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Introduction: The primary prevention is intended to prevent the development of diseases, secondary prevention aims to limit disease progression, and tertiary prevention involves reducing disease-associated symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of selected forms of secondary prevention by patients diagnosed with perennial allergic rhinitis. Moreover, this paper presents the ways in which the adopted organizational solutions could be utilized as part of coordinated healthcare to benefit patients with perennial allergies. Material and methods: The study population comprised 18,617 respondents, 4783 of whom (including patients allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) were qualified to undergo a medical examination. The study used ECRHS and ISAAC questionnaires adapted for Europe. Results: Nearly 20% of patients diagnosed with chronic allergic rhinitis used preventive measures against house dust mites; this is in contrast with 13% in the control group (p = 1.358e-07). The secondary preventive measures most commonly used in the study group were, in descending order of frequency, mattress protectors and anti-dust-mite spray. Undertaking preventive measures was most common among study participants with higher education and residents of large cities. Conclusions: The proportion of patients diagnosed with a dust-mite allergy, who undertook preventive measures against perennial allergic rhinitis, was relatively low. Building, maintaining, and continual strengthening the doctors’ relationship with chronic allergy patients may shift the nature of healthcare services more towards preventive measures, for the implementation of which the patient will be co-responsible under the coordinated healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background. Causes of pediatric pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) differ depending on airborne pollen levels in a particular region. We aimed to analyze airborne pollen counts, IgE sensitization rates, and PFAS incidence among children with allergies in South Korea and Japan. Methods. This cross-sectional study included children aged 5-17 years with allergies in 2017. Airborne pollen samples were collected from Busan in South Korea, and Fukuoka and Tochigi in Japan. Questionnaires were used to assess bronchial asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and PFAS. The serum IgE specific to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, pollen, tomato, and peach were investigated. Results. In total, 57, 56, and 20 patients from Busan, Fukuoka, and Tochigi, respectively, were enrolled. Airborne Japanese cedar and cypress pollen were predominant in Fukuoka and Tochigi, whereas pine and alder pollen were predominant in Busan. Children with allergies in Fukuoka and Tochigi had a significantly higher sensitization rate to Japanese cedar, cypress, juniper, orchard grass, ragweed, Japanese hop, and tomato compared with children in Busan. In Fukuoka and Tochigi, where Japanese cedar and cypress pollen were frequently scattered, high sensitizations among allergic children were observed. The sensitization rate was not affected by the pollen count in alder, grass, ragweed, and Japanese hop. In multivariable analysis, only alder sensitization was found to be associated with PFAS (odds ratio: 6.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.63-26.87, p D 0.008). In patients with PFAS in Busan and Tochigi, peach associated with birch allergen Bet v 1 was a causative food item for PFAS. Moreover, PFAS was associated with ragweed and Japanese hop pollen sensitization in Fukuoka. Conclusion. Regardless of pollen counts, alder pollen sensitization was associated with PFAS in children. Ragweed and Japanese hop pollen sensitization were associated with PFAS, particularly among children in southern Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young people (15–24 years) bear the highest burden of new infections and are particularly vulnerable because of their highly risky behavior such as early sexual activity. There is paucity of information on the role of religious leaders in the multi-sectoral fight against HIV/AIDS. We examined the role of religious leaders in the use of HIV prevention strategies among young people. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 among 422 randomly selected young people in Lira district, Uganda. An interviewer administered a questionnaire to the young people in order to collect quantitative data. A total 20 key informants were purposively sampled and interviews were conducted with religious leaders using a key informant's interview guide. Data was collected on social demographics, HIV prevention messages, and awareness about HIV prevention strategies. Data was analyzed using Stata version 15 using proportions, means, percentages, frequencies, and logistic regression analysis at a 95% level of significance. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis and the major themes were generated from the participants' responses. Results: About 57.1% (241/422) of the respondents were females. The prevalence of use of HIV prevention strategies among young people was 69.4%. Factors significantly associated with the use of HIV prevention included completing the primary level (aOR 4.95, p< 0.05), completing at least A level (aOR 8.85, p < <0.05), Awareness of HIV prevention strategies advocated for by religious leaders (aOR 0.02, p<0.001), religious leaders provided targeted HIV prevention messages (aOR 2.53, p<0.01), Advocacy for abstinence outside marriage and fidelity in marriage (aOR 35.6, p<0.01), Religious leaders preaching about HIV prevention (aOR 4.88, p<0.001). Qualitative data indicated that a section of religious leaders recommended abstinence/faithfulness. Condom use was the most discouraged HIV prevention strategy. However, most religious leaders agree with the fact that they have a role to play in HIV prevention, which includes sensitization, teaching and organizing sermons about HIV prevention. Conclusion: The use of HIV prevention strategies advocated for by religious leaders among young people was nearly 70%. This finding indicates that religious leaders have a role to play in HIV/AIDS prevention among young people in the Lira district. This calls for the involvement of religious leaders in HIV prevention programs tailored to prevent new infections of HIV among young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imperatorin is a furanocoumarin derivative and an effective ingredient in several Chinese medicinal herbs. It has favorable expectorant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated whether imperatorin has protective effects against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p)-induced asthma in mice. Lung and bronchial tissues were histopathologically examined through hematoxylin–eosin staining. The concentrations of immunoglobin E (IgE), IgG1, IgG2a in serum and those of T helper 1 (Th1) and two cytokines and eosinophil-activated chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected using an enzyme immunoassay. Histological examination revealed that imperatorin reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus hypersecretion, and endothelial cell hyperplasia. The examination also indicated that imperatorin could reduce the inflammatory cell count in BALF as well as IgE and IgG1 expression in serum, but IgG2a expression was significantly increased. Imperatorin reduced the production of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 by Th2, promoted the production of interferon-γ and IL-12 by Th1, and increased the production of IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These findings suggest that imperatorin has a considerable anti-inflammatory effect on Der p-induced allergic asthma in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a health challenge with increasing incidence worldwide. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a potentially curative option for patients with early-stage HCC. However, the high rate of tumor recurrence limits long-term survival when the tumors are larger than 2 cm and undergoing insufficient RFA (iRFA). Notably, in situ tumor necrosis due to thermal ablation is assumed to be a source of antigens that induce antitumor immunity. Therefore, mounting studies and trials have attempted to provide a rational and effective therapeutic strategy combining RFA and immunotherapy to treat HCC. Nowadays, many controversies and challenges with this combined therapeutic strategy remain to be resolved, such as the indications for adjuvant immunotherapy along with RFA in early HCC, the sequence of the two treatments in advanced HCC, and the optimal timing of immunotherapy before or after RFA. In addition, individualized treatment strategies need to be perfected for patients with HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common condition presenting to an Otorhinolaryngologist. Prevalence of AR is on the increase and it has significant impact on quality of life of the patient. Skin prick test (SPT) is a simple test to determine allergen sensitization status in patients with AR. There is wide variation in allergen panel used in SPT among various allergy clinics and many centres use a large panel of allergens which requires multiple skin pricks for the patient undergoing the test. Our aim was to identify a minimum panel of allergens among patients with symptoms of AR undergoing SPT which could be used as a screening panel for AR. The present study is a cross sectional study in patients with symptoms of AR undergoing SPT at Allergy clinic of Bangalore Baptist hospital over a period of 18 months from January 2018. 