Comparison of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-Specific Antibody Durability in Pregnant/Postpartum Individuals and Older Adults After RSV Vaccination

Kachikis A, Frivold C, Pike M et al.  J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 26:jiag111. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiag111. 

Abstract

Box plots of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein
binding antibody titers (A) and neutralizing Ab titers (B), stratified by
study group and collection time point.
Abbreviation: AU, arbitrary units.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination is recommended in pregnancy. Limited data exist regarding antibody (Ab) durability to inform revaccination timing. We conducted prospective cohort studies among pregnant and older adults after first RSV vaccination in 2023–2024. Longitudinal samples from 50 pregnant (36 vaccinated) and 16 vaccinated older adults were collected until 12–15 months after vaccination and tested for RSV binding and neutralizing Ab.

The importance of long-lived IgE plasma cells for protracted allergies

Robinson MJ. Trends Immunol. 2026 Mar 17:S1471-4906(26)00009-8. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2026.01.006.

Abstract

Advances in long-lived IgE plasma cell biology
revealed through fate mapping

IgE contributes to allergy, but its cellular sources are rare and hard to identify. Genetic fate mapping and single-cell sequencing approaches have now revealed that two cell populations maintain IgE: long-lived IgE plasma cells (PCs) and ‘type 2’ memory B cells. This forum piece discusses recent discoveries on long-lived IgE PCs.

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Baseline disease duration of chronic spontaneous urticaria participants in phase III clinical trials

Gupta, S., Rao, V., Xiong, G. et al. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-026-01026-0

Abstract

Chronic spontaneous urticaria often follows a prolonged and variable course, yet baseline disease duration is inconsistently reported in clinical trials, limiting interpretation of treatment outcomes. Accordingly, this systematic review aimed to evaluate baseline disease duration and reporting practices in phase-III trials for chronic spontaneous urticaria. Of 36 trials identified, only 16 (44.4%) reported baseline disease duration (mean: 5.30 ± 1.81 years). 

Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA)-EAACI Guidelines-2024-2025 Revision: Part II-Guidelines on Oral and Ocular Treatments

Vieira RJ, Sousa-Pinto B, Bousquet J et al.  Allergy. 2026 Mar 24. doi: 10.1111/all.70305. 

Abstract

Background: Oral and ocular medications are frequently used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). As part of the update of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA)-EAACI guidelines, this manuscript presents the ARIA-EAACI 2024-2025 recommendations for oral and ocular treatments.

Methods: The ARIA-EAACI 2024-2025 guideline panel issued recommendations following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence-to-decision framework. Several sources of evidence were used to inform panel judgements and recommendations, including systematic reviews, mHealth and pharmacovigilance data as well as a survey on costs.

Comparison of the recommendations on oral and ocular treatments
of the ARIA 2024–2025 and of the ARIA 2010/2016 guidelines.

Results: Eight guideline questions concerning oral treatments for AR and three questions concerning ocular treatments were addressed. These questions led to the recommendations. Overall, these questions concern the choice between different classes of medication.

Feasibility and efficacy of nasal rehabilitation on nasal symptoms in patients with chronic allergic rhinitis: A pilot study

Tendulkar S, Venkatesan P, Mysore S, Lakshmi R V.  J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob. 2026 Feb 17;5(3):100674. doi: 10.1016/j.jacig.2026.100674. 

Abstract

Background

Chronic allergic rhinitis (CAR) is a highly prevalent condition characterized by nasal symptoms and mouth breathing. The detrimental effects of frequent pharmacologic treatment necessitate a nonpharmacologic treatment approach for patients with CAR.

Objective

We sought to assess the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and preliminary effects of a nasal rehabilitation program in patients with CAR.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted with 35 patients who underwent a nasal rehabilitation program for 5 weeks. The feasibility of the intervention from patient and therapist perspectives, adherence to the treatment, and occurrence of adverse events was recorded posttreatment. The preliminary effects of the treatment on nasal and mouth-breathing symptoms and disease-specific quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 5 weeks of treatment.

Results

Effect of 5 weeks of nasal rehabilitation treatment. 
A, Amount of change (mean ± SD) in TNSS, NOSE, and RQLQ outcomes. 
B, Amount of change (mean ± SD) in subdomains of RQLQ outcome.

An adherence of 92.5% was observed for the treatment. The nasal rehabilitation techniques were feasible for patients and the therapist without any adverse events.

Cost-Effectiveness of Oral Immunotherapy Treatments vs No Treatment for Peanut Allergy in Children

Huang L, Lloyd M, Franz A et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2026 Mar 2;9(3):e262410. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.2410. 

Key Points

Question  Are oral immunotherapy (OIT) treatments cost-effective for managing peanut allergy in children?

