Inhalant Allergen-specific IgE Research Articles

Relationship between indoor inhalant allergen concentrations, serum IgE, and allergic diseases: A cross-sectional study from the NHANES 2005–2006 program

This research analyzed data from 5106 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 to explore the link between indoor allergen concentrations, serum IgE levels, and allergic diseases. The study found that 14.9% of participants reported having asthma, with significant differences noted in the concentrations of certain indoor allergens, specifically dust dog, mite, and cat allergens, between asthma and non-asthma groups. Furthermore, positivity rates for inhalant allergen-specific IgE and total IgE were higher in the asthma group. However, the correlations between most inhalant allergen IgE, including total IgE, and indoor allergen concentrations were very weak. These findings suggest that the relationship between indoor allergen concentrations and asthma incidence is complex, indicating a potential need for personalized allergen prevention strategies based on disease type and patient sensitization.

Allergic sensitisation in South Africa: Exploring regional variation in sensitisation.

Allergy is a common health problem in South Africa (SA), and a rational approach to allergy testing is essential to ensure cost-effective as well as optimal patient diagnosis and management. To review allergy testing data with respect to current national testing recommendations, and to explore the regional variations in sensitisation. Retrospective data review on allergy testing from a private pathology provider in SA over a 2-year period. Data on skin-prick testing (SPT) and allergen-specific IgE testing originating from all the provinces of SA were collected and analysed with regards to allergen positivity rate and regional sensitisation patterns. Among the patients (N=450320) tested for a suspected inhalant allergy, 46% tested positive. Only 45% of these received additional testing for the nine recommended inhalant allergens included in the current national testing protocol. Among the patients (N=6775) who received SPT for a suspected inhalant allergy, 59% yielded one or more positive results. The most frequent sensitising allergens were house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and grass pollen. The house dust mite, Blomia tropicalis, was a significant sensitiser in coastal regions. SPT identified two other important regional allergens which are not included in the current recommendations for inhalant allergen-specific IgE testing. The current diagnostic recommendations include allergens that demonstrate significant sensitisation in all regions of SA. Two additional allergens that show significant regional sensitisation in the South African population were identified. These findings may aid the recommendations for the most appropriate and cost-effective approach to allergy testing of symptomatic patients in SA.

The associations between eczema and food and inhalant allergen-specific IgE vary between black and white children

The associations between eczema and food and inhalant allergen-specific IgE vary between black and white children

Performance evaluation of allergen specific IgE antibodies measurement using capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

Objective To evaluate the performance of common inhalant allergen specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) measurement using capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Fooke™ system. Methods The performance of Fooke™ system was evaluated according to the CLSI EP documents. Specific IgE to 6 common inhalant allergens, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (d1), Dermatophagoides farina (d2), cat epithelium and dander (e1), dog epithelium and dander (e5), Alternaria Alternata (m6) and mugwort pollen (w6), were measured by Fooke™ system. The precision, sensitivity, and linearity range were assessed. The results were compared with ImmunoCAP® system, collecting the compared samples from clinical patient serum from 25 May 2016 to 30 June 2016. Results The within run CVs of the 6 allergens were 3.60%-6.53%, and total CVs were 3.57%-7.46%, lower than the stated. Limit of quantitative determination was <0.35 KU/L, lower than the sensitivity stated. The linearity range of d1 and m6 was 0.37-94.30 KU/L (R2=0.999, P<0.001) and 0.35-89.80 KU/L (R2=0.998, P<0.001), which demonstrated a sound linear correlation.In the method comparison tests, the quantitative results between Fooke™ and ImmunoCAP® system had obvious linear correlation, R2 of d1, d2, e1, e5, m6 and w6 was 0.356, 0.473, 0.847, 0.478, 0.254 and 0.355, respectively, P<0.001. The negative, positive and overall agreement ratio of qualitative results was 99.2% (944/952), 82.1% (528/643) and 92.3% (1 472/1 595), with high level of agreement (Kappa=0.835, P<0.001). The ranked agreement ratio was 91.5% (1 459/1 595). Conclusions Fooke™ system (Capture ELISA) is domestically produced, automated and quantitative allergen sIgE detecting system, which showed high precision and sensitivity, and sound correlation with ImmunoCAP® system, meeting the testing requirement. Fooke™ system has practical value, which is a new option for clinical application.(Chin J Lab Med, 2016, 39: 824-828) Key words: Allergens; Immunoglobulin E; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Immunoenzyme techniques

Pediatric severe asthma with fungal sensitization is mediated by steroid-resistant IL-33