149 patients were included in the study and 26 patients who had negative SPT for all allergens tested were excluded. Prevalence of sensitization for individual allergens was calculated. House dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) was the most prevalent allergen to which 73.9% and 65.8% of our study population was sensitized respectively. We identified a minimum allergen panel of 3 allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Lambs quarter and Dermatophagoides farinae) which could identify > 90% of patients sensitized in the study group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our cohort, AFRS patients had higher serum antifungal IgE and IgG titers than patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eCRSwNP) and healthy individuals (Figure S1A,B and Table S1). To address these questions, we generated monoclonal Abs (mAbs) from IgE-secreting plasmablasts (PBs) in the nasal polyps of patients with AFRS and characterized their antigen reactivity. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a subset of chronic rhinosinusitis characterized by fungal allergy.1 Serum IgE of AFRS patients often exhibits broad reactivity to multiple fungi, including I Alternaria alternata i and I Aspergillus fumigatus i 2. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Molecular antibody reactivity profiles have not yet been studied in depth in patients treated by sublingual house dust mite (HDM) tablet immunotherapy. Humoral immune responses to a large panel of HDM mite allergens were studied using allergen microarray technology in a subset of clinically defined high and low responder patients from a double‐blind placebo‐controlled allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) trial using sublingual 300 IR HDM tablets. Methods: Serum levels of IgE, IgG and IgG4 to 13 Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus molecules were measured at baseline and after 1‐year AIT, using allergen microarrays in 100 subjects exhibiting high or low clinical benefit. Results: Der p 1, Der p 2 and Der p 23 were the most frequently recognized allergens in the study population. Patients with HDM‐related asthma had significantly higher allergen‐specific IgE levels to Der p 1 and Der p 23. No significant difference in the distribution of allergen sensitization pattern was observed between high and low responders. An increase in serum allergen‐specific IgG and IgG4 occurred upon AIT, in particular to allergens Der p 1, Der p 2 and Der p 23 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: We confirm for our study population that Der p 1‐ and Der p 23‐specific IgE levels are associated with asthma. IgE reactivity profiles were not predicitive of sublingual AIT outcomes, with 300 IR tablets as efficacious in pauci‐ and multi‐sensitized subjects. Our study is the first to demonstrate the induction of IgG and IgG4 specific for the HDM allergens Der p 1, Der p 2 and Der p 23 by sublingual AIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with allergic rhinitis to house dust mites have an increased risk of shrimp allergy. Der p 10 is a candidate biomarker to predict the risk of shrimp allergy among allergic rhinitis patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of anti-Der p 10 IgE as a predictor of shrimp allergy. Methods: A nested case-control study was carried out with eighty-six allergic rhinitis patients sensitized to mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and shrimp (Litopenaeu vannamei). Cases and controls were defined by anti-Der p 10 IgE results. Oral challenge with shrimp was used as the gold standard for the evaluation of diagnostic performance. Results: All shrimp oral challenge test (OCT)-positive patients were positive for IgE against Der p 10. The level of anti-Der p 10 IgE >1.2 kUA/mL had the best diagnostic performance (sensitivity 100%, specificity 65%) Conclusion: Anti-Der p 10 IgE is useful for predicting shrimp allergy diagnosis and could reduce the requirement of an OCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: anaphylaxis; carmine; cochineal lice; cross-reactivity; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; food hypersensitivity; specific IgE EN anaphylaxis carmine cochineal lice cross-reactivity Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus food hypersensitivity specific IgE 1225 1229 5 10/13/22 20221001 NES 221001 Key messages Cochineal lice sIgE testing is a weak predictor for carmine allergy due to irrelevant cross-reactivity. ONLY IN PRIMARY CARMINE ALLERGY, CARMINIC ACID CAUSES BASOPHIL DEGRANULATION Six patients with cochineal lice sIgE were available for BAT experiments, including COCH1 (Figure 1D-H) and five had a positive BAT for HDM (Figure 1E). Diagnosis of carmine allergy using carminic acid solves interference of house dust mite and crustacean cross-reactivity These experiments supported a carminic acid allergy in patient COCH1, whereas other patients demonstrated clinically irrelevant cross-reactivity due to HDM and/or crustacean sensitization. [Extracted from the article]

The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis is high in the general population, and aeroallergens are the most common allergens that cause airway inflammation. Skin prick testing (SPT) is a validated method to diagnose IgE-mediated allergic diseases. The knowledge of allergen sensitivity pattern in this part of India is limited. The present study was undertaken to identify common aeroallergens prevalent in this area using a standardized SPT. We did a cross-sectional hospital-based study. A total of 330 patients of proven allergic airway disease underwent SPT. We used a validated skin prick test which included 22 allergen extracts, 1 positive control, and 1 negative control. A total of 327 patients were included in the study. Two hundred seventy-one (82.27%, n = 327) patients had a positive SPT to one or more aeroallergen extract. The sensitivity of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (49.85%) was seen in the maximum number of people followed by Dermatophagoides farinae (47.70%). In our study, dust mites were the most common aeroallergen seen in maximum study subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astigmatid mites are economically significant pests of stored products and sources of inhalant allergens causing allergic rhinitis and asthma worldwide. The morphological identification of astigmatid mites at the species level is often a difficult task due to their small size, phenotypic similarity and lack of diagnostic characters. We used multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify astigmatid mite species, which could complement the morphological data for the species-specific identification of mites. Internal ribosomal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (i.e., partial 18S, the full length of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and partial 28S) from eight astigmatid species (Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Suidasia nesbitti, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Gohieria fuscus) were obtained by DNA extraction and then sequenced after PCR amplification. Specific primers were designed in the ITS2 region manually. Results revealed that an identification method for eight common astigmatid species was established based on multiplex PCR, which should be effective for the identification of other species of mites by redesigning species-specific primers in future experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing dermatopathology involving IgE against allergenic materials present on mammalian epithelial surfaces. Allergens are as diverse as pet danders, and polypeptides expressed by microbes of the mammalian microbiome, e.g., Malassezia spp. The Acari Hypothesis posits that the mammalian innate immune system utilizes pathogen-bound acarian immune effectors to protect against the vectorial threat posed by mites and ticks. Per The Hypothesis, IgE-mediated allergic disease is a specious consequence of the pairing of acarian gastrointestinal materials, e.g., allergenic foodstuffs, with acarian innate immune effectors that have interspecies operability. In keeping with The Hypothesis, the IgE profile of atopic patients should include both anti-acarian antibodies and specious antibodies responsible for specific allergy. Further, the profile should inform on the diet and/or environment of the acarian vector. In this regard, the prevalence of Demodex and Dermatophagoides on the skin of persons suffering from atopic dermatitis is increased. Importantly, the diets of these mites correspond well with the allergens of affected patients. In this report, roles for these specific acarians in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis are proposed and elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we investigate the correlation between ragweed pollen concentration and conjunctival, nasal, and asthma symptom severity in patients allergic to ragweed pollen using ambient pollen exposure in the Milan area during the 2014 ragweed season We calculate the pollen/symptom thresholds and we assess the effectiveness of ragweed allergen immunotherapy (AIT). A total of 66 participants allergic to ragweed (Amb a 1) were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: AIT treated (24) and no AIT treated (42). Pollen counts and daily symptom/medication patient diaries were kept. Autoregressive distributed lag models were used to develop predictive models of daily symptoms and evaluate the short-term effects of temporal variations in pollen concentration on the onset of symptoms. We found significant correlations between