Lecture allergy

Question 1

Describe the immunological response of the human body to foreign substances in allergy.

Answer 1

The immunological response of the human body to foreign substances, known as allergens, is mostly IgE mediated.

Question 2

Do you think someone experiencing swelling of the tongue, lips, and face after eating a candy bar containing peanuts is experiencing an allergy?

Answer 2

Yes, this is likely an allergic reaction.

Question 3

Do you think someone experiencing bloating, obstipation, and abdominal pain after eating bread containing gluten, with high levels of IgA in their body, is experiencing an allergy?

Answer 3

No, this is not likely an allergic reaction.

Question 4

Define allergy.

Answer 4

Allergy is the immunological response of the human body to foreign substances, known as allergens.

Question 5

What are some common symptoms of an allergic reaction?

Answer 5

Symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, itching eyes or skin rash, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, swelling of lips, tongue, eyes, face, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Question 6

Can you explain the difference between an allergic reaction and celiac disease?

Answer 6

An allergic reaction involves the immune system’s response to allergens, while celiac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten consumption.

Question 7

How can omega-3 fatty acids be used to modulate the immune system?

Answer 7

Omega-3 fatty acids can help regulate inflammation and immune responses in the body.

Question 8

Describe the prediction regarding the prevalence of allergies in Europe by 2025.

Answer 8

It is predicted that by 2025, 50% of all Europeans will suffer from an allergy.

Question 9

What are some common types of allergies mentioned in the content?

Answer 9

Common types of allergies include allergic rhinitis (aeroallergens), food allergy, allergic asthma, and insect sting allergy.

Question 10

Describe the symptoms of someone who experiences red of the skin and abdominal pain after drinking milk.

Answer 10

Redness of the skin and abdominal pain.

Question 11

Define histamine intolerance.

Answer 11

Intolerance to histamine.

Question 12

What is the role of Antigen Presenting Cells (APC) in the immunological pathway of allergy?

Answer 12

APCs present allergens to T cells.

Question 13

How do Th2 cells contribute to allergic symptoms in the immunological pathway of allergy?

Answer 13

Th2 cells release IL-4 and IL-13, leading to IgE production and allergic symptoms.

Question 14

Describe three routes of (food) allergy sensitization.

Answer 14

Skin, gut, and lungs.

Question 15

How can someone become allergic according to the provided content?

Answer 15

Genetics, diet, antibiotics, environment, <1 year old.

Question 16

Explain the role of genetics as an allergy risk factor.

Answer 16

Genetics can predispose individuals to allergies.

Question 17

What are some allergy risk factors related to diet and microbes according to the content?

Answer 17

Diet and microbes can influence allergy development.

Question 18

Describe the prevalence of Asthma and Atopy among Children Living on Farms compared to reference groups.

Answer 18

Higher prevalence among children living on farms.

Question 19

Describe the process of working quests in the provided content.

Answer 19

Working in groups, participants define sub-hypotheses, what to measure, and how to measure it for different quests, followed by discussions and project sharing.

Question 20

Define the sub-hypothesis presented in Quest 1 of the content.

Answer 20

The sub-hypothesis is to determine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the transition from immature dendritic cells (iDCs) to DC2.

Question 21

How is the DC2 model setup described in the content?

Answer 21

The DC2 model setup involves culturing monocytes with GM-CSF and IL-4, leading to the differentiation of cells into DC2 over several days.

Question 22

What is the focus of the DC2 PUFA model described in the content?

Answer 22

The DC2 PUFA model aims to study the impact of PUFAs, along with Vitamin C and E, on the differentiation and behavior of DC2 cells.

Question 23

Describe the hints provided for Quest 2 in the content.

Answer 23

Hints for Quest 2 include building on previous ideas, validating the model, and considering the cytokine environment and DC signals in T-cell polarization.

Question 24

Define the purpose of Quest 3 in the provided content.

Answer 24

Quest 3 serves as the final quest where participants are required to add an experimental element based on the sensitization pathway, defining immune cell types, what to measure, and how to measure it.

Question 25

Describe the main findings of the project design presented in the content.

Answer 25

The project design showed that specific polyunsaturated fatty acids can modulate human moDC2s and subsequent Th2 cytokine release, with implications for immune system modulation.

Question 26

What are some conclusions drawn from the study regarding LCPUFAs and the immune system modulation?

Answer 26

LCPUFAs, especially omega-3, were found to modulate the immune system. The study also highlighted the working DC2/Th2 model’s potential in predicting allergic sensitization or prevention.

Question 27

How do AA, DHA, and EPA affect cytokine production by DC2s and T-cells according to the study?

Answer 27

AA, DHA, and EPA were observed to lower IL-12p40 and IL-23 cytokine production by DC2s. Additionally, they lower IL-13 production by T-cells and shift the IL-13/IL-10 ratio towards a regulatory phenotype.

Question 28

Define the purpose of the model discussed in the content and how it can be utilized.

Answer 28

The model can be used to test compounds to predict their pro- or anti-allergic effects. It serves as a screening tool before further testing in animals or humans.

Question 29

What is the contact email provided at the end of the content for further inquiries?

Answer 29

Tamara.Hoppenbrouwers@wur.nl