Innate Immunity and the Allergic Response

A specific subset of neutrophils (CD49d+) will be recruited to the nasal tissue of individuals with allergic disease, and that these cells will also be found in the peripheral blood of allergic subjects. Normal subjects (those without atopy) and those treated for atopic disease will lack the presence of these cells.

Inclusion criteria

• Must give written informed consent before any study related activity is performed
• Male and female adult and adolescent patients aged ≥18 years and ≤ 65 years.
• Allergic or non-allergic subjects as proven by allergy skin tests in the past 2 years.

Exclusion criteria

• The presence of any of these diseases: Atopic dermatitis, persistent controlled asthma, any level of severity of uncontrolled asthma, immunodeficiency or suspected immunodeficiency, any co-morbid disease (cardiac, congenital, diabetes, renal, gastrointestinal, hematologic, and oncologic).
• Any prior history of immunodeficiency, cardiac, congenital, diabetes, renal, gastrointestinal, hematologic, or oncologic disease.
• The use of any intranasal and inhaled corticosteroids within the last month.
• Current therapy with any medication other than as needed over-the-counter medications or as-needed (not scheduled) antihistamine use.
• Current pregnancy.
• Women of childbearing potential not using an acceptable birth control method, as well as women who are breastfeeding
• Patients with severe medical condition(s) that in the view of the investigator prohibits participation in the study (specify as required)
• Use of any other investigational agent in the last 30 days