Specific Allergen Research Articles

Analysis of allergen positivity rates in relation to gender, age, and cross-reactivity patterns.

This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the patterns of allergen detection positivity rates among different age and gender groups, and to explore cross-reactivity patterns among allergens. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent allergen testing at our hospital. The sample for this study included all patients who underwent allergen testing. We utilized immune blotting to detect specific IgE antibodies to 20 allergens in patient sera. The study results showed a higher proportion of female samples (72.35%) compared to male samples (27.65%). Among all participants, the age distribution was primarily concentrated in the 25-35 age group, accounting for 37.43% of the total sample, followed by the 45 years and older age group, accounting for 27.00%. This indicates that allergic symptoms may occur not only in children and adolescents but also at any time after adulthood. We further observed significant influences of factors such as gender and age on individual sensitivity to specific allergens. For example, compared to males, females were found to be more sensitive to certain allergens such as cat hair, dust mites, and dog epithelium. Similarly, we also found variations in sensitivity to specific allergens among different age groups. Close monitoring of allergen distribution in populations facilitates active engagement of allergic individuals in self-management, while gender and age may be important factors influencing individual sensitivity to specific allergens. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and designing more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Pathophysiology of De Novo Food Allergies After Solid Organ Transplant in Pediatric Patients.

De novo food allergy is a common phenomenon among pediatric solid organ recipients (8.5%-57%) when compared with the general population (0.45%-10%). Other associated disorders include non-IgE-mediated immune reactions and clinical predisposition to asthma and alterations in the oral mucosa. Originally, passive mechanisms (passive transfer of IgE and immune cells) were thought to be responsible for acute, transient cases of food allergies with a previous history of sensitization for a specific allergen in the donor. Recently proposed pathophysiological mechanisms to explain de novo allergies include TH2/B-cell imbalance, regulatory T-cell (Treg) disruption, gastrointestinal immaturity, and altered gastrointestinal permeability. Recent studies also suggest that immunosuppressive drugs, especially tacrolimus, promote naïve T-cell differentiation into TH2 cells, IgE-promoting cytokine production, decreased IL-5 and IL-10 levels, increased IgA levels, and Treg disruption. Such immunological interactions, in conjunction with altered intestinal permeability, intestinal immaturity in children, history of viral infection, and a personal history of allergies or eczema, are thought to explain most clinical cases of pediatric de novo food allergy after solid organ transplantation reported in the literature. A better understanding of the immunological mechanisms underpinning organ donors and recipients may unveil some of the caveats concerning therapeutic management and improve the quality of life of affected individuals.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Associated With Men's Personal Care Products: A Review of Allergens.

Personal care product usage is becoming increasingly prevalent among men due to evolving attitudes surrounding appearance, aging, and masculinity. Given the specific characteristics of male skin compared with female skin and varying product use between males and females, the occurrence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) due to men's personal care products needs to be better characterized. The purpose of this review was to identify specific product types and ingredients causing ACD in males. PubMed search was conducted from conception to present day using keywords pertaining to male personal care product use. Case reports, case series, and case-control studies reporting a diagnosis of ACD due to a personal care product ingredient were analyzed. Products resulting in ACD included aftershave, cologne, deodorant, hair dye, hair gel, hair loss preparation, hand cleanser, lip balm, moisturizer, shampoo, and sunscreen. Although >90 allergens resulting in ACD were identified, the 5 most common allergens included para-phenylenediamine, minoxidil, musk ambrette, methylisothiazolinone, and cocamidopropyl betaine. Following this review, clinicians should be better able to recognize men's personal care products that commonly result in ACD, as well as specific allergens present across multiple product types. Doing so will lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of ACD due to personal care product usage in men and, in doing so, guide both clinical practice and future investigation in this area.

