Role of Small Molecule Ligands in IgE-Mediated Allergy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewA significant fraction of allergens bind small molecular ligands, and many of these compounds are classified as lipids. However, in most cases, we do not know the role that is played by the ligands in the allergic sensitization or allergic effector phases.Recent FindingsMore effort is dedicated toward identification of allergens ’ ligands. This resulted in identification of some lipidic compounds that can play active immunomodulatory roles or impact allergens’ molecular and allergic properties.SummaryFour allergen families (lipocalins, NPC2, nsLTP, and PR-10) are among the best characterized in...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - September 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis and Updates in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, we provide a comprehensive update on current scientific advances and emerging therapeutic approaches in the field of multiple sclerosis.Recent FindingsMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disorder characterized by inflammation and degeneration within the central nervous system (CNS). MS is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in the young adult population. Through ongoing research, an improved understanding of the disease underlying mechanisms and contributing factors has been achieved. As a result, therapeutic advancements and interventions have been developed specifically ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - September 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Computer-Assisted Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewComputer-assisted diagnosis and treatment (CAD/CAT) is a rapidly growing field of medicine that uses computer technology and telehealth to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review on computer-assisted diagnosis and treatment. This technology gives providers access to diagnostic tools and treatment options so that they can make more informed decisions leading to improved patient outcomes.Recent FindingsCAD/CAT has expanded in allergy and immunology in the form of digital tools that enable remote patient monitoring such as digital inhale...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - September 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Establishing a Virtual Home Assessment Program: from Concept to Implementation as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic
This article describes the development and delivery process, timelines of caregiver interaction, and guidelines for performing virtual home assessments. It summarizes the challenges and benefits of using a virtual process for delivering home assessment services for asthma and allergy patients. Overall, caregivers indicated they found the use of virtual technology had significant benefits for them including their personal comfort and the time efficiency gained by using virtual visits to interact with Healthy Homes Program staff. (Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports)
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - September 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Air Pollution and Diet: Potential Interacting Exposures in Asthma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide a review of emerging literature describing the impact of diet on the respiratory response to air pollution in asthma.Recent FindingsAsthma phenotyping (observable characteristics) and endotyping (mechanistic pathways) have increased the specificity of diagnostic and treatment pathways and opened the doors to the identification of subphenotypes with enhanced susceptibility to exposures and interventions. Mechanisms underlying the airway immune response to air pollution are still being defined but include oxidative stress, inflammation, and activation of adaptive and innate immune response...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - September 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Effects of Allergen Exposure and Environmental Risk Factors in Schools on Childhood Asthma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to assess the prevalence of common allergen exposures and environmental risk factors for asthma in schools, examine the underlying mechanisms of these environmental risk factors, and explore possible prevention strategies.Recent FindingsCockroach, mouse, dust mites, fungi, viral infections, ozone pollution, and cleaning products are common allergen exposures and environmental risk factors in schools which may affect asthma morbidity. Novel modifiable environmental risk factors in schools are also being investigated to identify potential associations with increased asthma morbidity....
