[Search of a novel diagnostic marker for allergic diseases by the microarray approach]

It is well known that Th2-type immune response is important for the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. However, the pathogenesis of allergic diseases is heterogeneous, in that various cells and mediators are involved. If a relevant marker to discriminate the pathogenesis of allergic diseases in each individual could be found, such a marker would be beneficial to carry out personalized therapy for allergic diseases. We have recently found that squamous cell carcinoma antigens 1 and 2, which are now widely used as biomarkers to diagnose squamous cell carcinomas, are downstream molecules of interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, Th2-type cytokines, by the microarray approach. We furthermore found that these molecules are relevant biomarkers for bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis. It is hoped that the measurement of squamous cell carcinoma antigens will be useful to diagnose allergic patients to apply agents targeting interleukin-4 or interleukin-13 in the future.