Clinical diagnosis and management of wheat and buckwheat allergy: application and prospects of allergen component diagnostics

Wheat and buckwheat allergies are common food allergies that significantly impact patients' quality of life and health. Wheat allergy encompasses various forms, including wheat food allergy, exercise-induced allergic reactions (WDEIA), baker's occupational asthma/allergy, and contact urticaria. IgE-mediated allergic reactions involve sensitization to stable wheat allergens such as ω-5 gliadin and gluten. Although buckwheat allergy is less common, it is gaining attention in certain regions. Allergen component diagnostic technologies, by detecting specific allergen components [e.g., ω-5 gliadin, gliadins (α, β, γ), and Tri a 14], offer precise allergen source identification, aiding in the optimization of diagnosis and management processes. Oral challenge tests are considered the gold standard for diagnosing wheat allergy, and combining skin prick tests with specific IgE measurements can enhance diagnostic accuracy. While avoidance of allergens remains the primary management strategy, research into immunotherapy is ongoing. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of the structural and immunological characteristics of wheat and buckwheat allergens to develop more accurate diagnostic tools and treatment methods, thereby improving allergy management and patient quality of life. This article provides a detailed interpretation of the Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0 (MAUG 2.0) published by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and recent research advances on wheat and buckwheat allergies, highlighting the crucial role of allergen component diagnostics in optimizing food allergy diagnosis and treatment processes, supporting clinicians in accurately identifying common allergens and their cross-reactivity, and formulating more personalized treatment plans for patients.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Pediatric Practice.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is prevalent among pediatric population, adolescent and young adults. Patients with ACD experience a lot of sociopsychological and qualityof- life (QoL) difficulties. Children and their caregivers alike are vulnerable to the burden of ACD. We have, in this paper, provided an overview of ACD and discussed common and unusual causes of ACD. We performed an up-to-date literature review in the English language on "allergic contact dermatitis" via PubMed Clinical Queries, using the keywords "allergic contact dermatitis" in August 2022. The search included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, casecontrol studies, cohort studies, observational studies, clinical guidelines, case series, case reports, and reviews. The search was restricted to English literature and children. ACD may be acute or chronic and it affects more than 20% of children and adults with significant quality-of-life impairments. ACD is manifested by varying degrees of cutaneous edema, vesiculation, and erythema. The hypersensitivity reaction is one of the most prevalent forms of immunotoxicity in humans. Localized acute ACD lesions can be managed with high-potency topical steroids; if ACD is severe or extensive, systemic corticosteroid therapy is often required to provide relief within 24 hours. In patients with more severe dermatitis, oral prednisone should be tapered over 2-3 weeks. Rapid discontinuation of corticosteroids can result in rebound dermatitis. Patch testing should be performed if treatment fails and the specific allergen or diagnosis remains unknown. ACD is common and can be a physically, psychologically, and economically burdensome disease. Diagnosis of ACD is primarily based on history (exposure to an allergen) and physical examination (morphology and location of the eruption). Skin patch test can help determine the causative allergen. Allergen avoidance is the cornerstone of management. Topical mid- or highpotency corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for lesions on less than 20% of the body area. Severe cases of ACD may require treatment with systemic corticosteroids.

Total protein concentration and stability of Amb a 1 in glycerinated ragweed sublingual immunotherapy stored at room temperature and refrigerated cold temperature.

Few studies have investigated optimal storage conditions or expiration dates for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) formulations prepared from glycerinated allergen extracts. The objective of this study was to compare concentrations of short ragweed major allergen (Amb a 1) and total protein in SLIT formulations stored at two different temperatures. It was hypothesised that protein concentrations would show greater decline over time in a formulation stored at room temperature (RT) than in one stored under refrigeration. Two SLIT samples containing equal volumes of 20,000 PNU Amb a 1 extract were prepared and stored at refrigerated cold (CT) (2-8°C) or RT (20-24°C) for 140 days. Changes in total protein and major allergen concentration and composition were measured by Bradford assay, two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and SDS-PAGE. Presence of Amb a 1 was confirmed with Western immunoblot. Data were analysed using an analysis of covariance, with p < 0.05 considered significant. SDS-PAGE showed compositional changes in a ~26-30 kDa protein band under RT and not CT storage. The Amb a 1 concentration of the RT SLIT sample declined significantly over time, compared to that of the CT SLIT sample (F(1,8) = 47.69, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in total protein concentration over time between groups (F(1,8) = 1.79, p = 0.22). These results demonstrate that storage of glycerinated SLIT formulations in refrigerated CT preserved the highest concentration of the specific allergen Amb a 1, suggesting that SLIT formulations containing short ragweed should be stored under refrigeration.

