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Everard ML, Priftis K, Koumbourlis AC, Shields MD. Time to re-set our thinking about airways disease: lessons from history, the resurgence of chronic bronchitis / PBB and modern concepts in microbiology. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1391290. [PMID: 38910961 PMCID: PMC11190372 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1391290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In contrast to significant declines in deaths due to lung cancer and cardiac disease in Westernised countries, the mortality due to 'chronic obstructive pulmonary disease' (COPD) has minimally changed in recent decades while 'the incidence of bronchiectasis' is on the rise. The current focus on producing guidelines for these two airway 'diseases' has hindered progress in both treatment and prevention. The elephant in the room is that neither COPD nor bronchiectasis is a disease but rather a consequence of progressive untreated airway inflammation. To make this case, it is important to review the evolution of our understanding of airway disease and how a pathological appearance (bronchiectasis) and an arbitrary physiological marker of impaired airways (COPD) came to be labelled as 'diseases'. Valuable insights into the natural history of airway disease can be obtained from the pre-antibiotic era. The dramatic impacts of antibiotics on the prevalence of significant airway disease, especially in childhood and early adult life, have largely been forgotten and will be revisited as will the misinterpretation of trials undertaken in those with chronic (bacterial) bronchitis. In the past decades, paediatricians have observed a progressive increase in what is termed 'persistent bacterial bronchitis' (PBB). This condition shares all the same characteristics as 'chronic bronchitis', which is prevalent in young children during the pre-antibiotic era. Additionally, the radiological appearance of bronchiectasis is once again becoming more common in children and, more recently, in adults. Adult physicians remain sceptical about the existence of PBB; however, in one study aimed at assessing the efficacy of antibiotics in adults with persistent symptoms, researchers discovered that the majority of patients exhibiting symptoms of PBB were already on long-term macrolides. In recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of the respiratory microbiome and an understanding of the ability of bacteria to persist in potentially hostile environments through strategies such as biofilms, intracellular communities, and persister bacteria. This is a challenging field that will likely require new approaches to diagnosis and treatment; however, it needs to be embraced if real progress is to be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Everard
- Division of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kostas Priftis
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, 3rd Paediatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastassios C Koumbourlis
- Division of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michael D Shields
- Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Kaczynska A, Klosinska M, Janeczek K, Zarobkiewicz M, Emeryk A. Promising Immunomodulatory Effects of Bacterial Lysates in Allergic Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:907149. [PMID: 35812388 PMCID: PMC9257936 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.907149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In light of an escalating prevalence of allergic disorders, it is crucial to fully comprehend their pathophysiology and etiology. Such knowledge would play a pivotal role in the search for new therapeutic approaches concerning not only diseases’ symptoms, but also their underlying causes. The hygiene hypothesis indicates a high correlation between limited exposure to pathogens in early childhood and the risk of developing allergic disorders. Bearing in mind the significance of respiratory and digestive systems’ mucous membrane’s first-line exposure to pathogens as well as its implications on the host’s immune response, a therapy targeted at aforesaid membranes could guarantee promising and extensive treatment outcomes. Recent years yielded valuable information about bacterial lysates (BLs) known for having immunomodulatory properties. They consist of antigen mixtures obtained through lysis of bacteria which are the most common etiologic agents of respiratory tract infections. They interact with dendritic cells located in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract by toll-like receptors. The dendritic cells present acquired antigens resulting in innate immune response development on the release of chemokines, both stimulating monocytes and NK cells maturation and promoting polymorphonuclear neutrophil migration. Moreover, they influence the adaptive immune system by stimulating an increase of specific antibodies against administered bacterial antigens. The significance of BLs includes not only an anti-inflammatory effect on local infections but also restoration of Th1/Th2 balance, as demonstrated mainly in animal models. They decrease Th2-related cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-13) and increase Th1-related cytokine levels (IFN-γ). The reestablishment of the balance of the immune response leads to lowering atopic reactions incidence which, in addition to reduced risk of inflammation, provides the alleviation and improvement of clinical manifestations of allergic disorders. In this review, we hereby describe mechanisms of BLs action, considering their significant immunomodulatory role in innate immunity. The correlation between local, innate, and adaptive immune responses and their impact on the clinical course of allergic disorders are discussed as well. To conclude our review, we present up-to-date literature regarding the outcomes of BLs implemented in atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma prevention and treatment, especially in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kaczynska
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Children Rheumatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Martyna Klosinska
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Children Rheumatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kamil Janeczek
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Children Rheumatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- *Correspondence: Kamil Janeczek,
| | - Michał Zarobkiewicz
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Emeryk
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Children Rheumatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Dysbiosis in Pediatrics Is Associated with Respiratory Infections: Is There a Place for Bacterial-Derived Products? Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020448. [PMID: 33671586 PMCID: PMC7926342 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common in childhood because of the physiologic immaturity of the immune system, a microbial community under development in addition to other genetic, physiological, environmental and social factors. RTIs tend to recur and severe lower viral RTIs in early childhood are not uncommon and are associated with increased risk of respiratory disorders later in life, including recurrent wheezing and asthma. Therefore, a better understanding of the main players and mechanisms involved in respiratory morbidity is necessary for a prompt and improved care as well as for primary prevention. The inter-talks between human immune components and microbiota as well as their main functions have been recently unraveled; nevertheless, more is still to be discovered or understood in the above medical conditions. The aim of this review paper is to provide the most up-to-date overview on dysbiosis in pre-school children and its association with RTIs and their complications. The potential role of non-harmful bacterial-derived products, according to the old hygiene hypothesis and the most recent trained-innate immunity concept, will be discussed together with the need of proof-of-concept studies and larger clinical trials with immunological and microbiological endpoints.
