Ultraviolet irradiation enhances the nitration of allergens.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is widely used for disinfection in indoor environments. Some wavelengths of UV light can produce high concentration of O3. UV irradiation combined with O3 may have great potential for nitration of allergens in the presence of NO2 in the air. In this study, the effects of UV irradiation on the nitration of three major indoor allergens including group Ⅰ allergens of house dust mite (Der p 1 and Der f 1) and group Ⅰ allergen of dog (Can f 1) in the presence of NO2 and O3 were investigated by analysis of the protein quantity, tyrosine, peptides, and nitration degree. The results showed that UV irradiation induced a significant increase in the quantity of 3-nitrotyrosine in the allergens from 0.4 ± 0.4 ng to 4.0 ± 0.8 ng. After 12 h of UV-O3 co-exposure, the total nitration degrees of the three allergens ranged from 0.1% to 0.5%, which were significantly higher than those after only O3 exposure (p < 0.05). The analysis of peptides revealed that the nitration of tyrosine was site-specific. The tyrosine Y231, which was adjacent to aspartic acid, posed the highest nitration degree of 41.1 ± 24.0% in Der p 1. The nitration degree of tyrosine Y162 was the highest (1.7 ± 0.1%) in Der f 1. Overall, this study demonstrated that UV irradiation enhanced the O3-related nitration of allergens in the air, which provides an experimental basis for the impact of daily disinfection behavior on allergens.

In silico analysis of molecular mimicry between human aquaporin 3, Aspergillus fumigatus aquaporin and aquaporins from allergic sources.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that has a significant impact on quality of life. The immune response and allergy symptoms in AD are triggered by the recognition of specific allergens by IgE antibodies. Cross-reactivity can lead to auto-IgE responses, potentially worsening AD symptoms. Our research aimed to enhance our understanding of allergenic sources, including A. fumigatus, and their role in AD. We focused on molecular mimicry between human AQP3 and A. fumigatus aquaporin. Methods: In our in-silico analysis, we compared the amino acid sequences of human aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and A. fumigatus aquaporin with 25 aquaporins from various allergenic sources, sourced from the UniProt and NCBI databases. Phylogenetic relationship analysis and homology-based modeling were conducted. We identified conserved antigenic regions located within the 3D structures. Results: The global identity levels among the studied aquaporins averaged 32.6%. One antigenic site exhibited a remarkable local region, with a conserved identity of 71.4%. We categorized the aquaporins into five monophyletic clades (A-E), with group B showing the highest identity (95%), including six mammalian aquaporins, including AQP3. When comparing A. fumigatus aquaporins, the highest identity was observed with Malassezia sympodialis at 35%. Both human and A. fumigatus aquaporins have three linear and three discontinuous epitopes. Conclusions: We identified potential linear and conformational epitopes of AQP3, indicating a possible molecular mimicry between humans and A. fumigatus aquaporins. This suggests autoreactivity and potential cross-reactivity, although further validation using in vitro and in vivo experiments is required.

Analysis of IgE level influencing factors of common allergens for allergic rhinitis in northeastern China.

OBJECTIVES: This thesis aims to provide patients with a preventive and therapeutic basis by analyzing IgE level influencing factors of common allergens for Allergic Rhinitis (AR). METHOD: Multiple linear regression analysis is made upon questionnaires among 749 cases of AR patients that are divided into 5 age-based groups. Perform serum-specific IgE content testing on patients. RESULTS: Cockroach being an allergen, AR patients' IgE Level is influenced by allergic history, home-raised plants and animals. For AR patients with mugwort as an allergen, allergy and asthma history could increase IgE level, respectively, ß = 4.291 and ß = 4.364. If the allergen turns out to be peanut, allergic history would increase the IgE level (ß = 0.171), however, the level would be lower in female patients compared with male patients (ß = -0.078). For patients with egg as an allergen, allergic history, home-raised plants and animals (pets) would all affect the IgE level, respectively, ß = 0.182, ß = 0.118 and ß = -0.101. CONCLUSIONS: IgE level varies according to allergic history, home-raised plants & animals, gender, furniture renewal, asthma, and ages for patients with different allergens including cockroach, mold, mugwort, peanut, egg and crab. For each kind of allergen, the IgE levels react differently to different influencing factors, thus requiring a thorough analysis of each AR patient's allergen and allergenic factors.

[Predictive factors of polysensitization to contact allergens: study conducted at the Dermato-Allergology Unit of the Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia]. / Facteurs prédictifs de la polysensibilisation aux allergènes de contact: étude comparative réalisée à l'Unité de Dermato-Allergologie du CHU Farhat Hached de Sousse, Tunisie.

