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Progression of Allergy and Immune Response

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 July 2024) | Viewed by 8532

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Dr. Francis Palomares-Jerez

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Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Av. Sanchez Pizjuan s/n, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: biophysic; immunology; immunometabolism; inflammation; immunotherapy; nanosystem

Prof. Dr. Soledad Lopez-Enriquez

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Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology School of Medicine, Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Sanchez Pizjuan s/n, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: food; nutrients; immunology; innate and adaptative response; immunometabolism; signaling pathways; flow cytometry; cell culture; allergy; allergic rhinitis; chronic rhinosinusitis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Allergies are a common, chronic condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to substances, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, food, insect venom, and medications, that are normally harmless for everyone else. These can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. In fact, these reactions are increasing worldwide. The main objective of this Special Issue is covering the information about the tools that are available for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. This Issue will include manuscripts that focus on the identifications of biomarkers that can be used as valuable parameters of diagnosis and treatment efficacy monitoring and the identification of therapeutic targets and new therapeutic approaches for allergies. The presented materials are the result of the international scientific cooperation of experts specializing in these issues. The content may be useful for clinical results to help in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies.

Dr. Francis Palomares-Jerez
Prof. Dr. Soledad Lopez-Enriquez
Guest Editors

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

allergy
nutraceuticals
diagnostic and treatment
immunity

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autoimmune Mast Cell Activation Test as a Diagnostic Tool in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

by Ana Koren, Luka Dejanović, Matija Rijavec, Peter Kopač, Mojca Bizjak, Mihaela Zidarn, Mitja Košnik and Peter Korošec

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9281; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179281 - 27 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1013

Abstract

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is associated with skin mast cell activation, and its triggering mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Evidence suggests an autoimmune component of CSU. Our aim was to assess the usefulness of an autoimmune mast cell activation test (aiMAT) for diagnosing and differentiating CSU into different subtypes. We enrolled 43 patients with active, uncontrolled CSU before starting treatment with omalizumab and 15 controls. Patients were evaluated based on omalizumab response. aiMATs were performed using non-IgE-sensitized (NS) or myeloma IgE-sensitized (S) LAD2 cells, which were then stimulated with CSU/control sera (25 µL and 10 µL). The expression of CD63 was assessed with flow cytometry. CD63 response on NS-LAD2 was significantly increased in CSU patients compared to controls after the stimulation with 25 µL CSU/control sera (p = 0.0007) and with 10 µL CSU/control sera (p = 0.0001). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82. The cutoff for autoimmune-non-IgE-sensitized-MAT was 40.3% CD63+ LAD2, which resulted in 73.3% sensitivity and 81.4% specificity. CD63 response on S-LAD2 was significantly increased in CSU patients compared to controls after the stimulation with 25 µL CSU/control sera (p = 0.03). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated an AUC of 0.66. The cutoff for the autoimmune-myeloma IgE-sensitized-MAT was 58.4% CD63+ cells, which resulted in 62.8% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity. Overall, 36 out of 43 (84%) patients responded to omalizumab, and 7 (16%) were nonresponders. We found no differences between LAD2 CD63 response and response to omalizumab. In conclusion, aiMAT could represent a new diagnostic tool in CSU. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits during omalizumab therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progression of Allergy and Immune Response)

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23 pages, 10953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating 16S rRNA Sequencing, Microflora Metabolism, and Network Pharmacology to Investigate the Mechanism of SBL in Alleviating HDM-Induced Allergic Rhinitis

by Peiting Li, Sharon Sze-Man Hon, Miranda Sin-Man Tsang, Lea Ling-Yu Kan, Andrea Yin-Tung Lai, Ben Chung-Lap Chan, Ping-Chung Leung and Chun-Kwok Wong