ragweed pollen load and the intensity of symptoms for all three symptom categories, both in no AIT treated (τ = 0.341, 0.352, and 0.721; and ρ = 0.48, 0.432, and 0.881; p-value < 0.001) and in AIT treated patients (τ = 0.46, 0.610, and 0.66; and ρ = 0.692, 0.805, and 0.824; p-value < 0.001). In both groups, we observed a positive correlation between the number of symptoms reported and drug use. Mean symptom levels were significantly higher in no AIT treated than in AIT treated patients (p-value < 0.001) for all symptom categories. Pollen concentration thresholds for the four symptom severity levels (low, medium–low, medium–high and high) were calculated. Ragweed pollen concentration is predictive of symptom severity in patients with a ragweed (Amb a 1) allergy. Patients treated with AIT had significantly reduced mean symptom levels compared to those without AIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, conventional neoadjuvant therapy or postoperative adjuvant therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can only bring limited survival benefits to gastric cancer (GC). Median survival after palliative chemotherapy is also low, at about 8-10 months. Immunotargeting is a new option for the treatment of GC, but has not been widely replicated. The highly immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment (TME) discounts the efficacy of immunotherapy for GC. Therefore, new strategies are needed to enhance the immune response of the TME. This paper reviewed the relationship between microorganisms and GC, potential links between microorganisms and immunotherapy and research of microorganisms combined immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal housing and bedding materials influence cow and farm worker exposure to microbial pathogens, biocontrol agents, and/or allergens. This case study represents an effort to characterize the bacterial and fungal community of bedding systems using an amplicon sequencing approach supplemented with the ecological assessment of cultured Trichocomaceae isolates (focusing on Penicillium and Aspergillus species) and yeasts (Saccharomycetales). Bedding from five certified organic dairy farms in northern Vermont USA were sampled monthly between October 2015 and May 2016. Additional herd level samples from bulk tank milk and two bedding types were collected from two farms to collect fungal isolates for culturing and ecology. Most of the microorganisms in cattle bedding were microbial decomposers (saprophytes) or coprophiles, on account of the bedding being composed of dead plant matter, cattle feces, and urine. Composition of bacterial and fungal communities exhibited distinct patterns of ecological succession measured through time and by bedding depth. Community composition patterns were related to management practices and choice of bedding material. Aspergillus and Penicillium species exhibited niche differentiation expressed as differential substrate requirements; however, they generally exhibited traits of early colonizers of bedding substrates, typically rich in carbon and low in nitrogen. Pichia kudriavzevii was the most prevalent species cultured from milk and bedding. P. kudriavzevii produced protease and its abundance directly related to temperature. The choice of bedding and its management represent a potential opportunity to curate the microbial community of the housing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

House dust mite allergy constitutes a risk factor for asthma development and is associated with a faster decline of lung function in allergic asthmatics (AAs). To evaluate the effect of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) allergens on the expression of genes involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the blood of AAs. The cells from AAs, allergic rhinitis without asthma patients (ARs), and healthy controls (HCs) were cultured in the presence of Dp , lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or without any stimulation. The expression of 84 genes was evaluated using a low-density microarray whereas, the quantitative expression analysis of selected genes was performed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The concentration of selected proteins in the cell culture supernatants was assessed using ELISA. Stimulation of PBMCs with Dp and LPS resulted in a significant upregulation of 8 and 15 among 84 studied genes, respectively. The greatest upregulation was observed for CCL2 and CCL3 using Dp and LPS, respectively. In comparison with HCs, in AAs, significantly increased upregulation of CCL2 in response to Dp was found. The secretion of CCL2 and CCL3 by PBMCs reflected the pattern of gene expression at the mRNA level. The mean Dp -stimulated secretion of CCL2 by PBMCs of ARs was less than in AAs (p ​< ​0.01), both being notably greater than in the HCs (p ​< ​0.01). Rapid and potent upregulation of CCL2 expression by PBMCs in response to Dp may constitute an important contribution to the development of allergic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic upper respiratory disease, with inflammation mediated by immunoglobulin E in the nasal mucosa caused by house dust mites. Recently, allergen immunotherapy showed promising allergic healing in patients with a definite history of sensitization. Based on this finding, a product was developed using Indonesian house dust mite (IHDM). This study aimed to optimize the allergenic rhinitis mouse model that was generated using IHDM to test the in vivo sensitivity and safety of this product. Materials and Methods: Seven groups of mice were used for effectiveness testing - normal, negative control with IHDM challenge, positive control with 0.1% histamine challenge, and AR group by both IHDM-induced sensitization at 12.5, 50, 250, or 500 µg and IHDM challenge. Mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal administration of IHDM once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Thereafter, the challenge was given intranasally 5 times on alternate days. The number of nose rubbing and sneezing was noted. Eosinophil infiltration was assessed histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of interleukin-5 (IL-5) mRNA in the nasal mucosa was determined using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction. Results: The induction of AR with IHDM significantly increased the number of nose rubbing and sneezing in the mouse model. Eosinophil infiltration was observed in the nasal mucosa; however, no significant change occurred in the expression of IL-5 mRNA. Conclusion: Overall, these data indicate that IHDM allergenic extract could be an effective sensitizing agent in a mouse model of AR. Although the use of IHDM is a limitation of this study because other sources of house dust mites might have different effects, this study provides a proper model for immunotherapy effectivity testing for in vivo pre-clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To perform lipidomic analysis of surfactant and plasma from asthmatic and healthy horses. ANIMALS 30 horses with clinical signs of asthma and 30 age-matched control horses. PROCEDURES Detailed history, physical examination, CBC, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytologies were obtained. Asthmatic horses were grouped based on their BALF inflammatory profile: severe equine asthma (SEA), mild equine asthma with neutrophilic airway inflammation (MEA-N), or mild equine asthma with eosinophilic airway inflammation (MEA-E). Each asthma group was assigned its own age-matched control group. Lipidomic analysis was completed on surfactant and plasma. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) concentrations were measured in serum and BALF. RESULTS SEA surfactant was characterized by a phospholipid deficit and altered composition (increased ceramides, decreased phosphatidylglycerol, and increased cyclic phosphatidic acid [cPA]). In comparison, MEA-N surfactant only had a decrease in select phosphatidylglycerol species and increased cPA levels. The plasma lipidomic profile was significantly different in all asthma groups compared to controls. Specifically, all groups had increased plasma phytoceramide. SEA horses had increased plasma cPA and diacylglycerol whereas MEA-N horses only had increased cPA. MEA-E horses had increases in select ceramides and dihydrocermides. Only SEA horses had significantly increased serum SP-D concentrations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The most significant surfactant alterations were present in SEA (altered phospholipid content and composition); only mild changes were observed in MEA-N horses. The plasma lipidomic profile was significantly altered in all groups of asthmatic horses and differed among groups. Data from a larger population of asthmatic horses are needed to assess implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The involvement of allergen‐specific (s)IgE in local allergic rhinitis (LAR) has been debated. Here, we investigate the effect of nasal allergen challenge with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (NAC‐DP) in mucosal and peripheral B‐cell subpopulations in LAR patients. Methods: Nine LAR, 5 allergic rhinitis (AR), and 5 non‐atopic healthy control (HC) individuals were subjected to a 3‐day NAC‐DP protocol, and nasal biopsies and blood samples were collected before and after provocation. Nasal biopsies were used for immunohistochemistry and gene expression studies, whereas the frequency of lymphocyte subsets and basophil activation test (BAT) were analyzed in blood samples by flow cytometry. sIgG was measured in sera. Results: NAC‐DP induced an increase in IgE+CD38+ plasmablasts in the nasal mucosa of LAR