Efficacy and Safety of Prostaglandin D2 Receptor 2 Antagonism with Fevipiprant for Patients with Asthma: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAccumulating evidence has shown that prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)-chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) pathway plays an important role in promoting eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of CRTH2 antagonist fevipiprant in patients with persistent asthma compared with placebo.Recent FindingsWe identified eligible studies by searching PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov. The study was registered as CRD 42020221714 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO). Ten randomized ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 13, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Clinical-Pathological Correlation of the Pathophysiology and Mechanism of Action of COVID-19 — a Primer for Clinicians
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIncreasing knowledge of the pathogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the complex interaction between host and viral factors have allowed clinicians to stratify the severity of COVID-19 infection. Epidemiological data has also helped to model viral carriage and infectivity. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the pathophysiology of COVID-19, the mechanisms of action of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the correlation with the clinical and biochemical characteristics of the disease.Recent FindingsACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors have emerged as a key player in the mechanism of infection of SARS-Co...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - July 14, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Drug Desensitizations for Chemotherapy: Safety and Efficacy in Preventing Anaphylaxis
AbstractHypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to antineoplastic drugs are increasing due to the expanding use of classical and new drugs in a wide variety of malignancies.Purpose of ReviewThe goal of this review is to provide current best practices in the diagnosis and management of HSRs based on data and evidence.Recent FindingsA plethora of studies have provided evidence of the safety and efficacy of rapid drug desensitizations (RDD) to allow for the reintroduction of antineoplastic drugs following an HSR, based on risk stratification. Recently described biomarkers such as basophil activation test, total IgE, BRCA genotyping...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - July 7, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Biologic Therapies for Allergic Rhinitis and Nasal Polyposis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThere is an emerging body of research on targeted biologic therapies for the treatment of severe inflammatory nasal disorders, especially chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). This paper will evaluate the efficacy of biologic therapies for severe nasal inflammation by summarizing key preclinical trials of biologics for animal models of allergic rhinitis and the recent phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of biologic therapies for CRSwNP.Recent FindingsBiologics that target the IL-4 receptor (dupilumab), IgE (omalizumab), and IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab) in patients with...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - June 10, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Allergens from Edible Insects: Cross-reactivity and Effects of Processing
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe recent introduction of edible insects in Western countries has raised concerns about their safety in terms of allergenic reactions. The characterization of insect allergens, the sensitization and cross-reactivity mechanisms, and the effects of food processing represent crucial information for risk assessment.Recent FindingsAllergic reactions to different insects and cross-reactivity with crustacean and inhalant allergens have been described, with the identification of new IgE-binding proteins besides well-known pan-allergens. Depending on the route of sensitization, different potential allergen...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - May 30, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Role of Innate Immune System in Environmental Lung Diseases
AbstractThe lung mucosa functions as a principal barrier between the body and inhaled environmental irritants and pathogens. Precise and targeted surveillance mechanisms are required at this lung-environment interface to maintain homeostasis and preserve gas exchange. This is performed by the innate immune system, a germline-encoded system that regulates initial responses to foreign irritants and pathogens. Environmental pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), and other products of combustion (NO2, SO3, etc.), both stimulate and disrupt the function of the innate immune system of the lung, leading to the p...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - May 10, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Regulatory Requirements for the Quality of Allergen Products for Allergen Immunotherapy of Food Allergy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMedicinal products for allergen immunotherapy (AIT) of food allergies have gained enormous momentum in recent years. With this new class of products entering marketing authorization procedures, compliance to regulatory requirements becomes a critical element. Here, an overview is provided on specific requirements and aspects concerning the quality control and manufacturing of these products.Recent FindingsRecent developments in the field of AIT for food allergies are divers, including products for oral, epicutaneous, and subcutaneous application, most notably targeting egg, milk, and peanut allergy...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - May 10, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Hereditary Alpha-Tryptasemia: a Commonly Inherited Modifier of Anaphylaxis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHereditary alpha-tryptasemia (H αT) is an autosomal dominant genetic trait and a common cause of elevated basal serum tryptase in Western populations. It is a risk factor for severe anaphylaxis among individuals with venom allergy and an established modifier of anaphylaxis and mast cell mediator–associated symptoms among patien ts with systemic mastocytosis. Understanding the physiology of tryptases and how this may relate to the clinical features associated with HαT is the first step in identifying optimal medical management and targets for novel therapeutics.Recent FindingsH αT prevalence is...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - May 10, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Glutathione S-Transferase Gene Associations and Gene-Environment Interactions for Asthma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAsthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Airway oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative processes in the airways. There is evidence that chronic damage caused by oxidative stress may be involved in asthmatic inflammation and reduced lung function. Given their biological antioxidant function, the antioxidant genes in theglutathione S-transferase (GST) family are believed to be associated with development and progression of asthma. This review aims to summarize evidence on the relationship betweenGST gene polymorphisms and asthma a...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - May 10, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Role of Innate Immune System in Environmental Lung Diseases
AbstractThe lung mucosa functions as a principal barrier between the body and inhaled environmental irritants and pathogens. Precise and targeted surveillance mechanisms are required at this lung-environment interface to maintain homeostasis and preserve gas exchange. This is performed by the innate immune system, a germline-encoded system that regulates initial responses to foreign irritants and pathogens. Environmental pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), and other products of combustion (NO2, SO3, etc.), both stimulate and disrupt the function of the innate immune system of the lung, leading to the p...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - May 10, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research