Nickle hypersensitivity is a cell mediated (type IV) pnenomenon. I am
not aware of Abs specific for either Ni or Ni-protein complexes. The
immunopathology was worked out by Sinigaglia and published around 89-91
(EJI-maybe?). As I remember Ni complexes to either MHC or self peptide
(can't remember which) and creates a neoepitope that is recognized by T
cells. He has actually made Ni specific and Au specific T cell clones.
It is very cool work.
Interestingly, Ni sensitivity predominates in women, presumably because
they are exposed to Ni under inflammatory conditions-earrings.
Calman Prussin
Laboratory of Allergic Disease
NIAID/ NIH
---------------------------
sbk1 at cornell.edu (Stuart Krasnoff) wrote:
>I just read an article on nickel allergy in the Feb 1996 Berkeley Wellness
>Newsletter. I'm curious about these allergies to non-proteinaceous
>materials, Nickel, and organics like formaldehyde, urushiol (oil from
>poison ivy).
>