BackgroundThe mechanism underlying severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) is unknown. IL-33 is important in fungus-induced asthma exacerbations, but its role in fungal sensitization is unexplored.ObjectiveWe sought to determine whether fungal sensitization in children with severe therapy-resistant asthma is mediated by IL-33.MethodsEighty-two children (median age, 11.7 years; 63% male) with severe therapy-resistant asthma were included. SAFS (n = 38) was defined as specific IgE or skin prick test response positivity to Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, or Cladosporium herbarum. Clinical features and airway immunopathology were assessed. Chronic exposure to house dust mite and A alternata were compared in a neonatal mouse model.ResultsChildren with SAFS had earlier symptom onset (0.5 vs 1.5 years, P = .006), higher total IgE levels (637 vs 177 IU/mL, P = .002), and nonfungal inhalant allergen-specific IgE. Significantly more children with SAFS were prescribed maintenance oral steroids (42% vs 14%, P = .02). SAFS was associated with higher airway IL-33 levels. In neonatal mice A alternata exposure induced higher serum IgE levels, pulmonary IL-33 levels, and IL-13+ innate lymphoid cell (ILC) and TH2 cell numbers but similar airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) compared with those after house dust mite exposure. Lung IL-33 levels, IL-13+ ILC numbers, TH2 cell numbers, IL-13 levels, and AHR remained increased with inhaled budesonide during A alternata exposure, but all features were significantly reduced in ST2−/− mice lacking a functional receptor for IL-33.ConclusionPediatric SAFS was associated with more oral steroid therapy and higher IL-33 levels. A alternata exposure resulted in increased IL-33–mediated ILC2 numbers, TH2 cell numbers, and steroid-resistant AHR. IL-33 might be a novel therapeutic target for SAFS.

Intrauterine sensitization of allergen-specific IgE analyzed by a highly sensitive new allergen microarray

To design a rational allergy prevention program, it is important to determine whether allergic sensitization starts in utero under the maternal immune system. To investigate the origin of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in cord blood (CB) and maternofetal transfer of immunoglobulins. The levels of food and inhalant allergen-specific IgE, IgA, IgG, and IgG(4) antibodies in CB and maternal blood (MB) from 92 paired neonates and mothers were measured by using a novel allergen microarray of diamond-like-carbon-coated chip, with high-sensitivity detection of allergen-specific antibodies and allergen profiles. The levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies against food and inhalant allergens and allergen profiles were identical in CB and newborn blood, but the levels and profiles, specifically against inhalant allergens, were different from those in MB. The level of allergen-specific IgA antibodies was below the detection levels in CB despite clear detection in MB. Therefore, contamination with MB in CB was excluded on the basis of extremely low levels of IgA antibodies in CB and the obvious mismatch of the allergen-specific IgE and IgA profiles between CB and MB. However, the levels of allergen-specific IgG and IgG(4) antibodies and their allergen profiles were almost identical in both MB and CB. Allergen-specific levels of IgE and IgA antibodies and their allergen profiles analyzed by the diamond-like-carbon allergen chip indicate that IgE antibodies in CB are of fetal origin. Food-allergen specific IgE antibodies were detected more often than inhalant-allergen specific IgE antibodies in CB, the reason of which remains unclarified.

Cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with aeroallergen sensitization in children from Tucson, Arizona

The association between vitamin D status at birth and childhood allergic outcomes is uncertain. The desert climate of Tucson offers a unique setting for studying the health effects of higher exposure to vitamin D. To assess the relationship between cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and allergic outcomes through age 5 years. Cord blood 25(OH)D levels were measured in 219 participants in the Tucson Infant Immune Study, a population-based birth cohort. Plasma total IgE and specific IgE levels to 6 aeroallergens were measured at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. Skin prick test (SPT) positivity (wheal diameter ≥ 3 mm) and physician-diagnosed active allergic rhinitis and asthma were assessed at age 5 years. Longitudinal models were used to assess the relationship between 25(OH)D and IgE levels. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship of 25(OH)D level with SPT positivity, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. The median cord blood 25(OH)D level was 64 nmol/L (interquartile range, 49-81 nmol/L). Relative to the reference group (50-74.9 nmol/L), both low (<50 nmol/L) and high (≥ 100 nmol/L) levels were associated with increased total IgE (coefficient = 0.27, P = .006 and coefficient = 0.27, P = .04, respectively) and detectable inhalant allergen-specific IgE (odds ratio = 2.4, P = .03 and odds ratio = 4.0, P = .01, respectively) through age 5 years. High 25(OH)D levels were also associated with increased SPT positivity (odds ratio = 4.0, P = .02). By contrast, the 25(OH)D level was not significantly associated with allergic rhinitis or asthma. Both low and high levels of cord blood 25(OH)D were associated with increased aeroallergen sensitization. The association between vitamin D status and actual allergic diseases merits further study.

