Case Report: A child with NFKB1 haploinsufficiency explaining the linkage between immunodeficiency and short stature.

We report the case of a patient with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) presenting with short stature and treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel single-nucleotide duplication in the NFKB1 gene (c.904dup, p.Ser302fs), leading to a frameshift and thus causing NFKB1 haploinsufficiency. The variant was considered pathogenic and was later found in the patient's mother, also affected by CVID. This is the first reported case of a patient with CVID due to NFKB1 mutation presenting with short stature. We analyzed the interconnection between NFKB1 and GH - IGF-1 pathways and we hypothesized a common ground for both CVID and short stature in our patient.

Isolation and characterization of an atypical Mycoplasma gallisepticum strain showing a new mgc2 variant.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is an important pathogen of the poultry industry able to cause chronic respiratory disease in chickens and infectious sinusitis in turkeys. Despite the application of biosecurity measures and the availability of vaccines for chickens, monitoring systems routinely applied for MG detection are still essential for infection control. Pathogen isolation is time-consuming and not suitable for rapid detection, albeit it is a compulsory step for genetic typing and antimicrobial susceptibility evaluation of single strains. The mgc2 gene is a species-specific molecular target adopted by most of the PCR protocols available for MG diagnosis, which are also included in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual. We describe the case of an atypical MG strain, isolated in 2019 from Italian turkeys, characterized by an mgc2 sequence not detectable by common endpoint PCR primers. Considering the potential risk of false negative results during diagnostic screenings with the endpoint protocol, the authors propose an alternative mgc2 PCR endpoint protocol, named MG600, which should be considered as a further diagnostic tool.

Severe Asthma and Biologics: Managing Complex Patients.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract that varies in terms of clinical presentations (phenotypes) and distinct underlying pathophysiological mechanisms (endotypes). The definition of phenotype/endotype is crucial, given the availability of novel biologic agents for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies. Although patients with type 2 severe asthma benefit significantly from treatment with biologics, nonresponders have been identified. Comorbidities worsen the symptoms of asthma and complicate management of the disease. The assessment and treatment of comorbidities is a crucial step, and appropriate management may improve asthma symptoms and morbidity. Among comorbidities, those with a marked negative impact on control despite appropriate treatment include chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, obesity, bronchiectasis, and immune deficiency. Although asthma is frequently characterized by increased blood eosinophils that release mediators and cytokines and are involved in inflammation of the airway wall, in patients with very high blood eosinophil levels, we must differentiate between isolated severe eosinophilic asthma and asthma in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. In addition, hypereosinophilia may result from specific biological treatment, as in the case of dupilumab. We outline the clinical features of patients with severe asthma whose disease is complex to manage.

Severe Asthma and Biologics: Managing Complex Patients

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract that varies in terms of clinical presentations (phenotypes) and distinct underlying pathophysiological mechanisms (endotypes). The definition of phenotype/endotype is crucial, given the availability of novel biologic agents for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies. Although patients with type 2 severe asthma benefit significantly from treatment with biologics, nonresponders have been identified. Comorbidities worsen the symptoms of asthma and complicate management of the disease. The assessment and treatment of comorbidities is a crucial step, and appropriate management may improve asthma symptoms and morbidity. Among comorbidities, those with a marked negative impact on control despite appropriate treatment include chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, obesity, bronchiectasis, and immune deficiency. Although asthma is frequently characterized by increased blood eosinophils that release mediators and cytokines and are involved in inflammation of the airway wall, in patients with very high blood eosinophil levels, we must differentiate between isolated severe eosinophilic asthma and asthma in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. In addition, hypereosinophilia may result from specific biological treatment, as in the case of dupilumab. We outline the clinical features of patients with severe asthma whose disease is complex to manage (AU)

