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Biagioni B, Scala E, Cecchi L. What molecular allergy teaches us about genetics and epidemiology of allergies. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:280-290. [PMID: 38640142 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To delineate pertinent information regarding the application of molecular allergology within the realm of both genetic and epidemiological facets of allergic diseases. RECENT FINDINGS The emergence of molecular allergy has facilitated the comprehension of the biochemical characteristics of allergens originating from diverse sources. It has allowed for the exploration of sensitization trajectories and provided novel insights into the influence of genetics and environmental exposure on the initiation and development of allergic diseases. This review delves into the primary discoveries related to the genetics and epidemiology of allergies, facilitated by the application of molecular allergy. It also scrutinizes the impact of environmental exposure across varied geoclimatic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle contexts. Additionally, the review introduces specific models of molecular allergy within the realms of plants and animals. SUMMARY The utilization of molecular allergy in clinical practice holds crucially acknowledged diagnostic and therapeutic implications. From a research standpoint, there is a growing need for the widespread adoption of molecular diagnostic tools to achieve a more profound understanding of the epidemiology and natural progression of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Biagioni
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Florence
| | - Enrico Scala
- Clinical and Laboratory Molecular Allergy Unit, IDI-IRCCS, Rome
| | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- SOSD Allergology and Clinical Immunology, USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
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Öztemiz Topcu E, Gadermaier G. To stay or not to stay intact as an allergen: the endolysosomal degradation assay used as tool to analyze protein immunogenicity and T cell epitopes. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2024; 5:1440360. [PMID: 39071040 PMCID: PMC11272489 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1440360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Antigen uptake and processing of exogenous proteins is critical for adaptive immunity, particularly for T helper cell activation. Proteins undergo distinct proteolytic processing in endolysosomal compartments of antigen-presenting cells. The resulting peptides are presented on MHC class II molecules and specifically recognized by T cells. The in vitro endolysosomal degradation assay mimics antigen processing by incubating a protein of interest with a protease cocktail derived from the endolysosomal compartments of antigen presenting cells. The kinetics of protein degradation is monitored by gel electrophoresis and allows calculation of a protein's half-life and thus endolysosomal stability. Processed peptides are analyzed by mass spectrometry and abundant peptide clusters are shown to harbor T cell epitopes. The endolysosomal degradation assay has been widely used to study allergens, which are IgE-binding proteins involved in type I hypersensitivity. In this review article, we provide the first comprehensive overview of the endolysosomal degradation of 29 isoallergens and variants originating from the PR-10, Ole e 1-like, pectate lyase, defensin polyproline-linked, non-specific lipid transfer, mite group 1, 2, and 5, and tropomyosin protein families. The assay method is described in detail and suggestions for improved standardization and reproducibility are provided. The current hypothesis implies that proteins with high endolysosomal stability can induce an efficient immune response, whereas highly unstable proteins are degraded early during antigen processing and therefore not efficient for MHC II peptide presentation. To validate this concept, systematic analyses of high and low allergenic representatives of protein families should be investigated. In addition to purified molecules, allergen extracts should be degraded to analyze potential matrix effects and gastrointestinal proteolysis of food allergens. In conclusion, individual protein susceptibility and peptides obtained from the endolysosomal degradation assay are powerful tools for understanding protein immunogenicity and T cell reactivity. Systematic studies and linkage with in vivo sensitization data will allow the establishment of (machine-learning) tools to aid prediction of immunogenicity and allergenicity. The orthogonal method could in the future be used for risk assessment of novel foods and in the generation of protein-based immunotherapeutics.
