Summary: | Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-127). === The fish-parasitizing nematode Anisakis pegreffii induces gastrointestinal disease and allergy when ingested by humans, and can cause occupational allergy in seafood processing workers. The present study examines immune and allergic responses to A. pegreffii in wildtype and gene deficient mice, with special focus on interleukin(IL)-4, IL-13, and the IL-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα). Experimental murine models of Anisakis infection, Anisakis-induced anaphylaxis and Anisakis-induced dermatitis were established in order to gain insight into the immune responses generated against Anisakis and unravel mechanisms of allergic disease.
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