Moderate-to-severe chronic spontaneous urticaria is associated with increased risk of immune-mediated diseases: A population-based study

Smart K, Ure A, Johnsen N, Aflatooni S et al. PLoS One. 2026 Sep 23;21(9):e0358883. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0358883.

Abstract

Forest plot showing odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence
intervals for immune-mediated comorbidities among patients
with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is characterized by the idiopathic appearance of wheals and/or angioedema lasting more than six weeks. There is a critical need to evaluate whether the severity of CSU influences the risk of future immune-mediated comorbidities. We aim to evaluate if patients with moderate-to-severe chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) have an increased risk of developing immune-mediated comorbidities compared with matched patients with mild CSU.

Comparison of subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual (SLIT) immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma

Perek A, Raszewska J, Jabłoński W, et al. Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology. 2026. doi:10.5114/pja.2026.164983.

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma are among the most prevalent chronic diseases, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life and generating substantial healthcare costs. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), administered as subcutaneous (SCIT) or sublingual (SLIT) immunotherapy, remains the only treatment capable of modifying the natural course of allergic disease. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy, safety profile, adherence, and economic aspects of both AIT modalities based on current evidence. A narrative review of randomised clinical trials, meta-analyses, observational studies, and pharmacoeconomic analyses was conducted, with particular emphasis on treatment effectiveness, safety, adherence, and direct and indirect healthcare costs.

Advances in the role of house dust mite allergen components in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases

Guo CF, Wang Y, Wang YN et al. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2026 Sep 17:S1684-1182(26)00125-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2026.09.009.

Abstract

HDM allergen-induced epithelial barrier disruption and inflammatory signaling.

House dust mites (HDMs) represent one of the most prevalent indoor aeroallergens globally and are closely associated with type 2 immune-mediated conditions, including allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. To date, over 30 HDM allergenic components have been identified and are classified into proteases, lipid-binding proteins, structural proteins, and proteins with uncharacterized functions based on their structural and biological features. Among these, allergens from group 1, 2, and 23 exhibit robust immunoglobulin E(IgE)-binding activity and play pivotal roles in allergic sensitization and inflammatory cascades.

Comprehensive 17-Allergen Panel for Inhalant Specific IgE: Reliability and Validation of Optimized Quantitative Assays

Ianniello A, Amadsun DO, Bencini E et al. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2026 Sep 21:1. doi: 10.1159/iaa/adfag015. 

Abstract

Introduction: Atopic diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, are chronic inflammatory disorders mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses to environmental allergens. Detecting allergen-specific IgE is essential for diagnosing sensitization and guiding clinical management. Allergen-specific IgE assays have, thus, become indispensable in clinical diagnostics and allergy research. The CHORUS Specific IgE Capture assays are automated immunoassays designed to quantify up to 17 allergen-specific IgE antibodies in human serum. In this study, optimized versions of the assays have been evaluated to determine their analytical performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, precision, and overall reliability. 

Vaccines for Cancer: A Translational Science Review

 

ML, Chun BMN, Dhillon KK et al. JAMA. Published online September 21, 2026. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.15540

Abstract

Importance  Advances in tumor immunology and vaccine technology are reshaping cancer vaccine development after decades of limited clinical success. More than 2000 immunogenic tumor proteins or antigens have been identified, the types of immune responses required for tumor eradication have been defined, and safe and effective vaccine delivery technologies have been developed. This progress has renewed clinical investigation of cancer vaccines for multiple types of cancer.

Observations  Vaccines, such as those against human papillomavirus and hepatitis B, are composed of (1) an antigen target, (2) an adjuvant to activate the immune system, and (3) a vaccine delivery vehicle. Antigens can be derived from tumor mutations termed neoantigens, or cancer-associated nonmutated proteins, which are normal human proteins that are abnormally expressed in cancer. The tumor can also act as an antigen source, such as when immunization occurs with whole tumor cells or by directly injecting an immunogenic substance into the tumor to elicit an adaptive immune response. T and B lymphocytes, cells of the adaptive immune system, are stimulated by cancer vaccines and can provide a highly specific and durable immune response directed against cancer.