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de Boer GM, Żółkiewicz J, Strzelec KP, Ruszczyński M, Hendriks RW, Braunstahl GJ, Feleszko W, Tramper-Stranders GA. Bacterial lysate therapy for the prevention of wheezing episodes and asthma exacerbations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:29/158/190175. [PMID: 33246991 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0175-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Wheezing and asthma are a growing cause of morbidity in children and adults. Treatment is aimed at prevention of disease exacerbations and preservation of lung function. Respiratory viruses are involved in ∼40-60% of exacerbations. Bacterial lysates prevent recurrent respiratory tract infections and might reduce exacerbations. Moreover, immunomodulatory effects have been observed in human and animal studies. Here we aimed to assess the effects of bacterial lysate therapy on preschool wheezing episodes and asthma exacerbation frequency. We performed a systematic literature review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement and a meta-analysis using Cochrane Review Manager. Out of 2016 retrieved articles, 22 studies were included, of which five provided sufficient data for a meta-analysis.The use of bacterial lysates showed a decrease of both wheezing episodes (mean difference -2.35 (-3.03- -1.67), p<0.001) and asthma exacerbations in children (mean difference -0.90 (-1.23- -0.57), p<0.001). Additionally, antibiotic use was reduced, and the duration of wheezing episodes was also decreased. No data for adults with asthma are currently available. The immunomodulatory effect seems to be dependent on increased T-helper (Th)1-cell activation and Th2-cell suppression.These favourable effects of bacterial lysates indicate that they show promise as add-on therapy in preschool wheezing and childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geertje Maria de Boer
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jakub Żółkiewicz
- Dept of Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Joint first authors
| | - Konrad Piotr Strzelec
- Dept of Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Ruszczyński
- Dept of Paediatrics, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan Braunstahl
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wojciech Feleszko
- Dept of Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gerdien A Tramper-Stranders
- Dept of Paediatric Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Neonatology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Maciag MC, Phipatanakul W. Prevention of Asthma: Targets for Intervention. Chest 2020; 158:913-922. [PMID: 32330461 PMCID: PMC7478233 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 300 million people worldwide are estimated to be affected by asthma, and the number of patients affected is growing exponentially-with potential for an additional 100 million people affected by the condition by 2025. With this increasing burden of disease, there is high motivation to discover effective prevention strategies. Strategies aimed at stalling the atopic progression, modifying the microbiome, preventing respiratory viral infections, and reducing the impact of toxin/pollutant exposure through dietary supplements have had limited success in the prevention of asthma. This is likely because asthma is heterogenous and is influenced by different genetic and environmental factors. Genes underlie a predisposition to asthma and allergic sensitization, whereas exposure to allergens, respiratory infections, and pollution may modify asthma pathogenesis and the variation in severity seen among individuals. Future advances in asthma prevention may include a more personalized approach: genetic variations among susceptible individuals with distinct asthma phenotypes or different biomarkers of disease may help individualize prevention strategies and render them more . In this article, we summarize interventions that have been studied for the prevention of asthma and identify some of the clinical trials that are actively underway in asthma prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Maciag
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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Feleszko W, Rossi GA, Krenke R, Canonica GW, Van Gerven L, Kalyuzhin O. Immunoactive preparations and regulatory responses in the respiratory tract: potential for clinical application in chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:603-619. [PMID: 32250709 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1744436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence of chronic inflammatory airway diseases is rising. Their treatment with corticosteroids increases infection risk, while overuse of antimicrobial agents may increase morbidity and antimicrobial resistance. Nonspecific immunomodulatory compounds alter immune responses to both infectious and atopic challenges. These compounds may offer an alternative approach for symptom reduction and prophylaxis against both infections and exacerbations in chronic inflammatory airway disease.Areas covered: We assessed the available data on the efficacy of nonspecific immunomodulators including bacterial lysates, synthetic compounds, and vaccines in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS); allergic and non-allergic rhinitis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. A search of PubMed was carried out using the 'Clinical Trials' filter for each condition and immunomodulatory product detailed below, where available, data from meta-analyses were reported.Expert opinion: Pre-clinical data has revealed a coherent mechanistic path of action for oral immunomodulators on the respiratory immune system, principally via the gut-lung immune axis. In patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, CRS, and COPD immunomodulatory therapy reduces symptoms, exacerbations, hospitalizations, and drug consumption. However, data are heterogeneous, and study quality remains limited. A lack of high-quality recent trials remains the major unmet research need in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Feleszko
