Mast cells as protectors of health.
Mast cells (MCs), which are well known for their effector functions in T(H)2-skewed allergic and also autoimmune inflammation, have become increasingly acknowledged for their role in protection of health. It is now clear that they are also key modulators of immune responses at interface organs, such as the skin or gut. MCs can prime tissues for adequate inflammatory responses and cooperate with dendritic cells in T-cell activation. They also regulate harmful immune responses in trauma and help to successfully orchestrate pregnancy. This review focuses on the beneficial effects of MCs on tissue homeostasis and elimination of toxins or venoms. MCs can enhance pathogen clearance in many bacter…
Four and One-Half-Year Follow-up of the Effectiveness of Diphtheria-Tetanus Toxoids-Acellular Pertussis/Haemophilus influenzae Type b and Diphtheria-Tetanus Toxoids-Acellular Pertussis-Inactivated Poliovirus/H. influenzae Type b Combination Vaccines in Germany
Background: Recently an increase in the number of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) cases was observed in the United Kingdom, which coincided with a temporary change from diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-wild-type pertussis to diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-acellular pertussis (DTaP) Hib vaccines. A study in Germany based on approximately 2 years of follow-up, estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of DTaP/Hib and DTaP-inactivated poliovirus/Hib combination vaccines against invasive Hib disease to be high. Objectives: To assess VE of DTaP-containing Hib vaccines against Hib in Germany with the use of extended follow-up of case surveillance and vaccine uptake. Subjects and Methods: Cases with…