Findings  This economic evaluation conducted alongside a clinical trial involving 201 children found that both probiotic peanut OIT (PPOIT) and peanut OIT were cost-effective compared with no treatment when remission was the effectiveness outcome. When effectiveness was assessed using quality-adjusted life years, PPOIT offered the best value.

Meaning  These findings suggest that PPOIT and OIT present good value compared with no treatment for achieving remission.

Abstract

Importance  The first peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) for children was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020.

Recommended Vaccines for Immunocompetent Older Adults: Work Group Report of the AAAAI Allergy and Asthma in Older Adults Committee

 

Slimovitch J, Lockey RF, Arroyo AC et al.  J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2026 Mar 12:S2213-2198(26)00123-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2025.09.040.

Abstract

Adults 65 years or older are more susceptible to infectious diseases, representing a significant public health concern worldwide. Although newer vaccines have been developed for older adults, confusion over frequently changing guidelines often contributes to vaccine hesitancy and low vaccination rates. An American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology work group was convened to provide a clearer summary of these guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This article reviews the epidemiology and pathology of key infectious diseases in older adults, the mechanism of action of the vaccines targeting these diseases, commercially available vaccines, their potential side effects, and current vaccination recommendations for adults 65 years or older.

Desensitisation to cow’s milk, following partially or extensively hydrolysed formulae feeding regimens, in infants with allergy to cow’s milk: the DREAM RCT Synopsis (The DREAM study)

Guibas G, Brayshaw E, Brown M et al.   Efficacy Mech Eval 2026. https://doi.org/10.3310/GJGG7715

Background

Immunoglobulin E-mediated (immediate) cow’s milk allergy is one of the most frequent food allergies in infants, with a significant adverse impact on quality of life. There is no satisfactory treatment for cow’s milk allergy, and guidelines recommend milk avoidance, feeding with ‘hypoallergenic’ formulas (extensively hydrolysed formulas), emergency management of accidental reactions and waiting for the allergy to resolve spontaneously. Currently, the only potentially curative regimen is oral immunotherapy, that is, exposing patients to increasing doses of cow’s milk using a strictly controlled dose schedule. However, milk immunotherapy is not used in clinical practice due to risk of reactions. DREAM’s intention was to explore whether oral immunotherapy with a partially hydrolysed cow’s milk formula would be able to provide a safe and effective means of oral immunotherapy for milk-allergic infants.

Limitations

The trial was affected by a serious breach that led most of the participants to receive partially hydrolysed formula, even if randomised to extensively hydrolysed formula. It also ended prematurely due to unsatisfactory recruitment, and the main outcomes were not reached.

Methods

Trial flow chart. CM, cow’s milk; DBPCFC, double-blind placebo controlled food
challenge; eHF, extensively hydrolysed formula; OIT, oral immunotherapy;
pHF, partially hydrolysed formula; TC, telephone call; V1, visit 1; V2, visit 2.

DREAM was a two-arm, parallel-group, double-blind randomised controlled trial. Eligible patients were infants aged 6–12 months with convincing medical history of immunoglobulin E-mediated allergy to cow’s milk formula. Inclusion criteria included a titre of cow’s milk-specific immunoglobulin E equal or higher to 2 kU/l, or wheal equal or over 5 mm to skin prick test to milk.

Cockroach sensitization and its hidden links to mite and food allergens

Sobczak M, Kitlas P, Pawliczak R, Kowal K. Sci Rep. 2026 Mar 11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-44011-8.

Abstract

Correlation analysis of sensitization based on the results
of skin prick tests

Cockroach allergy is a common trigger of allergic reactions and may be a cause or a result of cross-reactions with other allergens. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of sensitization to arthropod allergens in perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) patients with positive skin prick test to cockroach. A group of PAR patients with positive skin prick test (SPT) result with cockroach extract (Blattella germanica) was selected. In addition to SPTs for other inhalant allergens, such as house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae), birch, grass, mugwort, cat, dog, and Alternaria, participants underwent the ALEX2 test which allowed for detection of sensitization to cockroach-specific and cross-reacting molecules.

Maternal immunization and early-life immunity: Mechanisms shaping neonatal protection

Portet Sulla V, Soussan S, Bizot E et al.  Vaccine. 2026 Mar 7;78:128423. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128423.

Highlights

• •
  Maternal immunization protects infants during the early-life immunity gap.
• •
  FcRn mediates placental IgG transport; FcγRs may modulate selectivity.
• •
  IgG transfer varies with maternal, placental and fetal factors.
• •
  Microchimerism and breast milk cells may shape neonatal immune maturation.
• •
  Maternal antibodies can transiently blunt infant vaccine immunogenicity.

