Prof. Jonathan Brostoff . The first clinical trial of this peptide in desensitisation will be completed this year. A second major project looks at the mode of action of Chinese herbal therapy in atopic eczema. The extract of herbs can inhibit the expression of IL-4 induced CD23 on blood monocytes. It also inhibits the anti-IgE induced histamine release from human lung mast cells.
Work is in progress to isolate the active components of the herbal mixture.
Prof John Foreman . We are exploring the roles of kinins and eosinophils in the hyperreactivity. The effects of kinins on nasal secretion . We have previously established a role for kinins in the nasal blockade which occurs in allergic rhinitis. The aim of this project is to establish whether kinins have a role in controlling nasal secretion.