Risk Factors for the Development of Food Allergy in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Islam N, Chu AWL, Sheriff F, et al. JAMA Pediatr. Published online February 09, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.6105

Key Points

Question  What are the risk factors associated with the development of food allergy in children?

Findings  This systematic review and meta-analysis of 2.8 million participants in 190 studies identified the following largest and most certain risk factors associated with the development of food allergies in children: prior allergic conditions (atopic march/diathesis), atopic dermatitis, increased skin transepidermal water loss, filaggrin gene sequence variations, delayed solid food introduction, infant and intrapartum antibiotic exposure, male sex, being first born, family history of allergy, parental migration, self-identification as Black, and cesarean delivery.

Meaning  This systematic review and meta-analysis clarifies the major and minor risk factors associated with developing early-onset food allergy to inform optimal prevention clinical practice, policy, and research.

Abstract

Importance  The incidence and risk (predictive) factors for early life food allergy development remain uncertain.

Broad-Spectrum Grass Pollen Immunotherapy: Revisiting the Role of Species Diversity in Allergy Treatment

Feindor, M., Hewings, S., Goodman, J. et al. Curr Treat Options Allergy 13, 4 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40521-026-00412-8

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review examines whether allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for grass pollen allergy should expand beyond the recent trend towards a mono-species approach based on Phleum pratense. It explores whether multi-species formulations better reflect natural exposure and could improve clinical outcomes.

Recent Findings

Group 5 homologues identified in individual extracts and
a mixed extract of 13 species of Poaceae family grasses,
using a monoclonal antibody

Research from aerobiology and immunology shows that grass pollen exposure involves diverse species with distinct flowering periods, influenced by climate and geography.

Adverse Events of Biologics in Severe Asthma

Sánchez, J., Caraballo, A. & Álvarez, L.  Curr Treat Options Allergy 13, 3 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40521-026-00411-9

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To summarize current evidence on the immediate and long-term safety profile of the available monoclonal biological therapy (MBT) approved for the treatment of severe asthma.

Recent Findings

Risk of serious adverse events

Clinical trials and real-world studies have shown that MBT are generally well tolerated, although certain adverse effects such as local reactions, anaphylaxis, parasitic or viral infections, malignancy, and cerebrovascular events are of special concern in these therapies or have already been reported.

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Antihistamines for Allergic Rhinitis: Network Meta-Analysis

Vieira RJ, Gil-Mata S, Ferreira A et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2026 Feb 16:S2213-2198(26)00140-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2025.12.034.

• What is already known about this topic? Oral antihistamines are one of the mainstays of the pharmacologic management of allergic rhinitis, being widely available and affordable.
• What does this article add to our knowledge? Oral antihistamines are effective in improving rhinitis symptoms and quality of life. Cetirizine, ebastine, bilastine, and rupatadine were among the individual medications associated with the highest efficacy for improving nasal symptoms.
• How does this study impact current management guidelines? This systematic review will inform the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (2024-2025) guidelines. In particular, it will provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of individual oral antihistamines.

Abstract

Background

Real-world patient's practices in the management of allergic rhinitis in the Philippine setting

Enecilla MLB, Recto MST, Navarro-Locsin CG et al.  Asia Pac Allergy. 2026 Feb;16(1):20-29. doi: 10.5415/apallergy.0000000000000214. 

Background:

Abstract: 

Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent disease and there is a need for local real-world data to create relevant guidelines and care pathways in its management.

Objective:

The aim was to investigate the health-seeking behavior and practices of Filipinos in managing allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Methods:A cross-sectional stratified online survey was conducted among Filipinos with allergic rhinitis symptoms. Stratified sampling, based on age group and region of residence in the Philippines, with proportional allocation, was used to select the respondents of this study.

Results:

Compliance to prescribed medications for allergic rhinitis.

A total of 317 respondents (213 adults and 104 pediatric) were included in the analysis. The majority (61.83%) had moderate-severe intermittent allergic rhinitis.

Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients

Davis DMR, Alikhan A, Bercovitch L et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2028 Apr 28:S0190-9622(26)00343-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2026.02.113.

Abstract

Background

Pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected children and their families. Multiple therapies were approved to treat AD in children and adolescents since publication of the AAD's 2014 AD guidelines.

Objective

To provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic therapies for AD in children and adolescents.

Age-Related Differences in Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis: A Real-World Study

Jia, J., Yuan, X., Liu, L. et al.  (2026)  OTO Open, 10: e70229. https://doi.org/10.1002/oto2.70229

Abstract

Objective

To investigate age-related differences in efficacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) among patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

AR patients who completed a 3-year course of dust mite SCIT with a 2-year post-SCIT follow-up were categorized into pediatric and adult groups. Baseline characteristics, SCIT efficacy, and adverse reactions were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of SCIT efficacy and adverse reaction.

Results

Comparison of SCIT efficacy between children and adults.

889 patients were included, comprising 544 children and 345 adults. Adults exhibited higher baseline symptom burden, higher rates of former or current smoking and alcohol consumption, longer AR duration, more frequent dose adjustments during SCIT, and greater prevalence of comorbid asthma and urticaria. In contrast, children had higher frequencies of family history of allergy, monosensitization, food allergy, and secondary immunotherapy.

Antibody therapeutics with high affinity for FcγRs exacerbate anaphylaxis via FcγR-mediated capture by tumor-associated myeloid cells

Tang R, Aibai A, Tamemoto Y et al. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. 2026;14:e013316. https://doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2025-013316

Abstract

Background Antibody therapeutics have revolutionized cancer treatment, but their use is increasingly associated with adverse events. Among these, anaphylaxis is particularly concerning due to its severity and unpredictability. Our previous studies demonstrated that repeated administration of anti-programmed death-ligand 1 antibodies to tumor-bearing mice induces antidrug antibodies (ADAs) and anaphylaxis. However, the specific characteristics of antibody therapeutics responsible for this effect and the underlying mechanism of ADA production remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the immunological and molecular determinants of ADA-associated anaphylaxis following antibody therapeutics in tumor-bearing hosts.

Methods CT26 and 4T1 tumor-bearing mice were repeatedly administered various therapeutic antibodies with differing affinities for Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). Anaphylaxis symptoms, body temperature, and mortality were evaluated. Serum ADA levels were quantified using ELISA. Antibody affinity for mouse FcγR was determined using surface plasmon resonance. Antibody distribution in the spleen was assessed via immunofluorescence staining, and antibody glycosylation was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Immune cell populations were examined using flow cytometry.

High-affinity FcγR-binding anti-PD-L1 antibody clone, 10F.9G2,
but not low-affinity clones nor deglycosylated 10F.9G2 induced anaphylaxis. 

Results Repeated administration of antibodies with high affinities for FcγRs to tumor-bearing mice induced robust ADA production and anaphylaxis, whereas antibodies with low affinities for FcγRs against the same target elicited only minimal ADA responses and did not trigger anaphylaxis.