Abstract

Graphical Abstract

Neonatal infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, reflecting the distinctive immunological state of early life, which prioritizes tolerance and regulatory/T helper 2 (Th2)-skewed responses over robust effector immunity. Protection during this vulnerable period relies largely on maternal immunity conveyed across the placenta and through breast milk. Transplacental IgG transport is mediated primarily by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and may be influenced by placental Fc gamma (Fcγ) receptors, IgG subclass distribution and Fc features, including glycosylation.

Future Perspectives for Artificial Intelligence in Allergy: Advances in Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Personalized Care.

Moreno E, Moreno V, Curto B, Dávila I. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2026 Mar 10:0. doi: 10.18176/jiaci.1154. 

Abstract

Primary areas of allergology where AI techniques have been applied. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming the specialty of allergy by offering novel tools for diagnosis, risk prediction, disease monitoring, and personalized care. This narrative review comprehensively explores key advances in the application of AI techniques-expert systems, machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing-across various allergic diseases such as asthma, anaphylaxis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and drug hypersensitivity reactions.

Development and psychometric validation of the Chronic Rhinosinusitis Control Test

Cotter RA, Lee CW, Wilson K et al. Rhinology. 2026 Feb 1;64(1):38-50. doi: 10.4193/Rhin25.377.

Abstract

Background: Disease control assessment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains a challenge. In this study, we develop and psychometrically validate a new patient-reported outcome measure, the Chronic Rhinosinusitis Control Test (CRCT), for assessing CRS control.

Graphical Abstract

Methodology: The CRCT, which includes 8 items and has a score that ranges from 0-31, incorporates the perspectives of key stakeholders (patients and healthcare providers) and was developed incorporating methodologic guidance from the COSMIN initiative and United States Food and Drug Administration. Psychometric validation was performed in line with recommendations from the COSMIN initiative to establish validity, reliability and responsiveness in a sample of 545 CRS patients and with the participation of 23 expert rhinologists.

Results: The CRCT has excellent face validity, content validity, concurrent validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness.

Characterising the allergen landscape in paediatric allergic rhinitis and/or asthma

Chen Y, Zhou X, Wang Y et al.  BMJ Open Respir Res. 2026 Mar 3;13(1):e003693. doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2025-003693.

Abstract

Objective To characterise the allergen sensitisation profile and its demographic, seasonal and laboratory associations in children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or asthma in Guangdong, China.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of children diagnosed with AR and/or asthma from January 2020 to December 2023. Serum allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurements were used to identify allergens. Sensitisation patterns and their relationships with age, sex, season of visit, peripheral-blood cell counts and immune markers were assessed with χ² tests and Spearman correlation.

Distributional characteristics of allergens in 8080 children.

Results A total of 8080 children (median age, 7.0 years; 69.0% boys) were included; 89.1% had AR, 7.5% asthma and 3.4% both conditions. Overall, 76.5% were sensitised to inhalant allergens, 18.3% to food allergens and 5.2% to other allergens. Dermatophagoides farinae (93.2 %) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (88.3 %) were the dominant inhalant allergens, whereas egg (14.2 %) and milk (11.9 %) prevailed among foods.

Organ failure type in fatal and near-fatal anaphylaxis: a systematic review

McKenzie B, Marshall SD, Sanci L, Poonian J, Nair R, J Selman C, Douglass JA. BMJ Open. 2026 Mar 9;16(3):e108996. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108996.

Abstract

Objectives Anaphylaxis is a sudden onset multiorgan allergic reaction that infrequently but regularly causes fatalities which may be preventable with appropriate organ support. There is limited data about the type of organ failure leading to death or near-fatal episodes resulting in permanent neurological disability. To assist clinicians facing anaphylaxis in diverse clinical settings, we aimed to quantify the frequency of organ failure type contributing to death or neurological disability from anaphylaxis according to allergen trigger.

Design Systematic review of published peer-reviewed literature.

Data sources Three databases were searched to January 2025: MEDLINE from 1946, Embase from 1947 and Web of Science from 1900.

Eligibility criteria Studies were eligible if they contained data about the type of clinical deterioration during anaphylaxis resulting in death or permanent neurological disability. No language restriction was implemented. Exclusion criteria were: hydatid anaphylaxis; five or more stings from an insect; death from acute atheromatous myocardial infarction and where anaphylaxis was only a differential diagnosis.

Data extraction and synthesis We extracted information using pre-specified criteria to determine the primary organ failure involved: either upper airway obstruction, lower respiratory obstruction (bronchospasm) or cardiovascular failure. Baseline demographics including age and asthma status were collected along with the allergen trigger, time course and treatment. We reported frequencies according to allergen trigger for case reports and a narrative analysis of case series weighted by risk of bias assessment.