patients, but not in AR or HC individuals. Markers of sequential recombination to IgE (εCSR) (from IgG) were observed in 33% of LAR, 20% of AR, and 0% of HC subjects. NAC‐DP increased the proportion of peripheral CD19+CD20+CD38+ plasmablasts in AR and LAR patients, but not in HC. Expression of the mucosal homing receptor CXCR3 in peripheral CD19+CD20+CD38+ plasmablasts from LAR, AR, and HC individuals was 7%, 5%, and 0.5%, respectively. In vitro DP stimulation increased proliferating CD19+CD20+CD38+ plasmablasts in LAR and AR patients, but not in HC. Serum DP‐sIgG was higher in LAR and AR patients as compared to HC. BAT was positive in 33%, 100%, and 0% of LAR, AR, and HC subjects, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that allergen exposure induces the sequential εCSR of IgG+CD19+CD20+CD38+ plasmablasts in the nasal mucosa of LAR patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to fungal allergens poses a serious threat to human health, especially to mould-allergic individuals. The prevalence of fungal allergic disease is increasing globally but is poorly studied in Africa. Here, we aimed to identify and characterize fungal proteins that were immunoreactive against serum samples from fungal-sensitized Zimbabweans from Shamva district to inform the development of diagnostics and therapeutics. Methods: Crude protein extracts of the Ascomycota Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, Epicoccum nigrum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as mucoromycota Rhizopus nigricans were individually separated by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis for protein staining and immunoblotting. A pool of eight sera from fungi-sensitive Zimbabwean children aged 3–5 years was used to screen the crude extracts to determine their immunoreactivity. Protein bands recognized by the sera were subjected to mass spectrometry to identify the individual proteins reactive with the sera. Results: The pooled serum sample reacted with 20 bands, which resolved to 34 distinct proteins, most of which were novel immunogens. The pool was most reactive to A. alternata. The proteins identified included peptidases (8/34), hydrolases (6/34), oxidoreductases (5/34), and glucosidases (4/34), while 11/34 were unknown. Eight of the proteins were predicted to be allergens using the Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP). Conclusions: We identified novel immunogens from fungi expanding the number of known fungal allergens. These form a potential basis for diagnostics specific for the Zimbabwean population. Validation assays will now need to be carried out to further evaluate the cross-reactivity of the identified allergen candidates as well as investigate their potential recognition in a larger cohort of patients. Furthermore, there is now a need to conduct studies relating sensitization to these immunogens and clinical diseases in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conclusion, allergens such as myosin light chain, glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase and enolase should be studied in the sensitization of fish-allergic patients in addition to parvalbumin, at least in our area. Therefore, myosin light chain, which was recognized by 71% of the allergic patients in our study, may play an important role as a fish allergen. One patient sensitized to myosin light chain and parvalbumin suffered from symptoms of urticaria and angioedema and one patient was sensitized to both glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase bands associated with oral allergy symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Allergy can start at early ages, with genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. Aim: The study aimed to describe the pattern of sensitisation and allergy in children and adolescents of Spanish versus Moroccan ancestry but born in the same rural area of Spain. Methods: Participants were children and adolescents (3– 19 years) of Spanish or Moroccan descent, born in Blanca, Murcia (Spain). A detailed questionnaire was completed, and skin prick tests were performed to assess reactions to the most prevalent pollen allergens (O. europaea, P. pratense, S. kali, C. arizonica, P. acerifolia, A. vulgaris and P. judaica) plus molecular components Ole e 1 and Ole e 7. The association with ancestry was verified by studying participants' parents. Results: The study included 693 participants: 48% were aged 3– 9 years and 52%, 10– 19 years; 80% were of Spanish descent and 20% of Moroccan descent. Sensitisation to Olea europaea, Phleum pratense, Salsola kali and Cupressus arizonica were slightly higher in the Spanish group. The only significant differences were observed in sensitisation to Ole e 1 (p=0.02). Rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis plus asthma were significantly higher in the Spanish group (p=0.03, p=0.02, p=0.007, respectively). The sensitisation pattern differed between Spanish and Moroccan parents, and between Moroccan parents and their children, but not between Spanish parents and their children. Conclusion: Both environment and ancestry may influence sensitisation and symptoms. Although the environment seems to have a stronger influence, other factors may contribute to the differences in prevalence and in the clinical entities in people of Spanish versus Moroccan descent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ailanthus altissima is one of the world's most invasive species with a globally problematic spread. Pollen is dispersed locally and partially airborne. We aimed at investigating if (i) A. altissima pollen can be detected in relevant quantity in the air and if (ii) sensitization to A. altissima can be detected in patients with seasonal exacerbation of atopic diseases. Patients and Methods: We recorded distribution of A. altissima in Leipzig, Germany. In 2019 and 2020, pollen was collected with a Hirst-type pollen trap placed on the roof of the University Hospital. Specific IgE investigations were performed in children and adults with history of atopic diseases with deterioration between May and July. We analysed specific IgE for A. altissima, Alternaria sp., birch, grasses, profilins, polcalcins and crossreacting carbohydrates. Results: We found abundant growth of A. altissima and pollen was detected from early June to mid-July with a maximum pollen concentration of 31 pollen/m3. Out of 138 patients (63 female, 69 children/adolescents), 95 (69%) had seasonal allergic rhinitis, 84 (61%) asthma, and 43 (31%) atopic dermatitis. Sensitization to A. altissima was shown in 59 (42%). There were no significant differences between age groups. In 59% of patients sensitized (35/59), there was no sensitization to possibly cross-reacting structures. Conclusion: Sensitization to A. altissima pollen could be detected in 42% of our patients with atopic diseases, suggesting allergenic potential of this neophyte. In the context of further spread with climate change, eradication strategies and population-based sensitization studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

House dust mite is a common cause of atopic dermatitis (AD) both in humans and dogs. Detection of serum IgE to allergens is commonly used to diagnose allergic diseases. However, false-positive reactions due to cross-reactivity and non-specific reactivity may lead to misdiagnosis. We compared human and canine IgE reactivities to mite component allergens. Canine IgE-reactive components of Dermatophagoides farinae and Tyrophagus putrescentiae were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Recombinant proteins were produced and IgE reactivities to component allergens were assessed by ELISA and inhibition assays using sera from AD patients and dogs. Canine IgE-reactive proteins (Der f 1, Der f 11, Tyr p 4, Tyr p 8, Tyr p 11, Tyr p 28) were identified by proteome analysis. Most patients were sensitized to Der f 1 (93.3%) and Der f 2 (86.7%). Dogs showed high sensitization to Der f 2 (94.1%) and Der f 18 (84.6%). Both patients and dogs showed low IgE binding frequency to Tyr p 8, 43.3% and 4%, respectively. The ELISA inhibition study indicated that canine IgE reactivity to T. putrescentiae is mostly due to non-specific reaction and cross-reaction with D. farinae. Different IgE sensitization patterns were shown between allergic humans and dogs with AD, especially to Der f 18, for the first time in Korea. Furthermore, non-specific canine IgE reactivity to storage mite indicates the possibility of misdiagnoses. Standardizations focused on the major canine allergen content of extracts should be developed. This will allow precision diagnosis and individuated treatments for each patient and atopic dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dermatophagoides spp. (Acariformes; Pyroglyphidae), house dust-mite well known as the causative agent of atopic hypersensitivity and allergy could potentially cause severe dermatitis. Herein we report an uncommon case of scalp dermatitis associated with the presence of Dermatophagoides spp. Methods: A 17-year old male presented with patchy alopecia on the scalp without intense peeling or itching, surround by unchanged skin and hair. Initially, superficial fungal infection was suspected; however, parasitological examination revealed the presence of live mites. Results: All the anatomical measurements and parameters from the specimens were compatible with Dermatophagoides spp. Conclusions: Dermatophagoides spp. are not yet confirmed as causative agents of parasitic infestation, but the presence of these mites could have caused an allergic reaction followed by dermatitis with mild-to-moderate clinical manifestations. However, true parasitism as