Identification of cross-reactive IgE-binding proteins from Philippine allergenic grass pollen extracts.

Background: Respiratory allergies are one of the most common allergic diseases that affect Filipinos. Grass pollen accounts for the majority of the outdoor allergens triggering these respiratory allergies. Cross-reactivity among the Philippine grass pollen grains has not been extensively studied. Objective: This study aims to investigate the cross-reactivity of our local grasses and identify the cross-reactive allergens. Methods: Grass pollen grains were collected and processed into crude allergenic extracts. The IgE-reactivity of these crude allergenic pollen extracts was studied using sera from patients who tested positive for the mentioned extracts. The proteins from the immunoblots of cross-reactive pollen allergen extracts were sequenced and identified. Results: Allergenic pollen proteins were identified as cross-reactive among the grass pollen extracts. Four of these have not been listed yet as grass allergens in the World Health Organization/International Union of Immunological Societies allergen nomenclature database. Conclusion: Local grass pollen allergens are cross-reactive with probable new allergens identified.

Efficacy of lymphocyte immunotherapy in the treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss from alloimmunity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PROBLEM: The efficacy of lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) in the treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) from alloimmunity has been debated for years. There is conflicting evidence on the therapeutic role of LIT, since the etiology of most cases of RPL is previously classified as idiopathic. METHOD OF STUDY: A systematic search of PubMed and Cochrane databases was done for randomized controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of paternal lymphocyte or third donor LIT among patients with primary or secondary RPL. The primary outcome was live birth rate after LIT. Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted using the software RevMan 5.4. Pre-planned subgroup analyses of source of lymphocytes, timing and frequency of administration, and concentration per immunization dose were conducted. RESULTS: Data from eight trials showed a statistically significant benefit of LIT (RR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.05-2.01). The overall live birth rate is higher in the treatment group (65.6%) compared to placebo or no treatment (45.2%). Subgroup analysis based on source of lymphocytes revealed a trend towards benefit with paternal LIT but with wide confidence interval (RR = 1.34, 95% CI = .84-2.14). Multiple doses of immunotherapy before pregnancy and low dose (5×106 cells) LIT showed significant benefit. Sensitivity analysis involving studies with a low risk of bias demonstrated significant benefit of increased live birth rate among patients treated with LIT compared to those who received placebo or no treatment (RR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.53-2.53). CONCLUSION: LIT demonstrate benefit in improving pregnancy outcome of patients with RPL from alloimmunity.