Project description:Human monocyte-derived dendritic cell cultures devoid of contaminating plasmacytoid dendritic cells were treated with the D-type CpG-oligonucleotide D19, with the non-CpG-oligonucleotide control D, or were left untreated. Cells of all treatment groups stemmed from the same donor. 6 h after addition, cells were harvested, and total RNA was prepared for analysis of D19-dependent differential gene expression on Affymetrix HG-U 133A 2.0. Keywords: agent response
Project description:BackgroundIndoor environments contain a broad diversity of non-pathogenic Basidiomycota yeasts, but their role in exacerbating adverse health effects has remained unclear.ObjectiveTo understand the role of Vishniacozyma victoriae exposure and its impact on human health.MethodsA qPCR assay was developed to detect and quantify an abundant indoor yeast species, Vishniacozyma victoriae (syn. Cryptococcus victoriae), from homes participating in the New York City Neighborhood Asthma and Allergy Study (NAAS). We evaluated the associations between V. victoriae, housing characteristics, and asthma relevant health endpoints.ResultsV. victoriae was quantified in 236 of the 256 bedroom floor dust samples ranging from less than 300-45,918 cell equivalents/mg of dust. Higher concentrations of V. victoriae were significantly associated with carpeted bedroom floors (P = 0.044), mean specific humidity (P = 0.004), winter (P < 0.0001) and spring (P = 0.001) seasons, and the presence of dog (P = 0.010) and dog allergen Can f 1 (P = 0.027). V. victoriae concentrations were lower in homes of children with asthma vs. without asthma (P = 0.027), an association observed only among the non-seroatopic children.