Does early exposure or sensitization to inhalant allergens predict asthma in wheezing infants? A 20-year follow-up

Early sensitization to inhaled allergens predicts later asthma and allergy until school age, but studies on early exposure have given conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between early wheezing, early exposure, or sensitization to pets and pollens and later asthma or allergy until adulthood. We have prospectively followed-up a cohort of 83 infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis in 1981-1982. Cat and dog ownership (early exposure) and inhalant allergen-specific IgE measurements (early sensitization) were registered at <3 years of age. Later, asthma and allergy were evaluated repeatedly between 3 and 20 years of age. Twenty-eight children were exposed to pets in early life, and 8 children were sensitized to pets and 10 children were sensitized to pollens. Birth season and early exposure or sensitization to pets were not significantly associated with later asthma and allergy. Wheezing was present at 3-6 years of age in 8 of 10 children sensitized to pollens (OR, 5.07; 95% CI, 1.48-17.31 versus nonsensitized), and asthma was present in 4 of 9 children at 8.5-10 years of age (OR, 9.53; 95% CI, 2.01-45.54). In multivariate analyses, early sensitization predicted asthma until 13.5-16 years of age. Seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis was not significantly associated with early exposure or sensitization to pets or pollens. In wheezing infants, early sensitization to seasonal pollens predicts subsequent wheezing and asthma until adolescence. No association was found between early exposure and sensitization to pets and later outcome.

Correlation between inhalant allergen-specific IgE and pulmonary function in children with asthma

Sensitization to aeroallergens is associated with diminished lung function in adults. Little has been studied on the relationship between the inhalant allergen-specific IgE and pulmonary function in asthmatic children. This study was focused on four major inhalant allergens found in Korea, including Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p.), Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f.), and Alternaria- and German cockroach-specific IgEs, with evaluation of pulmonary function in relation to the amount of allergens. The parents or legal guardians of participants enrolled in this study gave informed consent. Fifty-five asthmatic patients and 48 nonasthmatic children were included. The amounts of specific IgE for the four specified inhalant allergens were determined by employing the CAP system FEIA. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV(1), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF(25-75)) of subjects were evaluated through pulmonary function tests. In the asthmatic group, FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC, and FEF(25-75) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05): reduction in FEV(1) (r = -0.44) and FEF(25-75) (r = -0.33) in association with the Der f.-specific allergen, and reduction in FEV(1) (r = -0.37) and FEF(25-75) (r = -0.34) in association with the Der p.-specific allergen, were observed. However, there was no significant correlation with German cockroach and Alternaria allergen. In the control group, no significant correlation was detectable between the allergen-specific IgE titers and the results of pulmonary function tests. In asthmatic patients, Der p.- and Der f.-specific IgEs, and not German cockroach and Alternaria, seem to play a considerable role in reduced pulmonary function among asthmatic children.

Relationship between skin bacterial colonization and the occurrence of allergen-specific and non-allergen-specific antibodies in sera of children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.

In this study we investigated skin bacterial colonization, allergen-specific IgE and antiphospholipid/antinuclear antibodies in 72 children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (age 2-17 years). Bacteria were found on the skin in 41 cases and serological allergen-specific IgE positivity in 37. The different forms of antibodies appeared in the ratio 21/72 (33 antibodies in 21 children). The occurrence of antiphospholipid antibodies was significantly higher in the patients than in the controls. There were significantly more allergens in the group with bacterial colonization than in the group without colonization. The SCORAD index showed a significant positive association with the skin colonization. We conclude that there are significant relationships between the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus colonization and the levels of inhalant allergen-specific IgE in children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome, and between the occurrence of antiphospholipid IgM positivity and atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.

Correlation between inhalant allergen-specific IgE and pulmonary function in asthmatic patients

Correlation between inhalant allergen-specific IgE and pulmonary function in asthmatic patients

The study of pollen and Der p mite-specific IgE antibodies in children with allergic rhinitis.

The role of pollens and house dust mites in perennial chronic rhinitis has been investigated for the Taipei area. Fifty-four serum specimens were collected from children with chronic rhinitis. EIA kits (Phadezyme RAST) were used to detect specific IgE antibody of nine allergens, including house dust mite (Der p) and eight common pollens. The children were divided into allergic (AR) and nonallergic (NAR) groups, based on the results of skin tests, inhalant allergen-specific IgE screen (Phadiatop), physical examination, past history and family history. The results showed: (1) 41 (76%) patients were defined as allergic rhinitis; (2) Der p specific IgE was detected in 41 (100%) AR patients and 7 (54%) NAR patients (P < 0.005), a strong positive reaction (> 2+) in 83% AR and none NAR patients (P < 0.005); (3) one, or more than one, pollen-specific IgE were found in 13 (32%) AR and 4 (31%) NAR patients. No strong positive reaction was detected in either group. (1) three-fourths of the children with chronic rhinitis are allergic by nature; (2) house dust mite is the major allergen of allergic rhinitis; (3) in the Taipei area, pollen does not play an important role for children with allergic rhinitis.