El asma bronquial es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica de las vías respiratorias que varía en términos de presentaciones clínicas (fenotipos) y distintos mecanismos fisiopatológicos subyacentes (endotipos). La definición de fenotipo/endotipo es crucial teniendo en cuenta la disponibilidad de nuevos agentes biológicos dedicados a pacientes que no responden a las terapias convencionales. Aunque los pacientes que padecen asma grave tipo 2 se benefician significativamente del tratamiento con productos biológicos, no se han identificado específicamente pacientes que respondan. Las comorbilidades aumentan los síntomas del asma y complican el manejo general de la enfermedad. La evaluación y el tratamiento de las comorbilidades es un paso crucial y su manejo adecuado puede mejorar los síntomas y la morbilidad del asma. Entre las comorbilidades, ciertamente, la rinosinusitis crónica con pólipos nasales, la obesidad, las bronquiectasias y los defectos inmunológicos representan un grupo de condiciones clínicas que impactan negativamente en el control del asma, a pesar de un correcto tratamiento. Aunque el asma se caracteriza frecuentemente por un aumento de los eosinófilos en sangre que liberan mediadores y citocinas que están implicados en los procesos inflamatorios de la pared de las vías respiratorias, en pacientes con niveles muy elevados de eosinófilos en sangre es crucial ser muy cuidadoso en discernir si se trata de un caso aislado de asma eosinofílica grave o un caso de asma eosinofílica en el seno de una granulomatosis eosinofílica con poliangeitis (EGPA). Además, la hipereosinofilia puede ser consecuencia de un tratamiento biológico específico como es el caso del dupilumab. En este trabajo hemos esbozado las características clínicas de aquellos pacientes con asma grave en los que el manejo de la enfermedad puede ser más complejo (AU)

IgG4 anti-infliximab in treated patients: Clinical impact and temporal evolution.

BACKGROUND: Infliximab (IFX) carries potential risk of immunogenicity with the production of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). ADA may belong to different isotypes and are usually measured by ELISA bridging assay. This test is not designed to detect IgG4 antibodies. The aim was to measure IgG4 anti-IFX antibodies in a cohort of IFX-treated patients and to evaluate their relationship with ADA and their clinical impact. METHODS: Anti-drug antibodies were detected using a bridging ELISA in the serum of 222 treated patients with different clinical outcomes to IFX. The same samples were analyzed for IgG4 anti-IFX antibodies using an experimental ImmunoCAP assay with reduced serum IgG4 background levels. A longitudinal evaluation was performed in a subgroup of 38 patients to define the temporal evolution of IgG4 anti-IFX. RESULTS: IgG4 anti-IFX was found in 26.6% of patients. Eighty of 222 patients were ADA+ (36%) and the majority (57/80, 71.3%) had IgG4 anti-IFX. Two IgG4-positive but ADA-negative patients were identified. IgG4 anti-IFX levels correlated with the serum levels of ADA. IgG4 anti-IFX was more common in both reactive and nonresponder patients than in tolerant/responder patients. Patients who had experienced IgE-mediated reactions displayed significantly higher IgG4 anti-IFX than IgE-negative reactive patients. The majority of patients tested positive for IgG4 anti-IFX after the first seven infusions. CONCLUSIONS: IgG4 anti-IFX is common in treated patients and a large part of ADA producing patients produce IgG4 antibodies. The IgG4 anti-IFX response does not prevent hypersensitivity reactions to IFX and correlates with the IgE anti-IFX response.

Factors reducing omalizumab response in severe asthma.

