The incidence and severity of allergies has more than doubled in recent years. The WHO estimates that by 2010 forty to fifty percent of the world's population could be affected by an allergy- with every third allergy sufferer running the risk of developing severe bronchial asthma.
Epidemiological studies and experimental data suggest that this development is a result of a decline in infectious diseases (so-called "hygiene hypothesis"), the T-helper 1 (Th1) and/ or regulatory T cell (Tr) responses. These cells have the ability to suppress IL-4 producing Th2 cells, which transmit allergic asthma. Based on this observation, anti-allergic immune therapies are currently being developed in Salzburg with the aim of inducing Th1 or Tr-immune responses. This suggests that future prevention and treatment of allergies will be possible. In addition to the development of new vaccines, optimizing allergy diagnosis using recombinant allergens ("component resolved diagnosis"), lies at the heart of research in Salzburg.
The Information Technology & System Management degree course at the University of Applied Sciences, Salzburg and the Paracelsus Medical University have developed an allergy database. The database supports clinical studies, facilitates access to and the evaluation of epidemiological data whilst also providing the best possible information for patients.
The aim of this research focus is to pool the preclinical and clinical research activities on allergies and immunological diseases at the following institutions: Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg University Clinics of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Dermatology, ENT Diseases and Pulmonology, the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the Paris Lodron University and the University of Applied Sciences, Salzburg.
The coordination of ongoing and future projects will enhance Salzburg’s profile in research whilst providing a platform for synergetic work in science. Emphasis is placed on cooperation between the allergy and immunology research groups and on developing young scientists to secure the future of research.