well as phoresy could also be considered. The clinical manifestations caused by house-dust mite cannot be easily recognized and the lack of diagnostic tools is a hindrance that often leads to misdiagnosis and inadequate therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The house-dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is a key trigger of allergic asthma. Therefore, it is essential to develop new vaccines that can alter inflammatory processes and airway remodeling. The goal of this study was to test the hypoallergenic and immunogenic characteristics of the hypoallergen rDer p 2231 in a murine model of chronic asthma induced by D. pteronyssinus., Methods: For this, we measured the levels of IgE, IgG1, IgG2a, and cytokines produced by mice receiving the rDer p 2231 protein. Histopathological parameters of the chronic inflammatory response were also investigated by assessing inflammation and airway remodeling., Results: rDer p 2231 given as a therapeutic vaccine, led to a reduction in the production of IgE, eosinophils, and neutrophils, a lower activity of eosinophilic peroxidase in the airways, and an increase in the production of IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies. IgG antibodies blocked IgE binding to parental allergens in sera from atopic patients. Splenocytes, BALF, and lung from mice treated with rDer p 2231 secreted higher levels of Th1 and regulatory cytokines, as well as reduced levels of Th2 cytokines. Histopathological investigation of the lower airways demonstrated reductions in the thickness of the bronchiolar smooth muscle layer, in the subepithelial fibrosis, and in the goblet cells hyperplasia., Conclusions: Our preclinical studies suggest that rDer p 2231 is a promising candidate for the treatment of D. pteronyssinus allergy, as the hypoallergen has demonstrated the ability to reduce IgE production, induce specific blocking antibodies, restore and balance Th1/Th2 immune responses, and significantly reduce airway remodeling factors. However, additional clinical studies are needed to more accurately assess the efficacy and safety of rDer p 2231 as a vaccine against D. pteronyssinus-induced allergy., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials of childhood allergic rhinitis (AR). Currently, there is a lack of some generally accepted biomarkers that may predict the clinical response to SCIT to eventually achieve personalized therapy. In this study, 28 children with AR received Der p SCIT for 26-30 months at baseline, and four efficacy endpoints, serum interleukin (IL)-5, periostin, Der p-specific IgE (sIgE), and Der p sIgG4, were measured by ELSIA. Clinical symptoms and characteristics were assessed by questionnaires, and the associations among periostin, Der p 2 sIgE and clinical efficacy were analyzed. The results showed that SCIT demonstrated a significant reduction in Der p 1 sIgE (P < 0.05) and Der p 2 sIgE (P < 0.01), an increase in Der p sIgG4 (P < 0.001) and an improvement in clinical efficacy at the fourth efficacy endpoint compared with that at baseline. A positive linear correlation was found in serum periostin and Der p sIgE (P < 0.05), Der p sIgG4 (P < 0.05), and clinical efficacy. Importantly, the concentration of serum Der p 2 sIgE showed a positive linear correlation with clinical efficacy and serum periostin (P < 0.05). These results suggest that SCIT can result in reduced type 2 cytokines and Der p sIgE and has long-term efficacy in children with AR. Der p 2 sIgE has a positive linear correlation with clinical efficiency and serum periostin and may be a useful biomarker for the prediction of SCIT., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The aim of this study was to optimize a basophil activation test in the detection of allergy to the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in children with allergic respiratory diseases. This study involved 32 cases, 13 girls and 19 boys aged 4-17 years, with perennial asthma or allergic rhinitis caused by D. pteronyssinus . The control group consisted of 13 girls and 19 boys aged 4-17 years with seasonal allergic asthma or rhinitis provoked by Timothy or birch pollen. House dust mite (HDM) allergy was excluded in the controls based on their medical history, skin prick test (SPT) results and sIgE determination. In all patients, a basophil activation test (BAT) was performed with five dilutions of D. pteronyssinus allergen (the dilution series ranged from 22.5 to 0.00225 ng/mL). The results were analyzed by using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) to determine the optimal allergen concentrations, outcome measures and cut-off points that would differentiate most accurately between HDM-allergic and non-allergic patients. As a "gold standard", criteria for allergen-specific immunotherapy with D. pteronyssinus or respective pollens were applied by an experienced pediatric allergist following the guidelines of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The highest diagnostic efficiency was yielded by the protocol assuming a cut-off value of 9.76% activated basophils after activation with a single allergen concentration of 2.25 ng/mL (sensitivity 90.6%, specificity 100%). This protocol yielded 3 (4.7%) misclassifications, all false negative, when compared with the "gold standard". There was a strong correlation with the BAT results at 22.5, 2.25 and 0.225 ng/mL (respectively r = 0.90 and r = 0.78, p < 0.001), as well as between the BAT at 2.25 ng/mL and SPT (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and between the SPT and sIgE levels (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). High cross-reactivity between D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae was confirmed based on the BAT at 22.5 ng/mL (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the BAT showed very good concordance with the result of a meticulous process of decision-making that combined validated allergy tests (SPT, sIgE) with expert guidelines, specialist knowledge and experience. Facing the risk of the incorrect qualification of patients for costly, long-lasting and potentially risky allergen-specific immunotherapy, the inclusion of a basophil activation test into diagnostic process seems fully justified.

House dust mite (HDM) is the most significant indoor allergen, responsible for not only many cases of rhinoconjunctivitis but also for many cases of bronchial asthma, rendering it of considerable socioeconomic relevance. Besides symptomatic treatment and avoidance measures, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is crucial, as the only causal, disease-modifying therapeutic approach. However, high diagnostic certainty is essential for initiating AIT. The challenge in making a correct diagnosis lies in interpreting the demonstrated HDM sensitization regarding its clinical relevance (clinically silent sensitization vs. allergy). While the risk of allergy increases with the level of IgE titers against HDM extract, Der p 1, or Der p 2, as well as with the breadth of the molecular sensitization profile against HDM components (Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 23), no threshold can be defined for the presence of allergy, nor can sensitization to a specific component be confidently considered allergy inducing. It should be noted that at least in Southern Bavaria, the prevalence of Der p 23 sensitization is too low to be considered a major allergen, and Der p 23 is not able to molecularly differentiate all HDM sensitizations when added to the two major allergens Der p 1 and Der p 2. Evidently, HDM possesses a diverse profile of allergens, with some relevant ones possibly yet to be described. Unfortunately, patient history does not provide a sufficient assessment of the clinical relevance of a demonstrated HDM sensitization, necessitating allergen provocation testing before initiating AIT with HDM, despite the relatively large effort involved., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

IntroductionAllergen immunotherapy (AIT) is considered to be the only treatment that may change the natural process of allergic diseases. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is a type of allergen immunotherapy that is commonly used in clinical practice. However, SCIT has inconsistent effects on individuals, and it is yet unclear what factors affect therapeutic efficacy. In recent years, vitamin D levels have been speculated as a potential factor influencing SCIT efficacy.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of serum vitamin D level on the SCIT efficacy in children with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma caused by dust mite allergy.MethodsAccording to the panel consensus, children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis who received SCIT were divided into the vitamin D deficiency group (20 ng/ml). Serum 1–25(OH) D3, blood eosinophil, total IgE, dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), and dermatophagoides farina (Df) specific IgE (sIgE) were detected, and questionnaires of symptom and medication scores were collected before and after one year of treatment.ResultsAfter one year of SCIT treatment, the symptom and medication score significantly decreased (P 0.05). Our study found a statistical difference in Dp sIgE level between the vitamin D deficiency and the sufficiency groups (P = 0.024), and vitamin D levels become lower with children's growth (Y = −0.8981*X + 34.26, P = 0.0025).ConclusionsNo difference was found between the efficacy of one-year SCIT and serum vitamin D levels based on symptom and medication scores. Nevertheless, higher vitamin D levels may be associated with a decreased indicator of Dp allergy.