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Giovanni A Rossi
- Chief Emeritus, Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy Units, Cystic Fibrosis Regional Centre, IRCCS G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rafal Krenke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases & Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - G Walter Canonica
- Personalized Medicine Asthma & Allergy, Clinic-Humanitas University & Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Van Gerven
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oleg Kalyuzhin
- Professor of Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Preventing the development of asthma: stopping the allergic march. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 19:161-168. [PMID: 30507718 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe important precipitants of asthma and allergic disease, to highlight the links between these triggers and modifications within the immune system, and to examine innovative research regarding asthma prevention with focus on attenuating the atopic march. RECENT FINDINGS Allergen avoidance, allergen immunotherapy, IgE antagonists, prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, as well as management of gastrointestinal and respiratory dysbiosis have been considered as strategies in asthma prevention. Antenatal vitamin D supplementation in expectant mothers and aggressive control of atopic dermatitis to prevent the development of other allergic conditions were carefully studied as well. SUMMARY Asthma is a major cause of morbidity and lost productivity. Despite the tremendous burden of this disease, the scientific community is still struggling to find an effective means of prevention. The contribution of genetics to the development of atopy cannot be altered, but environmental changes as well as pharmacotherapy have been studied as modifiable risk factors. Many trials to date have been effective only for subjects with certain characteristics. This is likely because asthma is a heterogenous condition, with a variety of triggers and clinical phenotypes. Thus far, a universally effective prevention strategy has eluded us. However, if an intervention can be found to prevent asthma and the allergic march, it will greatly improve quality of life for millions of sufferers and decrease healthcare expenditures.
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Martinez FD, Guerra S. Early Origins of Asthma. Role of Microbial Dysbiosis and Metabolic Dysfunction. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 197:573-579. [PMID: 29048927 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201706-1091pp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando D Martinez
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Stefano Guerra
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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Esposito S, Soto-Martinez ME, Feleszko W, Jones MH, Shen KL, Schaad UB. Nonspecific immunomodulators for recurrent respiratory tract infections, wheezing and asthma in children: a systematic review of mechanistic and clinical evidence. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 18:198-209. [PMID: 29561355 PMCID: PMC6037280 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an overview of the mechanistic and clinical evidence for the use of nonspecific immunomodulators in paediatric respiratory tract infection (RTI) and wheezing/asthma prophylaxis. RECENT FINDINGS Nonspecific immunomodulators have a long history of empirical use for the prevention of RTIs in vulnerable populations, such as children. The past decade has seen an increase in both the number and quality of studies providing mechanistic and clinical evidence for the prophylactic potential of nonspecific immunomodulators against both respiratory infections and wheezing/asthma in the paediatric population. Orally administered immunomodulators result in the mounting of innate and adaptive immune responses to infection in the respiratory mucosa and anti-inflammatory effects in proinflammatory environments. Clinical data reflect these mechanistic effects in reductions in the recurrence of respiratory infections and wheezing events in high-risk paediatric populations. A new generation of clinical studies is currently underway with the power to position the nonspecific bacterial lysate immunomodulator OM-85 as a potential antiasthma prophylactic. SUMMARY An established mechanistic and clinical role for prophylaxis against paediatric respiratory infections by nonspecific immunomodulators exists. Clinical trials underway promise to provide high-quality data to establish whether a similar role exists in wheezing/asthma prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Manuel E. Soto-Martinez
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Nacional de Niños, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Wojciech Feleszko
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, The Medical University Children's Hospital, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Marcus H. Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Kun-Ling Shen
- Department of Respiratory Care, Beijing Children's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Urs B. Schaad
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
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Holt P, Strickland D. Low dose treatment of mice with bacterial extract (OM-85) for attenuation of experimental atopic asthma in mice. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2017; 45:310-311. [PMID: 28237132 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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