BACKGROUND: Despite adding Omalizumab to conventional therapy, several severe asthmatics still show poor disease control. We investigated the factors that may affect a reduced Omalizumab response in a large population of severe asthmatics. METHODS: 340 patients were retrospectively evaluated. FEV1%, FVC%, Asthma Control Test (ACT), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), possible step-downs/step-ups of concomitant therapies, exacerbations, disease control levels, ICS doses and SABA use, observed at the end of treatment, were considered as a response to Omalizumab. RESULTS: Age was an independent risk factor for a reduced response concerning FEV1%, FVC%, ACT and for a lower asthma control. Obesity (vs normal weight) was a determinant condition for exacerbations (OR:3.114[1.509-6.424], p = 0.002), for a disease partial/no control (OR:2.665[1.064-6.680], p = 0.036), for excessive SABA use (OR:4.448[1.837-10.768], p = 0.002) and for an unchanged/increased level of concomitant asthma medications. Furthermore, obesity also reduced the response in FEV1 (ß = -6.981,p = 0.04), FVC (ß = -11.689,p = 0.014) and ACT (ß = -2.585, p = 0.027) and was associated with a higher FENO level (ß = 49.045,p = 0.040). Having at least one comorbidity was a risk factor for exacerbations (OR:1.383[1.128-1.697], p = 0.008) and for an ACT <20 (OR:2.410[1.071-3.690], p = 0.008). Specifically, chronic heart disease was associated with both a lower ACT and FVC% whereas gastroesophageal reflux with a partial/no asthma control. Nasal polyps were a predisposing factor leading both to exacerbations and to the use of higher inhaled corticosteroids doses. Moreover, smoking habits, pollen or dog/cat dander co-sensitizations may negatively influence Omalizumab response. CONCLUSION: Age, obesity, comorbidities, smoking habits, nasal polyps, allergic poly-sensitization might reduce Omalizumab effectiveness independently to other asthma-influencing factors.

Home infusion program with enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease: The experience of a large Italian collaborative group.

Fabry disease (FD) [OMIM 301500] is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, resulting in progressive multisystem accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Although the introduction of Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) resulted in a variety of clinical benefits, life-long intravenous (IV) treatment with ERT with an every other week schedule, may interfere with daily life activities and impact on QoL. We report here a multicentric, observational, longitudinal data analysis on a large cohort of 85 Italian FD patients (45 males, 40 females) from 11 out of 20 Italian regions, who received a cumulative number of 4269 home infusions of agalsidase alfa. For the whole cohort, the average duration of home therapy was 1 year and 11 months (range 3 months-4 years and 6 months), and during this period, compliance to treatment (number of infusions performed vs scheduled) reached 100%. The EQ-5 VAS scale was administered to patients to evaluate the self-reported QoL, 58% of patients showing an increase of EQ-5 VAS score at follow up compared to baseline (home treatment start) or remaining stable. A mild increase of average disease severity, measured through Mainz Severity Score Index (MSSI), was found during hospital treatment (p < 0,007), while it remained stable between the first home therapy infusion and last follow up. Interestingly, 4 out of 7 (57%) patients, showing an improvement in FD-related clinical status after starting home therapy, had previously a sub-optimal compliance to treatment during the period of hospital treatment management. Only 4 adverse non serious reactions (0,093%) were reported totally in 2 patients during home treatment. We conclude that home infusions in eligible patients with FD are safe, contribute to improve treatment compliance and therapeutic clinical outcomes, and may have a positive impact on self-perceived QoL.

Screening protocols to monitor respiratory status in primary immunodeficiency disease: findings from a European survey and subclinical infection working group.

Many patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) who have antibody deficiency develop progressive lung disease due to underlying subclinical infection and inflammation. To understand how these patients are monitored we conducted a retrospective survey based on patient records of 13 PID centres across Europe, regarding the care of 1061 adult and 178 paediatric patients with PID on immunoglobulin (Ig) G replacement. The most common diagnosis was common variable immunodeficiency in adults (75%) and hypogammaglobulinaemia in children (39%). The frequency of clinic visits varied both within and between centres: every 1-12 months for adult patients and every 3-6 months for paediatric patients. Patients diagnosed with lung diseases were more likely to receive pharmaceutical therapies and received a wider range of therapies than patients without lung disease. Variation existed between centres in the frequency with which some clinical and laboratory monitoring tests are performed, including exercise tests, laboratory testing for IgG subclass levels and specific antibodies, and lung function tests such as spirometry. Some tests were carried out more frequently in adults than in children, probably due to difficulties conducting these tests in younger children. The percentage of patients seen regularly by a chest physician, or who had microbiology tests performed following chest and sinus exacerbations, also varied widely between centres. Our survey revealed a great deal of variation across Europe in how frequently patients with PID visit the clinic and how frequently some monitoring tests are carried out. These results highlight the urgent need for consensus guidelines on how to monitor lung complications in PID patients.