Probiotics as adjuvants to mitigate adverse reactions and enhance effectiveness in Food Allergy Immunotherapy.

In the past decades, food allergies became increasingly dominant since early childhood, leading to a lower quality of life and to increasing costs addressed by the health care system. Beside standard avoidance of specific allergens and drug treatments following allergen exposure, a great deal of research has lately focused on Food Allergy Allergen Immunotherapy (FA-AIT). SCIT and EPIT (Subcutaneous and Epicutaneous Immunotherapy), OIT (Oral Immunotherapy), and SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy) consist in gradual exposure to allergens to desensitize and achieve tolerance once therapy has ended. Although promising, FA-AIT may bring acute local and systemic adverse reactions. To enhance efficacy, safety and convenience of AIT, the quest of potential adjuvants to mitigate the adverse reactions becomes crucial. Immunomodulatory activities, such as that of increasing the regulatory T cells and decreasing the IgE, have been observed in specific probiotics' strains and multiple studies elucidated the role of gut microbiota as a major interplayer among the host and its immune system. In this review, the microbiome modulation is shown as potential AIT adjuvant, nevertheless the need of more clinical studies in the near future is pivotal to assess the efficacy of targeted bacterial therapies and faecal microbiota transplantation.

B-059 Development and Validation of Multiplex Quantitative Allergy Tests based on Automated Flow Fluorescence Immunoassay Analyzer

Abstract Background Serological allergy tests measuring allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) are simpler and safer than skin prick tests, and the results are not influenced by skin condition or human factors. Quantitative detection of sIgE can also aid in evaluating patient allergies and aiding subsequent treatment. Dymind has researched and developed novel quantitative allergy tests based on the automated flow fluorescence immunoassay analyzer system (MF1280), enabling quantitative detection of multiple sIgE in just one test with one sample. Here, we present the performance of tIgE and two specific IgE test kits using the Dymind MF1280 system. Methods This study evaluated the performance of total IgE (tIgE) and two allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) panels of inhalant and food allergens, inhalant allergen panel including d1 (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), d2 (Dermatophagoides farina), i6 (Cockroach), e1 (Cat epithelium), e5 (Dog epithelium), w1(Common ragweed), and food allergen panel including f1 (Egg white), f2 (Cow’s milk), f3 (cod), f23 (Crab), 24 (Shrimp), and f27 (beef). Evaluation criteria included precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and method comparison. As clinical performance of 425 clinical samples collected from 2 hospital laboratory in China was evaluated by both of Dymind allergen IgE MF1280 system and Phadia ImmunoCAP. Results The validated linearity of total IgE and sIgE were 2.0-5000.0 IU/mL and 0.1-100.0 IU/mL respectively. The LOD of total IgE and sIgE determined to be 2 IU/mL and 0.1 IU/mL respectively. The precision was evaluated by assaying a low and a high samples of every sIgE assay and the result of d1, d2, i6, e1, e5, w1, f1, f2, f3, f23, f24, f27 were 3.73% / 1.34% (low sample / high sample), 3.26% / 1.95%, 2.18% / 0.87%, 1.31% / 1.40%, 3.63% / 1.13%, 2.84% / 4.76%, 4.50% / 1.53%, 5.97% / 1.64%, 3.46% / 1.11%, 1.58% / 1.73%, 3.77% / 1.28%, 1.78% / 0.96% respectively. The total mean coefficient of measurements was below 7% to ensure high precision in multiplex quantitative analysis. Method comparison of 425 clinical samples between Phadia ImmunoCAP and Dymind allergen IgE showed total concordance rate was over 85% except f2 (over 80%). Conclusions The Dymind Allergen-specific IgE test kits on the automated flow fluorescence immunoassay analyzer system provide fast and accurate in vitro diagnostic detection of tIgE and sIgE for aiding diagnostics specific allergens sensitization and treatment for allergy patients, with good precision and excellent agreement compared to ImmunoCAP. The MF1280 system has advantages including random access, fully automated, multiplex quantitative detection of allergen sIgE with reducing assay time, sample consumption and lower costs.