Anaphylaxis and loss of wheat tolerance after two weeks of wheat deprivation

Kin, H.M.B., Chan, E.S., Mak, R. et al.  Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-026-01023-3

Abstract

Background

The best practices for childhood allergy prevention are continually evolving. We do not know the optimal frequency for continued exposure of common allergenic foods after the initial introduction into a child’s diet. Home-based oral immunotherapy is a promising treatment avenue for childhood food allergies.

Case presentation

Skin Prick Test Results

We describe the case of a child who was tolerating wheat and underwent a 2-week unintentional deprivation period wherein they were not exposed to any wheat. After this period, they experienced an anaphylactic reaction to wheat upon re-introduction.

Th17/Treg cell imbalance in allergic rhinitis: mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Xiong, Y., Wang, F., Hu, G. et al. Genes Immun (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41435-026-00378-2

Abstract

Upon allergen exposure, dendritic cells (DCs) stimulate the differentiation
of naïve CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells while promoting IL-17 secretion

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic, noninfectious inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Recent worldwide epidemiological surveys have indicated an increase in AR incidence. Recurrent allergic symptoms, disease complications and prolonged treatment have brought heavy physical and mental burdens to AR patients. AR pathogenesis is an IgE-mediated type I allergic reaction involving multiple immune cells and cytokines.

Systemic Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis: Choosing Biologics or Janus Kinase Inhibitors for Children and Adults

Scholl IM, Drucker AM, Flohr C, Gerbens LAA.  J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2026 Feb;14(2):344-359. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2025.10.052.

Abstract

Mechanism of action of biologics and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

Atopic dermatitis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease worldwide, with a significant burden on patients’ quality of life. Although most patients with atopic dermatitis are effectively managed with topical treatments, a significant minority requires systemic therapy. In recent years, the therapeutic landscape for this patient population has expanded beyond conventional treatments, introducing novel targeted therapies such as biologic agents and Janus kinase inhibitors.

Estimated Effectiveness of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccination Against Severe COVID-19

Ma KC, Webber A, Lauring AS et al.   JAMA Netw Open. 2026 Feb 2;9(2):e2557415. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.57415. 

Key Points

Question  What was the estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines against severe COVID-19, and did it vary by SARS-CoV-2 lineage or spike protein mutations?

Findings  In this case-control study of 1888 adults with COVID-19 and 6605 adults without COVID-19, estimated VE was 40% against hospitalization and 79% against invasive mechanical ventilation or death. The estimated VE was similar for KP.3.1.1 and XEC lineages, as well as for spike protein mutations potentially associated with immune evasion (S31 deletion, T22N and F59S substitutions).

Meaning  These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccines offered protection against hospitalization and severe in-hospital outcomes during the 2024-2025 season, in which multiple JN.1 lineages evolved and circulated.

Abstract

Importance  As SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 lineage descendants continue to evolve, evaluating COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against severe COVID-19 remains important to guide vaccination strategies.

Allergy to Cats: Current Perspectives and Therapeutic Options

Demoly P, Zakariya M, Dávila I et al. Clin Transl Allergy. 2026 Mar;16(3):e70152. doi: 10.1002/clt2.70152.

ABSTRACT

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma caused by cat dander have a highly variable prevalence across countries, which can reach 30% of the population in some regions. Cat allergens are widely distributed in the environment, making exposure nearly unavoidable, even in non-cat-owning households. Eight cat allergens have been identified, with Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 being particularly associated with the development and severity of asthma. 

Cat allergens

Symptoms can range from mild nasal and eye symptoms to severe asthma exacerbations, with many patients experiencing polysensitization to other allergens.

RSV Detection and Antibiotic Prescribing Decisions for Pediatric Respiratory Tract Infections

Boracchini R, Brigadoi G, Salvadori S, et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(3):e260409. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.0409

Key Points

Question  Are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) in primary care associated with reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in children with suspected viral lower respiratory tract infections (VLRTIs), including bronchiolitis?

Findings  In this cohort study of 256 children aged 9 to 36 months in Italy, implementing RSV Ag-RDTs in clinical practice was associated with a reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use. Overall, RSV Ag-RDTs were associated with a mean reduction in antibiotic prescribing for VLRTIs and bronchiolitis compared with clinically diagnosed cohorts.

Meaning  The findings suggest incorporating RSV Ag-RDTs into pediatric care may support more appropriate antibiotic prescribing and could help reduce antibiotic overuse.

Abstract

Importance  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of pediatric viral lower respiratory tract infections (VLRTIs), often leading to inappropriate antibiotic use. Although rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) support clinical diagnosis, their effect on antibiotic prescribing in community settings remains uncertain.