DNA arrays in allergy and immunology

The DNA array technique allows the simultaneous analysis of multiple genes. This makes it an interesting tool for studies of gene expression in various diseases that are caused by or depend on multiple genes. DNA arrays are particularly applied to define certain immunological conditions such as allergic diseases. We summarize strategies on gene expression profiling of inflammatory disease and immunologically relevant cells using DNA array technology. Using DNA arrays, gene expression analysis of CD4+ T cells of allergy patients revealed interesting differences compared to healthy individuals, but also between different allergic conditions. This comparison demonstrated that T cells differed in their capacity to regulate peripheral tolerance, neuronal innervation, chemotaxis, neovascularization and epidermal growth. On the basis of these findings the DNA array technique appears to be especially interesting for the development of powerful diagnostic tools allowing fine specification and subtyping of allergic conditions, monitoring of therapy and of tailored therapy concepts.