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 31, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Omalizumab Treatment in Uncontrolled Asthma and CRSwNP Patients, with Previous Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, to Improve Quality of Life and Endoscopic Outcomes: a Two-Year Real-Life Study
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of omalizumab as an adjunct to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on the treatment of CRSwNP under real-life conditions.Recent FindingsSince the introduction of omalizumab, as the first biologic agent for the treatment of diseases such as severe allergic asthma, different studies have demonstrated an effect of omalizumab on CRSwNP, with significant improvements in sinonasal symptoms and endoscopic scores. The high efficacy derived from mAb therapy and the need for ESS prior to mAb recommended by guidelines, has led to compare both therapeutic alternatives, finding discrepan...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 30, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
The Role of IgA in the Manifestation and Prevention of Allergic Immune Responses
AbstractPurpose of ReviewImmunoglobulin A (IgA) mediates immune exclusion of antigens in the gut. Notably, IgA plays also a role in the prevention of IgE-mediated allergies and induction of immune tolerance. The present review addresses the role of IgA in the manifestation of IgE-mediated allergies, including allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), the regulation of IgA production, and the mechanism of IgA in immune cell activation.Recent FindingsThe majority of studies report an association of IgA with the induction of immune tolerance in IgE-mediated allergies. However, reports on the involvement of humoral and mucosal Ig...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 23, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Management of Mechanical Nasal Obstruction Isolated or Associated to Upper Airway Inflammatory Diseases in Real Life: Use of both Subjective and Objective Criteria
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMechanical nasal obstruction (MNO) is a prevalent condition with a high impact on patient ’s quality-of-life (QoL) and socio-economic burden. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of both subjective and objective criteria in the appropriate management of MNO, either alone or associated to upper airway inflammatory diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR) or chronic rhino sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).Recent FindingsA long debate persists about the usefulness of subjective and objective methods for making decisions on the management of patients with nasal obstruction. Establi...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 10, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
The Impact of Climate Change on Asthma and Allergic-Immunologic Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review discusses climate change-related impacts on asthma and allergic-immunologic disease, relevant US public health efforts, and healthcare professional resources.Recent FindingsClimate change can impact people with asthma and allergic-immunologic disease through various pathways, including increased exposure to asthma triggers (e.g., aeroallergens, ground-level ozone). Climate change-related disasters (e.g., wildfires, floods) disrupting healthcare access can complicate management of any allergic-immunologic disease. Climate change disproportionately affects some communities, which can exac...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Autoimmune Inflammatory Eye Disease: Demystifying Clinical Presentations for the Internist
AbstractPurpose of ReviewProvide a framework for recognizing key symptoms and clinical findings in patients with autoimmune inflammatory eye disease.Recent FindingsThe most common manifestations of autoimmune inflammatory eye disease are episcleritis, scleritis, uveitis (anterior, intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis), and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Etiologies can be idiopathic or in association with a systemic autoimmune condition. Referral of patients who may have scleritis is critical for patients presenting with red eyes. Referral of patients who may have uveitis is critical for patients presenting often with float...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
The Impact of Air Pollution on Atopic Dermatitis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAtopic dermatitis (AD) remains a dermatological disease that imposes a significant burden on society. Air pollution has previously been linked to both the onset and severity of atopic dermatitis. As air pollution remains a critical environmental factor impacting human health, this review seeks to provide an overview of the relationship between different air pollutants and AD.Recent FindingsAD can develop from multiple causes that can be broadly grouped into epidermal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. Air pollution imposes significant health risks and includes a wide variety of pollutant...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Allergies Come Clean: The Role of Detergents in Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction
The objective of this review is to examine the role of detergents as a potential risk factor for developing allergic disease.Recent FindingsHerein, we identify key sources of human detergent exposure. We summarize the evidence suggesting a possible role for detergents and related chemicals in initiating epithelial barrier dysfunction and allergic inflammation. We primarily focus on experimental models of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and eosinophilic esophagitis, which show compelling associations between allergic disease and detergent exposure. Mechanistic studies suggest that detergents disrupt epithelial barrier integrity ...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
The Use and Teaching of Telemedicine in Allergy/Immunology Training Programs
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe use of telemedicine has greatly increased since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This review discusses the types of telemedicine, current telehealth curricula in medical education, and benefits and disadvantages of incorporation of telemedicine into Allergy/Immunology training programs.Recent FindingsThe majority of Allergists/Immunologists use telemedicine in their clinical practice with leaders in graduate medical education recommending inclusion of telemedicine in training. Fellows-in-training reported that use of telemedicine in Allergy/Immunology training duri...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
Environmental Exposure to Foods as a Risk Factor for Food Allergy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMany factors have been reported to contribute to the development of food allergy. Here, we summarize the role of environmental exposure to foods as a major risk factor for developing food allergy.Recent FindingsPeanut proteins are detectable and biologically active in household environments, where infants spend a majority of their time, providing an environmental source of allergen exposure. Recent evidence from clinical studies and mouse models suggests both the airway and skin are routes of exposure that lead to peanut sensitization.SummaryEnvironmental exposure to peanut has been clearly associa...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 1, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research