Different skin prick test sensitization patterns do not influence the response to Omalizumab in severe asthma

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Effects of omalizumab in severe asthmatics across ages: A real life Italian experience.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aimed at evaluating long-term effects of Omalizumab in elderly asthmatics in a real-life setting. METHODS: 105 consecutive severe asthmatics (GINA step 4-5; mean FEV1% predicted:66 ± 15.7) treated with Omalizumab for at least 1 year (treatment mean duration 35.1 ± 21.7 months) were divided into 3 groups according to their age at Omalizumab treatment onset: 18-39, 40-64 and ≥ 65 years. RESULTS: Comorbidities, number of overweight/obese subjects and patients with late-onset asthma were more frequent among older people. A similar reduction of inhaled corticosteroids dosage and SABA on-demand therapy was observed in all groups during Omalizumab treatment; a similar FEV1 increased was also observed. Asthma Control Test (ACT) improved significantly (p < 0.001) in the three groups, increasing from 15 [IQR:12-18] to 24 [IQR:22-25] in younger subjects, from 14 [IQR:10-16] to 21 [IQR:20-23] in the 40-64-year-group and from 15 [IQR:12-16] to 20 [IQR:18-22] in elderly patients where improvement was lower (p = 0.039) compared to younger people. Asthma exacerbations decreased significantly after Omalizumab but the percentage of exacerbation-free patients was higher in younger people (76.9%) compared to middle aged patients (49.2%) and the elderly (29%) (p = 0.049). After Omalizumab treatment, the risk for exacerbations was lower in subjects aged 40-64 (OR = 0.284 [CI95% = 0.098-0.826], p = 0.021) and 18-39 (OR = 0.133 [CI95% = 0.026-0.678], p = 0.015), compared to elderly asthmatics. Also, a significantly reduced ACT improvement (ß = -1.070; p = 0.046) passing from each age class was observed. CONCLUSION: Omalizumab improves all asthma outcomes independently of age, although the magnitude of the effects observed in the elderly seems to be lower than in the other age groups.

Circulating T cells to infliximab are detectable mainly in treated patients developing anti-drug antibodies and hypersensitivity reactions.

Antibodies recognizing infliximab (IFX) may develop in a proportion of treated patients, leading to loss of response or hypersensitivity reactions (HRs). T cell response to IFX has been poorly investigated. This paper was addressed to detect IFX-specific T cells in treated patients with inflammatory diseases developing, or not, anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and to correlate the presence of specific T cells with the clinical outcomes of the treatment. A co-culture system of IFX-loaded dendritic cells and purified autologous CD4+ T cells was used to detect memory T cells in 32 ADA+ and 39 ADA- IFX-treated patients and control groups. The cytokine profile of IFX-specific T cells was also studied in culture supernatants. IFX-specific cell proliferation was detected mainly in cells from ADA+ patients, irrespective of their different diseases. HR patients displayed higher T cell proliferation than non-responder and tolerant patients. A mixed [interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-13, IL-10] cytokine profile was shown in cells from ADA+ patients, while IL-10 was the most frequently detected cytokine in the supernatants of cultures from ADA- patients. Immunoglobulin (Ig)E+ ADA+ patients with previous HRs exhibited a more pronounced type 2 profile than IgE- ADA+ patients. This work provides evidence that IFX-specific circulating T cells are detectable mainly in ADA+ patients with HRs, regardless of their disease. The IFX-induced cytokine pattern partially correlates with the ADA isotype.

EAACI IG Biologicals task force paper on the use of biologic agents in allergic disorders.