Descriptive Profile of Anaphylactic Reaction Patients Hospitalized at RSUP Prof. DR. I.G.N.G Ngoerah Period 2018-2023

Introduction: Anaphylactic reaction is a severe, potentially life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction caused by a specific allergen. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile of anaphylactic patients hospitalized in Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital, Denpasar. Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of anaphylactic patients hospitalized in our center from January 2018 to December 2023. Patients diagnosed with anaphylactic reactions were included in this study. All the data (demographic, clinical manifestations, potential trigger) were attained from medical records for descriptive analysis. Result: 292 patients were enrolled in this study; half were women (54,4%), and the median age was 38,50 years (interquartile range 24). The most common potential triggers were drugs (57%), followed by food (18,5%), blood products (14,1), insect bites, and other triggers (4,8%). Almost all patients experience skin and mucosal manifestations (99%). Anaphylactic shock occurs in only 22% of patients. Discussion: Previous studies have found similar results to our findings, and anaphylactic reaction caused by drugs was associated with a more severe reaction. The effect of estrogen hormones on more severe reactions has been reported in female mice, but human research is still limited. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to investigate the correlation between demographic characteristics or specific clinical manifestations with a severe reaction.

Agaricus bisporus mushroom anaphylaxis: A case report and review of the literature

Anaphylaxis in response to edible mushrooms is uncommon, and sensitization may be independent of occupational exposure. Globally, A garicus bisporus is one the most cultivated mushroom species, comprising the button, portobello, and Swiss brown varietals. Our aim was to describe a case of anaphylaxis in an older nonatopic patient following ingestion of A bisporus and undertake a review of the literature. A 77-year-old female was referred to the allergy clinic with a history of grade 3 hypotensive anaphylaxis following ingestion of a mushroom omelette. Her tryptase level 4 hours following acute symptoms was elevated. She continued to consume all other omelette ingredients with the exception of mushroom. Additional investigations included specific IgE testing as well as comprehensive skin prick testing (SPT) to raw and boiled mushrooms. One month after her index reaction, the result of SPT to boiled button mushroom was positive. The patient's baseline tryptase level was normal. The results of further SPT with other commonly available boiled mushrooms (the A bisporus mushrooms portobello and Swiss brown, as well as enoki, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms) were also positive.A review of the literature revealed 27 other cases, with an average patient age of 28.8 years (range 8-68 years) and no gender predisposition. Cases from Europe (n= 14, 51.8%) and Asia (n= 12, 44.4%) comprised the majority of the reports. A bisporus was reported in more than one-third of the cases (n= 10, 37.1%) from Australia, India, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Cross-sensitization among the edible mushroom species was evident for those individuals who were tested, but no clear and consistent pattern was identified. In some cases, further diagnostics identified α-mannosidase, α-trehalose, mannitol, and ribosomal protein as specific mushroom allergens. Clinicians should be aware of mushroom as a cause for anaphylaxis, especially in nonatopic and de novo presentations.

Marine Bioactive Compounds with Functional Role in Immunity and Food Allergy.

Food allergy, referred to as the atypical physiological overreaction of the immune system after exposure to specific food components, is considered one of the major concerns in food safety. The prevalence of this emerging worldwide problem has been increasing during the last decades, especially in industrialized countries, being estimated to affect 6-8% of young children and about 2-4% of adults. Marine organisms are an important source of bioactive substances with the potential to functionally improve the immune system, reduce food allergy sensitization and development, and even have an anti-allergic action in food allergy. The present investigation aims to be a comprehensive report of marine bioactive compounds with verified actions to improve food allergy and identified mechanisms of actions rather than be an exhaustive compilation of all investigations searching beneficial effects of marine compounds in FA. Particularly, this research highlights the capacity of bioactive components extracted from marine microbial, animal, algae, and microalgae sources, such as n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), polysaccharide, oligosaccharide, chondroitin, vitamin D, peptides, pigments, and polyphenols, to regulate the immune system, epigenetic regulation, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis that are essential factors in the sensitization and effector phases of food allergy. In conclusion, the marine ecosystem is an excellent source to provide foods with the capacity to improve the hypersensitivity induced against specific food allergens and also bioactive compounds with a potential pharmacological aptitude to be applied as anti-allergenic in food allergy.