This article discusses the development of molecular allergology, specifically the cloning of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. The research was conducted by the Allergy and Immunology Research Group at the Medical University of Vienna, led by Dietrich Kraft. The team used recombinant allergens to standardize allergy tests and immunotherapy solutions. The article also highlights the progress made in molecular allergology since then, with over 1,100 allergens currently listed on the official allergen nomenclature website. The discipline has led to advancements in diagnostic reagents and personalized treatment strategies for allergies. [Extracted from the article]

In the human gut, there are many microbes, including bacteria, viruses and parasites. The imbalance in the numbers of each type of these microbes can translate into gastrointestinal disorders. Lately, different microbiota patterns have been associated with the levels of efficacy of immunotherapy in multiple cancer conditions. Studies have shown that patients with a more diverse gut microbiome respond better to immunotherapy than those with a homogeneous microbiome. This systematic review aims to identify and assess the available evidence on the efficacy of immunotherapy in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and the effect of their microbiota on their treatment outcomes. The researchers will study the literature regarding CRC and immunotherapy outcomes to survey the different approaches employed to assess the treatment outcomes. A systematic search will be performed in five biomedical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) in June-July, 2022. Also, open-access registers of clinical trials will be trawled. The search will be conducted without geographical or publication date restrictions; however, only papers published in the English language will be sought. Details regarding patients' diets, lifestyles, and characteristics will be assessed. We will define the primary outcome to compare CRC patients' immunotherapy responses with their gut microbiota composition. The systematic review methodology does not require ethics approval due to the nature of the study design. The systematic review results will be published in an open-access peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021277691. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) has been an issue of considerable research in recent years and triggers a bewildering array of both detrimental and beneficial effects in several physiological systems. However, the mechanisms leading to the effect are not yet clear. Consequently, we investigated the effects of IH on allergen-induced allergic asthma via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Forty BALB/c mice were dived into four groups. We evaluated the influence of IH on the cell signaling system of the airway during the allergen-induced challenge in an animal model, especially through the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway. The protein concentrations of p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK, p-p38/p38, and pMEK/MEK were significantly reduced in the allergen-induced+IH group, compared to the allergen-induced group (p-value < 0.05 as considered statistically significant). The number of eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and Dp (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus)-specific IgG2a and interleukins 4, 5, 13, and 17 were significantly reduced in the Dp+IH group, compared to the Dp group. These findings suggest that the MAPK pathway might be associated with the beneficial effect of IH on the attenuation of allergic response in an allergen-induced mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 helper T (Th2) cells, a subset of CD4+ T cells, play an important role in the host defense against pathogens and allergens by producing Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13, to trigger inflammatory responses. Emerging evidence reveals that Th2 cells also contribute to the repair of injured tissues after inflammatory reactions. However, when the tissue repair process becomes chronic, excessive, or uncontrolled, pathological fibrosis is induced, leading to organ failure and death. Thus, proper control of Th2 cells is needed for complete tissue repair without the induction of fibrosis. Recently, the existence of pathogenic Th2 (Tpath2) cells has been revealed. Tpath2 cells produce large amounts of Th2 cytokines and induce type 2 inflammation when activated by antigen exposure or tissue injury. In recent studies, Tpath2 cells are suggested to play a central role in the induction of type 2 inflammation whereas the role of Tpath2 cells in tissue repair and fibrosis has been less reported in comparison to conventional Th2 cells. In this review, we discuss the roles of conventional Th2 cells and pathogenic Th2 cells in the sequence of tissue inflammation, repair, and fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectoparasites are pathogens that can infect the skin and cause immense pain, discomfort, and disease. They are typically managed with insecticides. However, the fast-emerging antimicrobial resistance and the slow rate of development of new bio-actives combined with environmental and health concerns over the continued use of neurotoxic insecticides warrant newer and alternative methods of control. Tea tree oil (TTO), as an alternative agent, has shown remarkable promise against ectoparasites in recent studies. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to assess preclinical and clinical studies exploring the antiparasitic activity of TTO and its components against clinically significant ectoparasites, such as Demodex mites, scabies mites, house dust mites, lice, fleas, chiggers, and bed bugs. We systematically searched databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), Embase (Scopus), CENTRAL, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS in any language from inception to 4 April 2022. Studies exploring the therapeutic activity of TTO and its components against the ectoparasites were eligible. We used the ToxRTool (Toxicological data reliability assessment) tool, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, and the Jadad scale to assess the methodological qualities of preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) studies, non-randomised controlled trials (including cohort, case series, and case studies), and randomised controlled trials, respectively. Of 497 identified records, 71 studies were included in this systematic review, and most (66%) had high methodological quality. The findings of this review revealed the promising efficacy of TTO and its components against ectoparasites of medical importance. Most importantly, the compelling in vitro activity of TTO against ectoparasites noted in this review seems to have translated well into the clinical environment. The promising outcomes observed in clinical studies provide enough evidence to justify the use of TTO in the pharmacotherapy of ectoparasitic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Diagnosis of fish may represent an important challenge for the allergists. • There is not a complete cross reactivity among different ß-parvalbumins. • Comprehensive panel of fish allergens is useful for the diagnosis of allergy. Diagnosis of fish may represent an important challenge for the allergists. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of an in vitro multiplex assay using a comprehensive panel of fish allergens and the cross-reactivity patterns between different molecular components. 56 subjects with fish allergy were enrolled. All patients underwent specific IgE measurement using the Allergy Explorer-Alex 2™ multiplex assay (Macroarray Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria) The single ß-parvalbumins Clu h 1, Cyp c 1, Gad m 1, Sal s 1, Sco s 1, Thu a 1 and Xyp g 1 scored positive in 75.0%, 67.8%, 62.5%, 80.3%,80.3%, 78.8% and 73,2% patients, respectively. 14.3% scored positive for the α-parvalbumin (Raj c-parvalbumin), and 16.1% for the aldolase + enolase (Gad m 2 + 3) components. 92.8% reacted to at least one ß-parvalbumin and 96.4% to at least one of the allergens tested. Overall sensitivity was higher than that obtained using commercial extracts of cod, salmon and tuna for skin prick test (75.8%) and IgE detection (92.3%). The Alex 2 showed high diagnostic sensitivity and it might be used as an additional assay to investigate the cross-reactivity patterns between different molecular components, looking for potentially safe fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dust mite extract contains multiple components that, while useful in clinical allergy diagnosis and treatment, can cause serious side effects. Defining components of dust mite extract is important their contributions to allergic disease. This study aimed to characterize a novel dust mite allergen, Der p 22. Methods: We amplified the cDNA encoding Der p 22 from total RNA of the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and inserted it into an expression construct for transformation to competent cells. Purified recombinant (r) Der p 22 was tested for IgE‐binding reactivity in sera obtained from children with allergic asthma by the Affiliated Wuxi Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Jiangsu, China). rDer p 22 also was used to challenge BALB/c mice to assess effects on T helper cells and cytokine levels and applied to cultured lung epithelial cells to evaluate apoptosis and cytokine secretion. Results: rDer p 22 bound to IgE in 93.75% of sera from pediatric allergic asthma patients. Mice challenged with rDer p 22 had altered Th1/Th2 ratios in spleen and lymph, and lower levels of cytokines IFN‐γ but higher levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10 in alveolar lavage fluid compared with controls (p <.05). Cultured lung epithelial cells had greater apoptosis rates and exhibited higher levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, and GM‐CSF when treated with rDer p 22 compared with control treatment (p <.05). Conclusions: Recombinant Der p 22 exhibited high IgE‐binding rates in allergic children, indicating the activity of the recombinant protein and suggesting this novel allergen may be appropriate for inclusion in an allergy diagnostic workup. This finding is supported by in vitro and mouse in vivo studies showing rDer p 22 induced strong allergenic reactivity and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the molecular sensitization profile of mite allergy in an area with a high environmental exposure of house dust mites (HDM) and storage mites. Methods: Skin prick tests were performed with standardized extracts (DIATER, Madrid, Spain). A specific commercial molecular panel (MADx) for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt), Dermatophagoides