From Arthritis to Zoster

As springtime arrives, so do seasonal allergies. The form of seasonal allergy familiar to most people is allergic rhinitis, commonly known as “hay fever.” This condition is characterized by a constellation of signs and symptoms, including runny nose, itchy throat, sneezing, nasal and sinus congestion, and sometimes conjunctivitis.
Allergic rhinitis is a true atopic condition: it […]

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most prevalent antibody found in secretions (tears, saliva, colostrum, etc.) and along the mucosal surfaces of the respiratory, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal tracts. Due to its presence in these fluids and tissues, IgA provides an early defense against invasion by bacteria and viruses.
IgA deficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency found […]

Everyone knows that vitamin D – often called the “sunshine” vitamin – is vital for calcium metabolism and the development of strong bones. What has become clearer in the past few years is that vitamin D is also essential for normal immune function.
Vitamin D exerts its effects by binding to a nuclear receptor that is present […]

Immunotherapeutics are pharmacologic agents that modify immune mechanisms in order to treat disease. The list of immunotherapeutic agents is long and growing. Indeed, as researchers begin to recognize the roles that inflammation and other immune responses play in the evolution of various illnesses, a scientific discipline is blossoming around the development of new immunotherapeutic drugs.
Major […]