Why is Pet (cat/dog) allergen immunotherapy (ait) such a controversial topic? current perspectives and future directions.

Liccardi G, Martini M, Bilò MB, Cecchi L, Milanese M, Brussino L, Motta E, Rogliani P.  Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024 Feb 13. doi: 10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.330. Epub ahead of print.

Summary

Dogs and cats are the most common pets worldwide. In Italy, the prevalence of allergic sensitization to cats and dogs is 16% and 9% respectively. The limited standardization of allergenic extracts, especially for dogs, emphasizes the importance of Component Resolved Diagnosis (CRD) for accurate diagnosis and subsequent prescription of allergen immunotherapy (AIT).However, this low standardization is the main factor contributing to the unsatisfactory clinical efficacy of traditional AIT, AIT with modified allergens, and intralymphatic allergen-specific immunotherapy (ILAIT).

From biodiversity to nature deficiency in human health and disease

Haahtela T, Bousquet J, Antó JM. Porto Biomed J. 2024 Jan 12;9(1):245. doi: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000245.

Abstract

Natural elements must be taken back to everyday
 life to compensate for nature deficiency.

Nature (biodiversity) loss is the loss or decline of the state of nature taking place in the wider environment. We present a novel concept, nature deficiency, referring to nature loss in the human body influencing health. Humans are connected with the natural environment and its microbes and biogenic chemicals through eating (drinking), breathing, and touching.

Dendritic cells under allergic condition enhance the activation of pruritogen-responsive neurons via inducing itch receptors in a co-culture study

 Research - Open access

Tichakorn Singto, Viviane Filor, Jonathan Vidak, Robert Klopfleisch & Wolfgang Bäumer 

BMC Immunology volume 25, Article number: 17 (2024) 

Abstract

Background

Itch sensitization has been reported in patients with chronic allergic skin diseases and observed in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). There is evidence suggesting that neuroimmune interactions may contribute to itch sensitization, as an increase in dendritic cells (DCs) within ganglia has been observed during allergic conditions. However, how DCs interact with sensory neurons in ganglia during allergic conditions is still not known. This study aims to investigate the role of DCs in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) under ACD conditions, specifically focusing on itch sensitization within the DRG. The tolylene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) mouse model for ACD and the co-culture model of DCs and DRG neurons was employed in this study.

Acuity of asthma exacerbations in Alberta, Canada is increasing: a population-based study

Research - Open access

Adil Adatia, Jalal Moolji & Imran Satia 

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology volume 20, Article number: 13 (2024) 

Abstract

Background

Asthma is a common respiratory illness affecting 2.8 million Canadians, including 9.7% of Albertans. Prior studies showed a substantial decrease in ED visits for asthma in the decade preceding 2010, followed by a stabilization. This was attributed to improvements in the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for asthma during that period followed by a balance between epidemiologic drivers and protective factors in the population.

Methods

We assessed whether this trend continued in Alberta from 2010 to 2022 using population level data for the volume of daily ED visits, acuity of asthma exacerbations in the ED, and hospitalization rate.

The airway neuro-immune axis as a therapeutic target in allergic airway diseases

Review - Open access

Wanhua Wu, Jianing Li, Su Chen & Suidong Ouyang. Respiratory Research volume 25, Article number: 83 (2024) 

Abstract

Schematic diagram illustrating the interaction
between airway nerve and allergic airway cells

Recent evidence has increasingly underscored the importance of the neuro-immune axis in mediating allergic airway diseases, such as allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis. The intimate spatial relationship between neurons and immune cells suggests that their interactions play a pivotal role in regulating allergic airway inflammation. Upon direct activation by allergens, neurons and immune cells engage in interactions, during which neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released by neurons modulate immune cell activity.

Asthma and rhinitis control in adolescents and young adults: A real-world MASK-air study.

Sousa-Pinto B, Valiulis A, Melén E et al.  Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2024 Feb;35(2):e14080. doi: 10.1111/pai.14080. PMID: 38334246.

Abstract

Background

In allergic rhinitis and asthma, adolescents and young adult patients are likely to differ from older patients. We compared adolescents, young adults and adults on symptoms, control levels, and medication adherence.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study (2015–2022), we assessed European users of the MASK-air mHealth app of three age groups: adolescents (13–18 years), young adults (18–26 years), and adults (>26 years). We compared them on their reported rhinitis and asthma symptoms, use and adherence to rhinitis and asthma treatment and app adherence. Allergy symptoms and control were assessed by means of visual analogue scales (VASs) on rhinitis or asthma, the combined symptom-medication score (CSMS), and the electronic daily control score for asthma (e-DASTHMA). We built multivariable regression models to compare symptoms or medication accounting for potential differences in demographic characteristics and baseline severity.

Unraveling allergic, pseudoallergic, and idiosyncratic complexities of hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs

Bellanti, Joseph A.; Settipane, Russell A. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 45, Number 1, 1 January 2024, pp. 1-4(4)

Hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) have traditionally been classified as either allergic, pseudoallergic, or idiosyncratic adverse reactions. Although allergic NSAID reactions are attributable to an immunologic mechanism (presumably immunoglobulin E [IgE] mediated), pseudoallergic reactions are believed to result from inhibition of the cyclooxygenase-1 pathway, and idiosyncratic reactions involve other types of immune mechanisms. Pseudoallergic reactions are frequently cross-reactive (or cross-intolerant) to chemically unrelated classes of NSAIDs. These reactions be classified into four types: NSAID-induced asthma and rhinosinusitis (type 1); NSAID-induced urticaria and/or angioedema in patients with chronic urticaria (type 2); NSAID-induced urticaria and/or angioedema in individuals who are otherwise asymptomatic (type 3); Blended (mixed respiratory and/or cutaneous) reactions in individuals who are otherwise asymptomatic (type 4).

Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis

Milli Gupta and Michelle Grinman. CMAJ February 05, 2024 196 (4) E121-E128; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.230378

KEY POINTS

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of both children and adults, for which incidence and prevalence is rising worldwide; the condition is most common among young males with a history of atopy.

The pathophysiology involves an incompletely understood interaction of antigen exposures with host factors, including esophageal-specific genetic variations.

Adults with eosinophilic esophagitis commonly present with recurrent dysphagia and food bolus impaction, which may be masked by compensating behaviours, whereas children more often present with feeding problems, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis is based on clinical history as well as eosinophilic-predominant inflammation on histological examination of biopsies taken at endoscopy.