Introduction: polysensitization is often defined as sensitization to three or more contact allergens. The objectives of our study were to determine the prevalence of polysensitization to allergens patch test and to analyze the factors associated with allergen polysensitization of the European Standard Battery in comparison with cases of oligosensitization. Methods: this is a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study that included all patients who had undergone patch tests at the Department of Dermato-Allergology of the Department of Occupational Medicine of University Hospital Center Farhat Hached in Sousse spread over 10 years from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018. Results: in total, we collected 464 cases of contact dermatitis during the study period. The average age of patients was 38.93 ± 12.52 years with a slight female predominance (52.8% of cases). Among all the patients who consulted during the study period (832 patients), 133 patients had positive reactions to 3 or more allergens 16% of patients. Concerning, the associations of the most frequently noted allergens were those of triplet (chromium, cobalt, and nickel) in 15 patients and triplet (mercaptobenzothiazole, thiuram mix, and IPPD) in 7 cases. The predictive factors of polysensitivity were the personal history of leg ulcers; the site of the lesions in the thorax and the erythematous squamous and dyshidrotic appearance of the lesions. Conclusion: this phenomenon is frequent polysensitization, and close collaboration between dermatologists and occupational physicians to prevent this type of multiple allergies through better management of personal and also professional risk factors.

[Analysis of the effectiveness of cross-reactive carbohydrate antigen determinant antibody adsorbents in identifying allergen-specific IgE antibodies].

This study aimed to investigate the influence of anti-cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant IgE antibodies (anti-CCD IgE) on the detection of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies, as well as the application value of anti-CCD IgE adsorbents in detecting allergen sIgE. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 2 636 test samples from patients who received treatment in West China Hospital of Sichuan University and tested allergen sIgE using the western blot method from October 2020 to May 2021 were analyzed. In these samples, 709 samples tested postive of allergen sIgE. 46 stochastic venous serum samples that tested positive in both sIgE and anti-CCD IgE and 1 serum sample that tested positive in sIgE but negative in anti-CCD IgE were collected. These samples were processed by anti-CCD IgE adsorbents, followed by allergen sIgE detection. The difference between the two detection results before and after adsorption was analyzed. The allergen test results showed that the positive rate of anti-CCD IgE in samples was 2.6% (69/2 636) during the period of sample collection. After treatment with anti-CCD IgE adsorbents, the top three allergen-sIgE of the positive rate changed from tree combination 2 (willow/poplar/elm), common ragweed and peanut to dust mite combination, cockroach and crab. The positive anti-CCD IgE results of 46 samples all turned negative and the total positive sIgE antibody dropped by 62.8%; the positive rate of sIgE antibodies with the class result ≥2 significantly decreased after treatment with anti-CCD IgE adsorbents, especially the positive rate of common ragweed dropped by 96.2%. The results of positive samples showed that multiple sIgE antibodies declined by different ranges, involving up to 11 antibodies with a maximum decline of 4 classes. Strongly positive sIgE antibodies (the class result ≥4) also had a high conversion rate of negative (25.0%-100%). The positive sIgE antibodies in about 60% of the samples decreased by more than 2, and the sIgE antibodies in 17.4% of the samples turned completely negative. There was no change in the allergen sIgE detection results of the sample with negative anti-CCD IgE after treatment. In conclusion, sIgE antibodies including targeting common ragweed, humulus, tree combination 2 (willow/poplar/elm), etc. are susceptible to false positives caused by anti-CCD IgE. Treatment of samples with anti-CCD IgE adsorbents can significantly reduce the risk of false positives caused by anti-CCD IgE. It is necessary to pretreat samples that were anti-CCD IgE positive with anti-CCD IgE adsorbents, which can make laboratory results more accurate and provide a reference for diagnosis and prevention of allergic diseases.

[Component-resolved diagnosis: enhancing precision diagnosis and clinical management of shellfish allergies].

Shellfish, being one of the eight major food allergens, affects approximately 3% of the global population. The occurrence of shellfish allergy is not only related to the individual's immune system sensitivity but is also influenced by geographical environment, food availability, and dietary habits. Although crustaceans (such as shrimp, crab, and lobster) and mollusks (such as oysters, mussels, and squid) are collectively referred to as shellfish, they exhibit significant differences in biological evolution and the spectrum of allergenic molecules they contain, leading to various allergic reactions. Accurate identification of allergenic proteins is crucial for the diagnosis and management of shellfish allergies, with key allergenic protein families including tropomyosin, arginine kinase, and hemocyanin. Furthermore, due to the diversity of shellfish allergens and their cross-reactivity with dust mite and insect allergens, diagnosing and managing shellfish allergies is complex, especially concerning tropomyosin and arginine kinase protein families. Currently, there are no specific immunotherapy treatments for shellfish allergies, and clinical management primarily relies on avoiding allergens and using anti-allergy medications. This article thoroughly interprets the " Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0 (MAUG 2.0)" published by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the latest research on shellfish allergies both domestically and internationally. It highlights the significant role of allergen component diagnostics in optimizing the diagnostic and treatment processes for shellfish allergies, effectively assisting clinicians in accurately identifying common allergens and cross-reactions, thereby providing patients with more personalized diagnosis and treatment plans.

Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome: From Food Avoidance to Deciphering the Potential Cross-Reactivity between Pru p 3 and Ole e 7.

BACKGROUND: Cross-reactivity between nonspecific lipid transfer proteins could cause anaphylaxis, further influencing food avoidance and nutrient deficiencies. The one affecting olive pollen (Ole e 7) and peach (Pru p 3) may underlie a variety of pollen-food syndromes, though a deep molecular analysis is necessary. METHODS: Three Ole e 7-monosensitised patients (MON_OLE), three Pru p 3-monosensitised patients (MON_PRU) and three bisensitised patients (BI) were selected. For epitope mapping, both digested proteins were incubated with patient sera, and the captured IgE-bound peptides were characterised by LC-MS. RESULTS: The analysis revealed two Ole e 7 epitopes and the three Pru p 3 epitopes previously described. Interestingly, the "KSALALVGNKV" Ole e 7 peptide was recognised by MON_OLE, BI and MON_PRU patients. Conversely, all patients recognised the "ISASTNCATVK" Pru p 3 peptide. Although complete sequence alignment between both proteins revealed 32.6% identity, local alignment considering seven residue fragments showed 50 and 57% identity when comparing "ISASTNCATVK" with Ole e 7 and "KSALALVGNKV" with Pru p 3. CONCLUSIONS: This study mapped sIgE-Ole e 7-binding epitopes, paving the way for more precise diagnostic tools. Assuming non-significant sequence similarity, structural homology and shared key residues may underlie the potential cross-reactivity between Ole e 7 and Pru p 3 nsLTPs.

Skin cancer diagnosis associated with asthma and hay fever: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Asthma is a respiratory disorder caused by airway inflammation which may worsen after allergen exposure. Recent cohort studies demonstrate a positive association between skin cancer and asthma or hay fever (allergy to outdoor allergens such as pollen). Nationally-representative data for adults in the United States remains limited. We aimed to characterize skin cancer prevalence among individuals in the United States who have asthma or hay fever. To achieve this aim, we extracted nationwide cross-sectional data from 16,277 adult participants (total survey-weighted sample = 174,765,931) of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988 to 1994. This study uses survey-weighted regression to compare the nationwide prevalence of skin cancer among participants with or without a history of asthma or hay fever. Sensitivity analysis examined the influence of sex, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, geographical region, urban proximity, and oral glucocorticoid use. Of the included participants, the age-adjusted prevalence of skin cancer was 7.2%, similar to national estimates. Skin cancer prevalence was higher among participants who had asthma with hay fever (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.16, 2.76), but not among participants with asthma only or hay fever only. Similarly, skin cancer prevalence was higher for those with asthma and positive pollen allergen skin prick testing (SPT), but not for those with hay fever and positive pollen SPT. No association was noted between skin cancer and wheezing triggered by pollen. Hay fever or immunoglobulin-E sensitization to pollen may increase skin cancer prevalence among individuals with a history of asthma.

Contact Allergy Screening for Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) are common inflammatory skin diseases in both children and adults that present similarly and often coexist. Patch testing is the gold standard for establishing the diagnosis of ACD and can often help distinct between the 2 conditions. Patch testing is more challenging in patients with underlying AD due to potential for angry back reactions. In this review, we discuss the current evidence and guidelines regarding the screening for contact allergies in patients with AD. We also discuss the most frequent relevant allergens in adults and children with atopic dermatitis.