farinae (Dfar), Lepidoglyphus destructor (Ldt), Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Tput), and Blomia tropicalis (Blot) was correlated with clinical parameters in Galician (northwestern of Spain) HDM allergic patients. Results: Fifty patients (60% female) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All of the patient's present rhinitis (50), 28% (14) rhinitis and asthma, and 18% (9) atopic dermatitis (AD). Hundred patients had a positive prick test for Dpt, followed by Dfar (92%), Ldt and Tput (74%), and Blot (68%). More than 50% recognized specific IgE for Der p 1, Der p 2, reaching 86% in the case of Der p 23. No statistically significant differences in IgE levels were found between patients with/without asthma and those with mild or moderate-severe rhinitis. Der p 7 was higher among rhinitis patients (p value 0.05). AD relative risk (RR) was increased in patients sensitized to Der f 2, Der p 2, and Der p 23. Der p 10 decreases the risk to have AD (RR 0.80). Conclusion: The evaluation of IgE results in a comprehensive panel of allergens allows differentiation of serological reactivity profiles with their clinical expression, to perform an optimal management. Improvements in component resolved diagnosis and more research on the clinical relevance of mite allergens are needed to achieve a genuine diagnosis leading to specific immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The house dust mites (HDMs), defined here as members of the family Pyroglyphidae, are present just about everywhere in human dwellings and act as an important risk factor for allergic rhinitis (AR). They are a major perennial allergen source that causes AR. In the present study, 160 subjects clinically diagnosed with AR from the Department of Ear Nose Throat (ENT), Government Rajindra Medical College and Hospital, Patiala, India, and 30 non-allergic healthy, control individuals were selected. Blood samples were taken from all these study subjects for serological testing and ImmunoCA™ Phadia™ 100 was used for the detection of total and HDM specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. To detect total IgE levels, a mixture of 14 different allergens was used and, for HDM specific IgE, a mixture of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart) and D. farinae Hughes allergens. Dust samples were taken from mattresses used by the study subjects with the help of a vacuum cleaner. A floatation method was used for the extraction of mites. Hoyer's medium was used for the preparation of slides for microscopy. Total IgE levels were elevated in all AR subjects and HDM specific IgE levels were found to be positive in 54.38% of them. Analysis of dust samples showed that 72.50% of samples from the mattresses of AR subjects were found to be positive for the HDMs D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae and 33.33% of those from the control group. Total and HDM specific IgE levels of AR subjects showed statistically significant correlation with each other, but in the control group no such correlation was found. Moreover, a significant result was found between the positive HDM specific IgE levels and the number of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae found in their respective dust samples. In conclusion, the total IgE and positive HDM specific IgE levels showed that there was a chance of allergic reaction in rhinitis subjects. Furthermore, the significant statistical analysis between positive HDM specific IgE levels against D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, and the higher prevalence of these two species in the houses sampled provided support for these mites being the major allergen sources for the symptoms of AR in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying the distribution and pattern of specific aeroallergens in Sichuan, China, after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic and to provide a basis for future prevention and clinical treatment. Methods: Serological tests for 10 types of aeroallergens were performed on 10,036 participants attending the West China Second University Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021. SPSS23.0 was used to statistically analyze their specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) grades in different genders, various age groups, and different diseases. Results: Of the 10,036 participants, 4,578 (45.62%) were allergic to at least one allergen. House dust had the highest sensitization rate (2,974, 29.63%), followed by Dermatophagoides farina (2,717, 27.07%) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (2,611, 26.02%). Male and female participants had no significant difference in overall sensitization distributions. The prevalence differences between 0 - 3, 4 - 6, 7 - 9, 10 - 12, 13 - 15, and over 16-yearold age groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05), and the highest incidence age for children to be sensitive to aeroallergens was 4 - 6 years, respectively. Sensitization to D. pteronyssinus, D. farina, house dust, dog epithelium, and Alternaria alternata was more common in patients with rhinitis and asthma compared with bronchitis. Conclusions: Aeroallergens are important causes of respiratory-related allergic diseases, and the characteristics of allergen sensitization discovered in this study could help with inhalant allergy disease prevention, diagnosis, and management in the post-epidemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Acupuncture, phytotherapy, and nutrition are part of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for literally hundreds to a few thousand years. These traditional therapeutic methods can effectively diagnose and treat acute and chronic diseases and can be used as a primary or complementary therapy. Used properly, these alternatives are safe and without side effects. Allergy is currently a very common diagnosis affecting dogs. Conventional Western medicine can treat symptoms but often does not identify and resolve the underlying problem. This comparative study was focused on the application of alternative and conventional medicine in allergic conditions in dogs, which were divided into two groups, where the effectiveness of both types of treatment was compared. Allergy is a malfunction of the immune system that causes an inappropriate reaction to normally harmless substances known as allergens, such as food components, pollen, parasites, mites, medication, etc. It is very important to make a correct diagnosis, to identify and to eliminate the offending allergen from the body, and provide control and long-term management to achieve a comfortable life for the animal. In the case of highly intensive pruritus, drugs such as glucocorticoids, antihistamines, and Janus kinase inhibitors are generally administered. Unfortunately, common drugs are not always able to resolve the problem. This comparative clinical-outcomes study focused on the application of alternatives, where a combination of acupuncture with phytotherapy and nutrition was applied. These traditional methods do not affect the body only symptomatologically; instead, they treat the patient as a whole. In this clinical study, the therapeutic effects and partial or complete stabilization of the allergic condition of fourteen dogs divided into two groups were observed, compared, and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus molecule Der p 23 is a major allergen whose clinical relevance has been shown in cross‐sectional studies. We longitudinally analysed the trajectory of Der p 23‐specific IgE antibody (sIgE) levels throughout childhood and youth, their early‐life determinants and their clinical relevance for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Methods: We obtained sera and clinical data of 191 participants of the German Multicentre Allergy Study, a prospective birth cohort. Serum samples from birth to 20 years of age with sIgE reactivity to Der p 23 in a customised semiquantitative microarray were newly analysed with a singleplex quantitative assay. Early mite exposure was assessed by measuring the average content of Der p 1 in house dust at 6 and 18 months. Results: Der p 23‐sIgE levels were detected at least once in 97/191 participants (51%). Prevalence of Der p 23 sensitisation and mean sIgE levels increased until age 10 years, plateaued until age 13 years and were lowest at age 20 years. Asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD) were more prevalent in Der p 23‐sensitised children, including those with monomolecular but persistent sensitisation (11/97, 11%). A higher exposure to mites in infancy and occurrence of AD before 5 years of age preceded the onset of Der p 23 sensitisation, which in turn preceded a higher incidence of asthma. Conclusions: Der p 23 sensitisation peaks in late childhood and then decreases. It is preceded by early mite exposure and AD. Asthma and AR can occur in patients persistently sensitised to Der p 23 as the only mite allergen, suggesting the inclusion of molecular testing of Der p 23‐sIgE for subjects with clinical suspicion of HDM allergy but without sIgE to other major D.pt. allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a predominantly type 2 inflammation-mediated disease of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses that often coexists with asthma. The role of atopy in the development and severity of CRSwNP is still a controversial issue. Objective: The aim of our study was to propose a systematic allergy workup to identify atopic patients in the context of CRSwNP and to characterize their allergen sensitization profile (sources/molecules). Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of CRSwNP (n = 97) were studied in the otorhinolaryngologist and allergy settings. Demographic and clinical data were collected for each patient. Different allergen sensitization profiles (sources/molecules) were evaluated in atopic CRSwNP patients by using component-resolved diagnosis (CRD). Results: In our cohort of patients, the CRSwNP was frequently diagnosed during adulthood with significant impact on health-related quality of life. Asthma and atopy were the most common comorbidities with a prevalence of asthma in the atopic group. In CRSwNP patients sensitized to grass pollens and/or to house dust mites, the CRD analysis revealed a prevalence of sensitization to species-specific allergens of Phleum pratense (Phl p1, Phl p2, and Phl p5) or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p1 and Der p2) rather than to cross-reactive ones. Conclusion: To define the allergen sensitization profile in atopic CRSwNP patients by CRD, it may be useful to better characterize type 2 inflammation, thus providing a personalized endotype-driven treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a biography of Emeritus professor Ting-Huan Wen of Fudan University.