Application of MOF Nanoenzyme in Rapid Detection of Food Allergens System

Food allergies are a common immune response that can lead to serious health problems. Rapid and accurate detection of allergens in food is crucial for protecting people’s health and quality of life. In this study, β-lactoglobulin in milk serves as a model allergen, and nucleic acid aptamer-loaded MN patches are utilized as rapid capture elements. Moreover, metal organic frameworks loaded with complementary aptamer sequences are employed as signal amplification elements. The combination of these two elements establishes a rapid visualization detection system for allergens, employing specific microneedle array patches-MOF nanoenzymes. The results show that the combination of TMB+H2O2 +MOF-RC has the highest peroxidase like activity of 1.732. Compared to TMB+H2O2 +MOF, it has increased by 0.547. Meanwhile, the MN-MOF detection method has excellent specificity for the detection of β-Lg. This specific microneedle array patches and MOF nanoenzymes-based allergen rapid detection system demonstrates practical application benefits, providing a viable solution for swiftly detecting food allergens and safeguarding people’s health and quality of life.

Functional characterization of complete and immunodominant epitopes of a novel pollen allergen from Parthenium hysterophorus.

Background. Parthenium hysterophorus pollen induces chronic clinical conditions such as allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Among the plethora of proteins in the pollens, only few were reported to induce allergy. Currently sensitization to P. hysterophorus pollen allergen is diagnosed by skin prick test (SPT) using the entire pollen extract instead of using the specific allergen. Methods. In P. hysterophorus sensitized patients, SPT was done using the crude pollen extract, 40 kDa allergenic pollen protein and two commercially synthesized allergen epitopes (17 and 24) of P. hysterophorus. Dot-blot of allergen epitopes was done using P. hysterophorus sensitized sera. Crude pollen extract (1, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 µg/mL), 40 kDa allergenic protein (3 µg/mL), and allergen epitopes (3µg/mL) were used to perform Basophil Activation Test (BAT). Results. Crude pollen extract at 2.5, 5, 10 μg/mL and 40 kDa allergenic protein at 3μg/mL concentrations induced wheal and flare reaction by around 15 minutes, whereas commercially synthesized allergen epitopes at 3μg/mL induced wheal and flare reactions in less than 10 minutes. Allergen epitopes (3 µg/mL) revealed strong reactivity with sensitized patient's IgE in dot-blot analysis. Basophil activation Test using crude pollen extract (2.5, 5, 10 µg/mL), 40 kDa allergenic protein (3 µg/mL), and allergenic epitopes (3µg/mL) indicated significant basophil activation (as measured by CD63 expression) in sensitized patients. Conclusions. The 40 kDa allergenic protein and its allergenic epitopes (17 and 24) induced phenotypic and cellular immune responses in P. hysterophorus sensitized individuals. The tested allergenic epitopes (17 and 24) induced faster wheal and flare reactions in comparison with the crude extract and the 40 kDa allergenic protein. The novel 40kDa allergenic protein and its allergen epitopes identified here may be useful for the development of component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) while also serving as a potential therapeutic lead for desensitization treatment for P. hysterophorus pollen induced allergy.

