Although allergic reactions to Hymenoptera stings are …