Biologic agents (also termed biologicals or biologics) are therapeutics that are synthesized by living organisms and directed against a specific determinant, for example, a cytokine or receptor. In inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, biologicals have revolutionized the treatment of several immune-mediated disorders. Biologicals have also been tested in allergic disorders. These include agents targeting IgE; T helper 2 (Th2)-type and Th2-promoting cytokines, including interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, IL-31, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP); pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1ß, IL-12, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF); chemokine receptor CCR4; and lymphocyte surface and adhesion molecules, including CD2, CD11a, CD20, CD25, CD52, and OX40 ligand. In this task force paper of the Interest Group on Biologicals of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, we review biologicals that are currently available or tested for the use in various allergic and urticarial pathologies, by providing an overview on their state of development, area of use, adverse events, and future research directions.

Cloning, expression, and antigenic characterization of recombinant protein of Mycoplasma gallisepticum expressed in Escherichia coli.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a member of the most important avian mycoplasmas, causing chronic respiratory disease in chickens and leading to important economic losses in the poultry industry. Recombinant technology represents a strategic approach used to achieve highly reliable and specific diagnostic tests in veterinary diseases control: in particular this aspect is crucial for confirming mycoplasma infection and for maintaining mycoplasma-free breeder flocks. In this study, we identified a component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (i.e., E2) protein by 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), characterized it in immunoblotting assays, and analyzed its recombinant (r-E2) in a rec-ELISA test. For full-length protein expression in Escherichia coli (EC) a point mutation was introduced. A rabbit antiserum produced against r-E2 was tested in a Western Blot using different samples of Mycoplasma species. The results showed the applicability of site-directed mutagenesis, with a good yield of the r-E2 after purification. Also, anti-E2 serum reacted with all the tested MG strains showing no cross reaction with other mycoplasmas. The developed E2 ELISA test was capable of detecting MG antibodies in the sera examined. Those results demonstrate the antigenic stability of the E2 protein which could represent a recombinant antigen with potential diagnostic applications.

Allergological in vitro and in vivo evaluation of patients with hypersensitivity reactions to infliximab.

BACKGROUND: The administration of biological agents is potentially affected by IgE-mediated infusion reactions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of skin testing in patients who have experienced infliximab (IFX)-related reactions. METHODS: Thirty patients with previous immediate hypersensitivity reaction to IFX, 20 disease-matched non exposed subjects, 15 IFX-treated disease-matched tolerant patients and 15 IFX non-responder patients were enrolled. Non-isotype-specific and IgE anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) were measured by a double-capture ELISA kit and ImmunoCAP assay, respectively. Prick and intra-dermal tests were carried out with the commercial IFX preparation serially diluted. RESULTS: Skin testing, performed in 23 of 30 reactive patients, resulted positive in 7 of them (30.4%), whereas no positivity was found in other groups of patients. The majority of reactive patients displayed non-isotype-specific ADAs (23/30, 76.6%) and the presence of anti-IFX IgE antibodies was detected in 6 of them (26%). All 6 IgE-positive reactive patients showed skin testing positivity. One reactive ADAs-positive patient who resulted skin test positive, with no detectable serum IFX-specific IgE ADAs, was also found. Skin testing positivity was associated with severe and early reactions (within the 3rd dose). No unexpected adverse reactions to skin testing were recorded. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study shows that about 30% of reactive patients display skin testing positivity. They usually develop severe reactions, mainly during the first administrations of IFX. The specificity and the safety of skin testing procedure for this biological agent are also confirmed.

Vav1 haploinsufficiency in a common variable immunodeficiency patient with defective T-cell function.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immune disorder characterized by impaired antibody production, which is in many instances secondary to defective T cell function (T-CVID). We previously identified a subset of T-CVID patients characterized by defective expression of Vav1, a guanine nucleotide exchanger which couples the T-cell antigen receptor to reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Here we have addressed the possibility that an intrinsic defect in the Vav1 gene might underlie the reduction in Vav protein observed in T cells from these patients. We report the identification in one T-CVID patient of a heterozygous deletion in Vav1. The gene deletion, spanning exons 2-27, accounts for the reduction in Vav1 mRNA and protein in T cells from this patient. The disease-related pedigree of this patient suggests a de novo origin of the Vav1 deletion. The findings highlights Vav1 as an autosomal dominant disease gene associated with CVID with defective T-cell function.