Basics in diagnostics and therapy of allergic diseases for ENT consultations

Allergies play a pivotal role in the daily practice of ENT specialists. Allergic symptoms induced by inhalant allergens are widespread in the population and can manifest through a wide range of symptoms, including rhinorrhea, sneezing, conjunctival redness, cough and dyspnea. Inconsistent diagnosis and treatment of allergic conditions can lead to reduced quality of life, decreased work performance, and socioeconomically significant secondary diseases. In addition to the medical history, the skin prick test and serological IgE diagnostics are the most important diagnostic procedure for detecting type-I allergies. To clarify clinical relevance, molecular diagnostics and nasal provocation testing may be employed. The key to effective treatment lies in a comprehensive allergological diagnosis coupled with a detailed patient history. General treatment recommendations such as allergen avoidance and nasal irrigation should complement pharmacological therapy. In the treatment of allergic rhinitis topical steroids are first line treatment options. The primary goal of treatment is symptom control, and if control is insufficient, causal therapy through specific allergen immunotherapy is recommended. Challenges in the ENT clinic involve selecting the necessary diagnostics and appropriate, effective treatments. Hence, using diagnostic and treatment algorithms, as well as standardized patient history questionnaires, can serve as invaluable tools in daily patient interactions, especially considering limited time availability.

An investigation of the effects of the education given to teachers on food allergy and anaphylaxis management self-efficacy and level of knowledge

Background: The most effective approach to food allergy management is to avoid consuming the specific allergens that trigger an allergic reaction. It is crucial to make school environments prepared for the potential of food allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a rare but documented outcome. The high prevalence of anaphylactic reactions in children makes food allergy and anaphylaxis management important topics in schools. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of food allergy and anaphylaxis management education on teachers’ food allergy and anaphylaxis management self-efficacy and level of knowledge in Türkiye. Methods: This study used a random experimental design with a pre-test and post-test group. The study was conducted with 84 teachers who worked in kindergartens (school year prior to starting Grade 1) and primary schools in a city centre in eastern Turkey between September 2022 and January 2023. Data were collected through a socio-demographic form and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Self-Efficacy Scale for School Personnel. Data analysis was performed using t-tests for independent groups, Chi-square tests and McNamara analyses. Results: The average age of the teachers was 31.08 ± 6.70 years, and the average years of experience in the profession was 6.68 ± 6.99 years. All the teachers wanted to learn about food allergy and anaphylaxis management, 59.5% did not know whether their schools had an emergency action plan for food allergy and anaphylaxis, 63.1% reported not having the necessary emergency treatment medicine for anaphylaxis in their school and 57.1% reported having no educated school personnel to administer the first intervention in case of a serious allergic reaction at school. While the mean scale score of the experimental group was 25.88 ± 7.26 before the training, it was 30.78 ± 6.98 after the training. While no differences were detected between the experimental and control groups’ pre-test scale mean scores, the experimental group’s post-test scale mean score was found to be statistically significantly higher ( d = 0.79, p &lt; .05). The results also indicate that the rates of providing correct responses to questions regarding what the most common symptom in a student with a food allergy is, and what the first intervention should be when a serious reaction develops in a student, increased significantly level. Conclusions: This study found that the health education given to teachers led to an increase in teachers’ food allergy and anaphylaxis management self-efficacy.

El pediatra de Atención Primaria y la rinitis alérgica

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa after exposure to an allergen in previously sensitized people. Characteristic symptoms include nasal itching, rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal congestion, which may be accompanied by otic, pharyngeal and ocular symptoms (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis). AR has a great impact on quality of life and is considered undertreated and underdiagnosed. Dust mites and grass pollens are the most important allergens. The diagnosis is made through a detailed medical history that includes exposure to environmental triggers and the child's environment at the family, school, leisure and pet levels. It is advisable to perform an allergy study to identify allergic triggers, especially in case of persistent rhinitis. Treatment is based on the identification and elimination of specific allergens, when possible, and the use of stepwise medications that reduce symptoms. Nasal corticosteroids (NC) are part of the first line of treatment, their use being unavoidable in moderate-severe AR. When there is no adequate response to the initial treatment, combining antihistamine (AH) is indicated. Intranasal AH are more effective in improving nasal congestion than oral AH and have a faster onset of action than oral AH and NC, and are part of the first line of treatment in seasonal AR and intermittent AR. Immunotherapy will be used in selected patients who do not respond to other treatments.