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Zhao L, Ma T, Wang X, Wang H, Liu Y, Wu S, Fu L, Gilissen L, van Ree R, Wang X, Gao Z. Food-Pollen Cross-Reactivity and its Molecular Diagnosis in China. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024:10.1007/s11882-024-01162-w. [PMID: 38976200 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-024-01162-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Plant-derived foods are one of the most common causative sources of food allergy in China, with a significant relationship to pollinosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this food-pollen allergy syndrome and its molecular allergen diagnosis to better understand the cross-reactive basis. RECENT FINDINGS Food-pollen cross-reactivity has been mainly reported in Northern China, Artemisia pollen is the major related inhalant source, followed by tree pollen (Betula), while grass pollen plays a minor role. Pollen allergy is relatively low in Southern China, with allergies to grass pollen being more important than weed and tree pollens. Rosaceae fruits and legume seeds stand out as major related allergenic foods. Non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP) has been found to be the most clinically relevant cross-reacting allergenic component, able to induce severe reactions. PR-10, profilin, defensin, chitinase, and gibberellin-regulated proteins are other important cross-reactive allergen molecules. Artemisia pollen can induce allergenic cross-reactions with a wide range of plant-derived foods in China, and spring tree pollens (Betula) are also important. nsLTP found in both pollen and plant-derived food is considered the most significant allergen in food pollen cross-reactivity. Component-resolved diagnosis with potential allergenic proteins is recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy and predict the potential risk of causing allergic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhao
- Allergy Research Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tingting Ma
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtian Wang
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Hangzhou Zheda Dixun Biological Gene Engineering Co. Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shandong Wu
- Hangzhou Zheda Dixun Biological Gene Engineering Co. Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linglin Fu
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Luud Gilissen
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald van Ree
- Departments of Experimental Immunology and of Otorhinolaryngology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xueyan Wang
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhongshan Gao
- Allergy Research Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Yang H, Chen Y, Wang L, Gan B, Yu L, Ren R, Kwok HF, Wu Y, Cao Z. The Fungal Secretory Peptide Micasin Induces Itch by Activating MRGPRX1/C11/A1 on Peripheral Neurons. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)01871-2. [PMID: 38945438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Pruritus is the leading symptom of dermatophytosis. Microsporium canis is one of the predominant dermatophytes causing dermatophytosis. However, the pruritogenic agents and the related molecular mechanisms of the dermatophyte M canis remain poorly understood. In this study, the secretion of the dermatophyte M canis was found to dose-dependently evoke itch in mice. The fungal peptide micasin secreted from M canis was then identified to elicit mouse significant scratching and itching responses. The peptide micasin was further revealed to directly activate mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons to mediate the nonhistaminergic itch. Knockout and antagonistic experiments demonstrated that MRGPRX1/C11/A1 rather than MRGPRX2/b2 activated by micasin contributed to pruritus. The chimeras and single-amino acid variants of MRGPRX1 showed that 3 domains (extracellular loop 3, transmembrane helical domain 3, and transmembrane helical domain 6) and 4 hydrophobic residues (Y99, F237, L240, and W241) of MRGPRX1 played the key role in micasin-triggered MRGPRX1 activation. Our study sheds light on the dermatophytosis-associated pruritus and may provide potential therapeutic targets and strategies against pruritus caused by dermatophytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Yang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Shenzhen Research Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Shenzhen Research Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Shenzhen Research Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Gan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Leiye Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruobing Ren
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Shenzhen Research Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Shaheen N, Hossen MS, Akhter KT, Halima O, Hasan MK, Wahab A, Gamagedara S, Bhargava K, Holmes T, Najar FZ, Khandaker M, Peng Z, Yang Z, Ahsan N. Comparative Seed Proteome Profile Reveals No Alternation of Major Allergens in High-Yielding Mung Bean Cultivars. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38836763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Mung bean contains up to 32.6% protein and is one of the great sources of plant-based protein. Because many allergens also function as defense-related proteins, it is important to determine their abundance levels in the high-yielding, disease-resistant cultivars. In this study, for the first time, we compared the seed proteome of high-yielding mung bean cultivars developed by a conventional breeding approach. Using a label-free quantitative proteomic platform, we successfully identified and quantified a total of 1373 proteins. Comparative analysis between the high-yielding disease-resistant cultivar (MC5) and the other three cultivars showed that a total of 69 common proteins were significantly altered in their abundances across all cultivars. Bioinformatic analysis of these altered proteins demonstrated that PDF1 (a defensin-like protein) exhibited high sequence similarity and epitope matching with the established peanut allergens, indicating a potential mung bean allergen that showed a cultivar-specific response. Conversely, known mung bean allergen proteins such as PR-2/PR-10 (Vig r 1), Vig r 2, Vig r 4, LTP1, β-conglycinin, and glycinin G4 showed no alternation in the MC5 compared to other cultivars. Taken together, our findings suggest that the known allergen profiles may not be impacted by the conventional plant breeding method to develop improved mung bean cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazma Shaheen
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sujan Hossen
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Turjaun Akhter
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Oumma Halima
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamrul Hasan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Asfia Wahab
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10, U.K
| | - Sanjeewa Gamagedara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034, United States
| | - Kanika Bhargava
- Department of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034, United States
| | - Tawni Holmes
- Department of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034, United States
| | - Fares Z Najar
- High-Performance Computing Center, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Morshed Khandaker
- Nanobiology Laboratory, School of Engineering, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034, United States
| | - Zongkai Peng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Zhibo Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Nagib Ahsan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
- Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
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Finkina EI, Shevchenko OV, Fateeva SI, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova TV. Antifungal Plant Defensins as an Alternative Tool to Combat Candidiasis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1499. [PMID: 38891308 PMCID: PMC11174490 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the spread of fungal infections is becoming an urgent problem. Fungi of the Candida genus are opportunistic microorganisms that cause superficial and life-threatening systemic candidiasis in immunocompromised patients. The list of antifungal drugs for the treatment of candidiasis is very limited, while the prevalence of resistant strains is growing rapidly. Therefore, the search for new antimycotics, including those exhibiting immunomodulatory properties, is of great importance. Plenty of natural compounds with antifungal activities may be extremely useful in solving this problem. This review evaluates the features of natural antimicrobial peptides, namely plant defensins as possible prototypes of new anticandidal agents. Plant defensins are important components of the innate immune system, which provides the first line of defense against pathogens. The introduction presents a brief summary regarding pathogenic Candida species, the pathogenesis of candidiasis, and the mechanisms of antimycotic resistance. Then, the structural features of plant defensins, their anticandidal activities, their mechanisms of action on yeast-like fungi, their ability to prevent adhesion and biofilm formation, and their combined action with conventional antimycotics are described. The possible mechanisms of fungal resistance to plant defensins, their cytotoxic activity, and their effectiveness in in vivo experiments are also discussed. In addition, for the first time for plant defensins, knowledge about their immunomodulatory effects is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina I. Finkina
- M. M. Shemyakin & Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia (T.V.O.)