Background: Whether Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der‐p) allergen immunotherapy (AIT) can induce Dermatophagoides farina (Der‐f)‐specific immunoglobulin (sIg) G4 production, and tolerance to environmental allergens has not been fully investigated. Objective: We aimed to determine serum Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐sIgG4 levels in asthma and/or rhinitis patients undergoing Der‐p AIT and their ability to reduce immune responses triggered by indoor dust extracts. Methods: We performed a real‐world prospective trial and enrolled patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma in Guangzhou, China. These patients received either Der‐p AIT (SCIT group) or routine medications (non‐SCIT group) for 156 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the combined symptom medication score (SMS) and FEV1% changes. House dust samples were collected to analyse allergen levels. Serum levels of Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐sIgG4, serum inhibitory capacity against Der‐p, Der‐f and indoor dust extract by sIgE‐facilitated allergen binding to B cells (IgE‐FAB), and serum blocking indoor dust extract‐induced basophil activation inhibition assays (BATI) in peripheral blood monocytes were carried out at weeks 0, 4, 12, 16, 52, 104 and 156 after the initiations of the treatments. Results: Our study enrolled a total of 60 participants, with 30 patients in each group. Patients in the SCIT group had significantly improved SMS when compared with the baseline and the patients in the non‐SCIT group. Median levels of Der‐p 1 and Der‐f 1 in indoor dust extract were 1.86 μg/g and 4.74 μg/g, respectively. Serum Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐IgG4 levels in SCIT patients showed a significant increase from weeks 12 to 156. Serum in these SCIT patients could significantly block Der‐p, Der‐f and indoor dust extract formation of allergen–sIgE complex and reduced the threshold of IgE‐FAB from 16 weeks after the initiation of the treatment. The capacity to inhibit Der‐p, Der‐f and indoor dust extract BATI was observed in SCIT serum after 12 weeks. Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐sIgG4 had a significant correlation with IgE‐FAB and BATI in SCIT patients at all time points. Conclusion: Single Der‐p immunotherapy induced both Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐sIgG4 production, which might cross‐reactively induce tolerance against environmental allergen exposure in patients with asthma and/or rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nineteen U.S. allergen extracts were standardized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1987 and 1998, including of two house-dust mites, short ragweed, cat hair and cat pelt, seven temperate and one southern grass, and six Hymenoptera venom preparations. Relevant literature was reviewed. For each allergen, a "representative" extract was established; the potency of each representative extract was determined bymeasurement of the total protein content (Hymenoptera venom), radial diffusion measurement of the dominant allergen (short ragweed and cat), or, if there was no dominant allergen, then by quantitative skin testing by using the ID50EAL (intradermal dilution for 50 mm sum of erythema determines the bioequivalent allergy units) method. In vitro tests were developed to allow the manufacturer to demonstrate that each lot of its extract was statistically identical, within defined limits, to the FDA reference extract. These tests included radial immunodiffusion, competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and isoelectric focusing. The standardized extracts offer the advantage of consistent potency from lot to lot for each manufacturer and also from manufacturer to manufacturer, and assure the presence of recognized significant allergens within the extract. Therefore, standardized extracts offer improved safety and efficacy over their nonstandardized predecessors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergen immunotherapy is highly effective in selected patients with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and Hymenoptera venom allergy. Unlike anti-allergic drugs, both subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapies have been shown to modify the underlying cause of the disease, with proved long-term clinical benefits after treatment cessation. In this review, we analyzed 10 randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trials of allergen immunotherapy that included blinded follow-up for at least 1 year after treatment withdrawal. Three studies of pollen subcutaneous immunotherapy provided evidence that a sustained, tolerogenic effect of subcutaneous immunotherapy can be achieved after 3 years of treatment. Six trials of sublingual immunotherapy provided robust evidence for long-term clinical benefit and persistent immunologic changes after grass pollen, house-dust mite, or Japanese cedar immunotherapy, whereas a clinical trial of both sublingual and subcutaneous grass pollen immunotherapies showed that 2 years of immunotherapy were efficacious but insufficient to induce long-term tolerance. These studies strongly supported international guidelines that recommend at least 3 years of allergen immunotherapy of proven value to achieve disease modification and sustained clinical and immunologic tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablets represent a new allergen immunotherapy option for clinicians. In North America, there are five SLIT-tablets approved for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC). No SLIT-drops products are currently approved in the United States or Canada. This work reviewed the efficacy of the timothy grass SLIT-tablet, five-grass SLIT-tablet, ragweed SLIT-tablet, house-dust mite SLIT-tablet, and tree SLIT-tablet in patients with ARC. All the SLIT-tablets showed consistent clinical efficacy for the treatment of ARC in large, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, including for both patients who were monosensitized and those who were polysensitized. Treatment with house-dust mite SLIT-tablet has shown efficacy in patients who are pollen sensitized during their respective pollen seasons. In contrast to SLIT-tablets, efficacy studies of SLIT-drops show high heterogeneity of treatment effect. Although data are scarce, data that compared the efficacy of SLIT-tablets versus ARC pharmacotherapy generally indicated that SLIT-tablets had a greater benefit than pharmacotherapy when compared with placebo, particularly for perennial ARC. When compared with subcutaneous immunotherapy, analysis of these data indicated that SLIT-tablets had a benefit over subcutaneous immunotherapy in regard to safety but somewhat less benefit in regard to efficacy. The safety of SLIT-tablets has been well documented, and a U.S. Food and Drug Administration class label with safety considerations is present in the prescribing information for all SLIT-tablets. No new safety signals have been observed after reinitiating SLIT-tablets after a short treatment interruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]