Efficient experimental method for purifying allergens from aqueous extracts

Studying the molecular and immunological basis of allergic diseases often requires purified native allergens. The methodologies for protein purification are usually difficult and may not be completely successful. The objective of this work was to describe a methodology to purify allergens from their natural source, while maintaining their native form. The purification strategy consists of a three-step protocol and was used for purifying five specific allergens, Ole e 1, Amb a 1, Alt a 1, Bet v 1 and Cup a 1.Total proteins were extracted in PBS (pH 7.2). Then, the target allergens were pre-purified and enriched by salting-out using increasing concentrations of ammonium sulfate. The allergens were further purified by anion exchange chromatography. Purification of Amb a 1 required an extra step of cation exchange chromatography. The detection of the allergens in the fractions obtained were screened by SDS-PAGE, and Western blot when needed. Further characterization of purified Amb a 1 was performed by mass spectrometry. Ole e 1, Alt a 1, Bet v 1 and Cup a 1 were obtained at > 90 % purity. Amb a 1 was obtained at > 85 % purity.Overall, we propose an easy-to-perform purification approach that allows obtaining highly pure allergens. Since it does not involve neither chaotropic nor organic reagents, we anticipate that the structural and biological functions of the purified molecule remain intact. This method provides a basis for native allergen purification that can be tailored according to specific needs.

Biodegradable Mesoporous Organosilica-Based Nanostabilizer Targeting Mast Cells for Long-Term Treatment of Allergic Diseases.

Allergic diseases are immune system dysfunctions mediated by mast cell (MC) activation stimulated by specific allergens. However, current small molecular MC stabilizers for allergic disease prevention often require multiple doses over a long period of time and are associated with serious side effects. Herein, we develop a diselenide-bridged mesoporous silica nanostabilizer, proving that it could specifically target sensitized MCs via the recognition of IgE aptamer and IgE. Meantime, the IgE aptamer can also mitigate allergic reactions by preventing re-exposure of allergens from the surface of sensitized MCs. Furthermore, the diselenide-bridged scaffold can be reduced by the intracellular excessive ROS, subsequently achieving redox homeostasis via ROS depletion. Finally, the precise release of small molecular MC stabilizers along with the biodegradation of nanocarrier can stabilize the membranes of MCs. In vivo assays in passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) mice indicated that our current strategy further endowed it with a high efficacy, long-term therapeutic time window, as well as negligible inflammatory side effects for allergic diseases, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for the clinical generalization of allergic diseases.

New Perspectives in Immunotherapy: Dendritic Cell Training for Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections

Specific allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment option currently available that has a disease-modifying effect which persists after treatment is stopped. Recent advancements involve using adjuvants with glycoconjugated allergens derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to enhance AIT by improving allergen immunogenicity and directing immune responses towards Th1 or regulatory profiles. Novel studies have also demonstrated that these glycoconjugates induce long-lasting epigenetic changes in dendritic cells (DCs), initiating a trained immunity effect that extends protection against subsequent microbial exposures in a process referred to as trained immunity. This process not only broadens the immune response to target antigens but also provides an enhanced response to subsequent microbial challenges, representing a significant breakthrough in the treatment of recurrent or multiple infections. Moreover, respiratory tract infections, among the most frequent causes of illness worldwide, often rely on antibiotics for management, despite many being of viral origin. The rampant abuse of antibiotics has led to an unstoppable growth in multidrug resistance, underscoring the urgent need for new strategies to provide an effective and safe alternative for managing recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs).

Point-of-Care Fluorescence Biosensing System for Rapid Multi-Allergen Screening.

With the steady increase in allergy prevalence worldwide, there is a strong need for novel diagnostic tools for precise, fast, and less invasive testing methods. Herein, a miniatured fluorescence-based biosensing system is developed for the rapid and quantitative detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin-E. An antibody-based fluorescence assay in a microfluidic-patterned slide, combined with a custom-made portable fluorescence reader for image acquisition and user-friendly software for the data analysis, enables obtaining results for multiple allergens in just ~1 h with only 80 μL of blood serum. The multiplexed detection of common birch, timothy grass, cat epithelia, house dust mite, and dog epithelia shows quantitative IgE-mediated allergic responses to specific allergens in control serum samples with known total IgE concentration. The responses are verified with different control tests and measurements with a commercial fluorescence reader. These results open the door to point-of-care allergy screening for early diagnosis and broader access and for large-scale research in allergies.