Evolution in immunological methods used in research and in the clinical diagnosis and management of human allergic diseases

Since the discovery of IgE in 1967, there has been an evolution in design and quality of immunological methods used to research allergic disease mechanisms, to diagnose allergic disease in the clinic, and to monitor allergic patients on various therapeutic regimens. This issue of the Journal of Immunological Methods highlights recent methodological developments in three areas: (1) understanding of the interactions between T-cells, dendritic cella and B-cells and various signaling mediators in the induction phase of sensitization, (2) developments in the definitive diagnosis of allergic disease with a focus on food allergy and eosinophil related diseases, and (3) enhancements in allergy patient management through improved methods for monitoring allergen levels in the environment and documenting changes in IgE in patients on therapeutic anti-IgE (Omalizumab). This special issue of the Journal of Immunological Methods examines each of these three areas and provides a compendium on state-of-the-art immunological methods used to assess human allergic disease.