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168655 - 8 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a series of allergic reactions to allergens in the nasal mucosa and is one of the most common allergic diseases that affect both children and adults. Shi-Bi-Lin (SBL) is the modified formula of Cang Er Zi San (CEZS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula used for treating AR. Our study aims to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of SBL in house dust mite-induced AR by regulating gut microflora metabolism. In vivo studies showed that nasal allergies and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the nasal epithelium were significantly suppressed by SBL. Moreover, SBL restored the impaired nasal epithelial barrier function with an increased tight junction protein expression and reduced the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Interestingly, SBL significantly reconstituted the abundance and composition of gut microbiota in AR mice; it increased the relative abundance of potentially beneficial genera and decreased the relative abundance of harmful genera. SBL also restored immune-related metabolisms, which were significantly increased and correlated with suppressing inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, a network analysis and molecular docking indicated IL-6 was a possible target drug candidate for the SBL treatment. SBL dramatically reduced the IL-6 level in the nasal lavage fluid (NALF), suppressing the IL-6 downstream Erk1/2 and AKT/PI3K signaling pathways. In conclusion, our study integrates 16S rRNA sequencing, microflora metabolism, and network pharmacology to explain the immune mechanism of SBL in alleviating HDM-induced allergic rhinitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progression of Allergy and Immune Response)

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15 pages, 2206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Plight of the Metabolite: Oxidative Stress and Tear Film Destabilisation Evident in Ocular Allergy Sufferers across Seasons in Victoria, Australia

by Esrin Aydin, Damien L. Callahan, Luke Chong, Serap Azizoglu, Moneisha Gokhale and Cenk Suphioglu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 4019; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25074019 - 4 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1089

Abstract

Ocular allergy (OA) is characterised by ocular surface itchiness, redness, and inflammation in response to allergen exposure. The primary aim of this study was to assess differences in the human tear metabolome and lipidome between OA and healthy controls (HCs) across peak allergy (spring–summer) and off-peak (autumn–winter) seasons in Victoria, Australia. A total of 19 participants (14 OA, 5 HCs) aged 18–45 were recruited and grouped by allergy questionnaire score. Metabolites and lipids from tear samples were analysed using mass spectrometry. Data were analysed using TraceFinder and Metaboanalyst. Metabolomics analysis showed 12 differentially expressed (DE) metabolites between those with OA and the HCs during the peak allergy season, and 24 DE metabolites were found in the off-peak season. The expression of niacinamide was upregulated in OA sufferers vs. HCs across both seasons (p ≤ 0.05). A total of 6 DE lipids were DE between those with OA and the HCs during the peak season, and 24 were DE in the off-peak season. Dysregulated metabolites affected oxidative stress, inflammation, and homeostasis across seasons, suggesting a link between OA-associated itch and ocular surface damage via eye rubbing. Tear lipidome changes were minimal between but suggested tear film destabilisation and thinning. Such metabolipodome findings may pave new and exciting ways for effective diagnostics and therapeutics for OA sufferers in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progression of Allergy and Immune Response)

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Review

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20 pages, 616 KiB

Open AccessReview

Modulation of the Immune Response to Allergies Using Alternative Functional Foods

by Soledad López-Enríquez, Ana M. Múnera-Rodríguez, Camila Leiva-Castro, Francisco Sobrino and Francisca Palomares

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010467 - 29 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

Modulation of the allergic immune response through alternative therapies is a field of study that aims to address allergic reactions differently from traditional approaches. These therapies encompass the utilization of natural functional foods, which have been observed to exert an influence on the immune response, thus mitigating the severity of allergies. Indeed, some studies suggest that the incorporation of these nutraceuticals can regulate immune function, leading to a reduction in histamine release and subsequent alleviation of allergic symptoms. Moreover, certain herbs and dietary supplements, such as curcumin, are believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may serve to moderate allergic responses. Although the results remain somewhat mixed and require further research, these alternative therapies exhibit the potential to impact the allergic immune response, thereby providing complementary options to conventional treatments. Therefore, in this review, we aim to provide an updated account of functional foods capable of modulating the immune response to allergies. In that sense, the review delves into functional foods sourced from plants (phytochemicals), animals, and marine algae. Emphasis is placed on their potential application in the treatment of allergic disorders. It also provides an overview of how these foods can be effectively utilized as functional foods. Additionally, it explores the molecular mechanisms and scientific validity of various bioactive natural compounds in the management of allergies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progression of Allergy and Immune Response)

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