Homing receptor expression on cord blood T lymphocytes and the development of atopic eczema in infants

Expression of the gut-homing receptor integrin alphaE beta7, but not cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA), on milk allergen-stimulated cord blood T lymphocytes precedes the development of milk-induced eczema in early Infancy. The data indicate the involvement of integrin alphaE beta7 in the development of infantile allergic eczema and provide a clue to the avoidance of specific allergens and novel therapy targeting homing receptors in food allergy. Copyright (C) 2001 S.Karger AG, Basel.