Influenza A virus enhances allergic histamine release. Effect of neuraminidase

Allergy. 1989 Jan;44(1):33-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1989.tb00443.x.

Abstract

Histamine release was examined in leukocyte suspensions from patients allergic to house dust mite, grass pollen, birch pollen or cat dander. Influenza A virus was found to enhance the antigen-induced mediator release, but did not cause release of histamine from the cells per se. Also histamine release induced by anti-IgE in cell suspensions from normal individuals was enhanced by virus. The potentiating effect of influenza A virus might be due to neuraminidase on the surface of virus, since a similar effect was caused by a purified neuraminidase obtained from Vibrio cholerae, and the effect of virus as well as the neuraminidase was completely abolished by a potent neuraminidase inhibitor. The synergistic enhancement in IgE-mediated histamine release by virus could be of significance for the conversion from latent to manifest asthma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Allergens
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology*
  • Basophils / immunology*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Histamine Release / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / physiology
  • Influenza A virus / enzymology
  • Influenza A virus / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuraminidase / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Neuraminidase