Nasal Epithelial Immune Signatures Are Associated With Age-Dependent Asthma Trajectories in Early Life

Jakwerth CA, Illi S, Charles H et al.  Allergy. 2026 Sep 6. doi: 10.1111/all.70477. 

ABSTRACT

Background

Preschool wheeze is heterogeneous and only a subset of children progresses to persistent asthma. We hypothesized that early-life wheeze reflects divergent airway epithelial maturation trajectories associated with distinct mucosal immune programs.

Methods

Nasal epithelial transcriptomes from 265 children and young adults (79 healthy, 81 wheezers, 105 asthmatics; median age 10.4 [1.1–20.3] years) from the All Age Asthma Cohort (ALLIANCE) cohort were analyzed using a hypothesis-driven candidate approach based on predefined cytokine axes. Transcriptional signatures were mapped to epithelial cells by scRNA-sequencing. Asthma-outcome associations were assessed in age- and sensitization-adjusted multivariate models.

Results

Graphical Abstract

The candidate approach identified three antagonistic epithelial immune programs: an interferon-associated (E1; IDO1, CSF3, CCL20), a type-2-associated (E2; POSTN, CCL26, CST1), and a type-17-associated program (E3; IL36G, KLK7, KRTDAP). These programs were detected across basal, ciliated, and secretory epithelial cells. In early childhood (1–3 years), wheezers predominantly exhibited E1/E3-dominant epithelial profiles (n = 36).

Sublingual allergen immunotherapy: evidence from randomized trials, real-world studies and meta-analyses

Paoletti G, Valli N, Di Bona D et al. (2026) Front. Allergy 7:1940709. doi: 10.3389/falgy.2026.1940709

Abstract

Background:

Allergen immunotherapy is the only potentially disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated respiratory allergy. Among the available routes, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has gained prominence because of its favorable safety profile and greater patient acceptability. 

Objectives:

This narrative review critically appraises the clinical efficacy, real-world effectiveness, and long-term disease-modifying potential of SLIT for seasonal and perennial respiratory allergies by integrating evidence from randomized controlled trials, large observational cohorts, and meta-analyses, with attention to allergen- and product-specific outcomes and age-related differences. 

Schematic overview of the effects of SLIT on allergic disease.
Evidence from randomized controlled trials and real-world studies
indicates reduced symptoms and medication use in allergic rhinitis,
 improved quality of life, and increased IgG4, secretory IgA (sIgA)/
IgE-blocking activity.
In asthma, SLIT is associated with fewer exacerbations and reduced
use of asthma medications. Sustained clinical benefits after treatment
 discontinuation have been demonstrated in both adults and children,
with evidence reported for pollen and house dust mite allergens.
Created with BioRender.com.

Results:

Robust RCT evidence supports clinically meaningful reductions in symptoms and medication use with grass and HDM SLIT tablets, with sustained benefits observed up to 1–2 years after a 3-year treatment course in key trials.

Planetary Health in Health Guidelines: Expert Workshop Report 2024

Saadat P, Herrmann A, Sousa-Pinto B et al.  Clin Public Health Guidel. 2026 Apr 15;3(2):e70072. doi: 10.1002/gin2.70072.

ABSTRACT

Health systems contribute to environmental degradation while simultaneously being affected by its consequences. Yet, planetary health considerations are largely absent from health guidelines. On November 6–7, 2024, the Planetary Health Expert Workshop convened over 50 experts from the GRADE Planetary Health Project Group at Humanitas University, Italy, to explore methods for embedding planetary health into health guideline development. Through presentations, case studies, and group discussions, participants identified key methodological gaps and proposed processes and tools to advance the integration of planetary health in health guidelines.