Characteristics of childhood anaphylaxis in different age groups.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction that usually has a rapid onset and can be fatal. Presentations of childhood anaphylaxis vary widely in accordance with the triggers and the patient's age, geographical region and dietary and lifestyle habits. METHODS: The medical records of 177 paediatric patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis between January 2021 and January 2024, whose disease progression was monitored at a single tertiary care centre, were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The study included 177 patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis (107 males and 70 females with a median age of 48 months). The most common allergen responsible was food (53.7%). Egg allergy was the most common source of anaphylaxis, afflicting 35 patients (19.3%), while beta-lactam provoked the most common drug allergy, affecting 24 patients (13.6%). The most common organ involved was the skin (92.7%). When the patients were analysed by age group, there were more males in the infancy, preschool and school age groups, while there were more females in the adolescent group (p = 0.44). Food-induced anaphylaxis became less common with increasing age, whereas the rate of drug-induced anaphylaxis increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). Cardiovascular system findings were observed more frequently in adolescents compared to other age groups (p = 0.003). Most cases stemming from a food allergy were mild, whereas most drug-induced cases were moderate or severe (p < 0.05). When severity was analysed by age group, mild cases in infants were more common than moderate to severe cases. CONCLUSION: The aetiological and clinical manifestations of childhood anaphylaxis vary among different age groups.

Isoorientin alleviates ovalbumin-stimulated allergic rhinitis in mice by restoring Th1/Th2 balance.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic, non-infectious inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa mediated by IgE. There is a need for the development of novel medications to treat this ailment. Isoorientin is a naturally occurring flavonoid that possesses antioxidant, anti--inflammatory, and various other advantageous characteristics. However, its potential effects on AR remain unclear. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of isoorientin on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice and explores the underlying mechanism. Our study revealed that isoorientin administration effectively decreased the frequency of nose rubbing and sneezing in AR mice. The groups treated with isoorientin showed a significant decrease in serum levels of IgE and histamine, with reductions of 40% and 30%, respectively. Isoorientin ameliorated inflammation of the nasal mucosa and restored the Th1/Th2 balance. In addition, isoorientin inhibited the activation of the NF-κB pathway in nasal tissues. In summary, Isoorientin alleviates OVA-stimulated AR in mice by restoring Th1/Th2 balance and blocking the NF-κB pathway. Thus, isoorientin exhibits promise as a natural therapeutic agent for allergic rhinitis.

Real-World Study of Ragweed Sublingual Immunotherapy in Hungary.

BACKGROUND: Ragweed (Ambrosia elatior) has become invasive in Europe, causing significant respiratory issues. Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) has long been used to manage pollen allergies, but sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has gained interest. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefits of ragweed SLIT under real-world in a cohort of Hungarian patients allergic to ragweed pollen. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 57 patients during the 2015 and 2016 ragweed pollen seasons. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 29), who had not received immunotherapy, and Group 2 (n = 28), who had previously undergone immunotherapy with another sublingual preparation. All patients were treated with Oraltek® ragweed for 4-6 months, initiating 2-4 months before the pollen season and rest of the period was 2 months of the 2016 pollen season. Symptom score (SS), medication score (MS), and combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) were evaluated intra- and intergroup. RESULTS: Pollen counts were consistent between 2015 and 2016. All patients showed significant improvement in SS, MS, and CSMS, with a large effect size (>0.8). Group 2 had significantly lower SS and CSMS in 2015 because of prior immunotherapy. By 2016, both groups exhibited marked improvements, with Group 1 showing a 75% improvement in CSMS. No local or systemic reactions were recorded, indicating a high safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: Ragweed SLIT significantly improved symptoms and reduced use of medication in patients allergic to ragweed pollen. The treatment was effective even in patients with previous immunotherapy, with a high benefit-risk ratio demonstrated by the absence of adverse reactions. These findings support the use of Oraltek SLIT for managing ragweed pollen allergy.

Unraveling wasp sensitization in a patient with systemic mastocytosis by CAP-inhibition assay.

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a clonal mast cell disorder that can lead to potentially severe anaphylactic reactions. Hymenoptera sting is one of the most frequent triggers of anaphylaxis in these patients, and diagnosis of indolent SM (ISM) without skin involvement (ISMs) is not rare. In this subgroup of patients, venom immunotherapy (VIT) is an effective treatment decreasing subsequent systemic reactions, and lifelong administration is recommended. An individualized diagnosis is necessary to offer the most adequate VIT, and molecular diagnosis (MD) may be useful to discriminate between primary sensitization and cross-reactivity. Nevertheless, other techniques such as ImmunoCAP inhibition assays may be necessary to identify the genuine sensitization to offer the most suitable VIT. We present a male patient with an anaphylactic reaction following several wasp stings. The patient was diagnosed with ISM, and allergy to both Polistes dominula and Vespula sp venom was confirmed. In this scenario, MD did not discriminate between a genuine double sensitization and venom cross-reactivity between both vespids. Thus, CAP-inhibition assay was performed. This case indicated the importance of an accurate diagnosis of hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA). It also highlights the usefulness of CAP-inhibition assays when MD fails to distinguish between genuine double Polistes-Vespula sensitization and cross-reactivity.