Evaluation of Immune Responses (H-39035)

Evaluation of the Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in Immunological Diseases

Understanding the immune responses involved in the development of allergen sensitization and tolerance has significant implications for the development of therapeutic interventions. Studies investigating potential therapeutic treatments designed to treat allergic disorders have focused on understanding the mechanisms of the adaptive immune system, mainly in the population of effector CD4+ T cells known as Th2 cells and T regulatory (Tregs) cells, which have been implicated in the development of antigen sensitization and tolerance, respectively.

The aim of this study will be to apply our expertise and understanding of the innate and adaptive immune response to construct a unique and comprehensive immunological profile for various immunological conditions, including various allergic disorders.

Participants must be between the ages of 0 months and 64 years old.

Patients referred to the treating physician for any of the reasons stated below will be offered inclusion in this research study:

1) Patients referred for immunologic evaluation because of a severe atopic disorder (i.e. food allergies, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma)

2) Patients referred for specific evaluation of their immune defenses

3) Patients referred for consideration of immunological defense in the context of a known genetic defect or syndrome that is known to or may include a innate or adaptive immune defect

Controls: Patients targeted for recruitment as controls will include patients who are having a complete blood count with differential and/or antibody titers evaluated along with others who are not expected (and historically known) to have an immune deficiency. Blood will be obtained from these individuals at the same time as their required assessment when possible.