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Ballmer-Weber BK, Wangorsch A, Bures P, Hanschmann KM, Gadermaier G, Mattsson L, Mills CEN, van Ree R, Lidholm J, Vieths S. New light on an old syndrome: Role of Api g 7 in mugwort pollen-related celery allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024:S0091-6749(24)00502-5. [PMID: 38763171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Celery root is known to cause severe allergic reactions in patients sensitized to mugwort pollen. OBJECTIVE We studied clinically well-characterized patients with celery allergy by IgE testing with a comprehensive panel of celery allergens to disentangle the molecular basis of what is known as the celery-mugwort syndrome. METHODS Patients with suspected food allergy to celery underwent a standardized interview. Main inclusion criteria were a positive food challenge with celery or an unambiguous case history of severe anaphylaxis. IgE to celery allergens (rApi g 1.01, rApi g 1.02, rApi g 2, rApi g 4, nApi g 5, rApi g 6, rApi g 7) and to mugwort allergens (rArt v 1, rArt v 3, rArt v 4) were determined. IgE levels ≥0.35 kUA/L were regarded positive. RESULTS Seventy-nine patients with allergy to celery were included. Thirty patients had mild oral or rhinoconjunctival symptoms, and 49 had systemic reactions. Sixty-eight percent had IgE to celery extract, 80% to birch pollen, and 77% to mugwort pollen. A combination of Api g 1.01, 1.02, 4, 5, and 7 increased the diagnostic sensitivity for celery allergy to 92%. The lipid transfer proteins Api g 2 and Api g 6 were not relevant in our celery-allergic population. IgE to Api g 7, detected in 52% of patients, correlated closely (r = 0.86) to Art v 1 from mugwort pollen. Eleven of 12 patients with monosensitization to Api g 7 were IgE negative to celery extract. The odds ratio for developing a severe anaphylactic reaction rather than only mild oral symptoms was about 6 times greater (odds ratio, 5.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-32.0; P = .0410) for Api g 7-sensitized versus -nonsensitized subjects. CONCLUSION There is an urgent need for routine diagnostic tests to assess sensitization to Api g 7, not only to increase test sensitivity but also to identify patients at risk of a severe allergic reaction to celery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara K Ballmer-Weber
- Allergy Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | - Gabriele Gadermaier
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Clare E N Mills
- Division of Infection, Immunity, and Respiratory Medicine, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology & Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ronald van Ree
- Departments of Experimental Immunology and Otorhinolaryngology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stefan Vieths
- Molecular Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
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Ukleja-Sokołowska N, Lis K, Graczyk M, Bartuzi M, Bartuzi Z. The use of inhibition assay in Api g 7 suspected allergy in a female patient with anaphylaxis: A case report. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2024; 38:3946320231223004. [PMID: 38217433 PMCID: PMC10788074 DOI: 10.1177/03946320231223004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The symptoms of celery allergy are mainly presented as oral allergy symptom, but there are several case reports of patients who experienced anaphylaxis. Defensin (Api g 7), as a novel allergen in celery root, was described in 2022 r. The female patient had a history of several episodes of dyspnea and cough, associated with ingestion of spice mixes containing dried celery. Up to the point of hospitalization, there were no objective tests, either sIgE or skin prick tests, that would confirm celery sensitization. During hospitalization, patient had a positive double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge with cooked celery. The patient was sensitized to mugwort defensin Art v 1. An inhibition assay with celery allergen extract was performed to prove cross-sensitization between Art v 1 and celery allergen responsible for symptoms in the patient. In conclusion, Api g 7 is an important celery allergen that can be responsible for severe reactions. Its cross-reactivity with Art v 1 is characteristic. Negative diagnostic tests with celery do not exclude Api g 7 sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ukleja-Sokołowska
- Department and Clinic of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Kinga Lis
- Department and Clinic of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Graczyk
- Department and Clinic of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Marcelina Bartuzi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition Disorders, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Bartuzi
- Department and Clinic of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
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