Journal of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

Novel link between indoor allergen exposure and neuroimmune development in children

15 ^th International Conference on Immunology
July 05- 07 , 2018 Vienna , Austria

Nataliya M Kushnir

Institute of Integrative Immunology, California
UCSF Benioff Children�s Hospital, USA

Keynote: Insights Allergy Asthma Bronchitis

DOI: 10.21767/2471-304X-C1-001

Abstract

Recently more attention is drawn toward preventable causes of asthma epidemics worldwide. Indoor exposure to unhealthy living conditions is currently reviewed as one of the significant factors driving allergic phenotype switch in multicentre collaborative research protocols involving many countries. Asthma and allergies link with indoor dampness and allergen exposure in children is well established. The proposed mechanism involves activation of developing immune system and switch toward TH-2 responses. We report 3 unrelated cases of the children with confirmed sensitisation to the mold and dust mite species, who also developed neuroimmune complications that presented as atypical seizures and behavioural changes. We conclude that previously reported abnormal immune response in children exposed to water damaged buildings may be directly involved in early brain development and atypical seizures. This report provides novel opportunities in treatment of children who develop allergic sensitization and neurological issues. More research is needed to evaluate specific mechanisms involved in early immune system development and interaction of sensitized immune cells with neuroglia and brain development.

Biography

Kushnir received her MD degree from Voronezh Medical Academy, Russia in 1994. She received full certification as a Medical Doctor in the United States and Board Certification as an Immunologist and Allergist. She conducted extensive studies on neuroimmunology at the National Institutes of Health, Maryland, US. Her work resulted in discovery of a ground-breaking connection between serotonin mediator and immune mast cells. She is the first author of multiple abstracts and publications in the top peer-review journals. She is an internationally distinguished speaker, an educator, and mentor for medical students at USCF Children’s hospital, California, US, and an advocate of natural treatments for immune disorders. She is also a Master of Tibetan Medicine, and currently conducting ground-breaking research on integrative approaches of Chinese and Modern medicines. She is a founder and Medical Director of Institute of Integrative Immunology in Berkeley, CA.

E-mail: nataliya.kushnir.md@gmail.com