1
|
Perez-Garcia J, Cardenas A, Lorenzo-Diaz F, Pino-Yanes M. Precision medicine for asthma treatment: Unlocking the potential of the epigenome and microbiome. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024:S0091-6749(24)00634-1. [PMID: 38906272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.06.010] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Asthma is a leading worldwide biomedical concern. Patients can experience life-threatening worsening episodes (exacerbations) usually controlled by anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator drugs. However, substantial heterogeneity in treatment response exists, and a subset of patients with unresolved asthma carry the major burden of this disease. The study of the epigenome and microbiome might bridge the gap between human genetics and environmental exposure to partially explain the heterogeneity in drug response. This review aims to provide a critical examination of the existing literature on the microbiome and epigenetic studies examining associations with asthma treatments and drug response, highlight convergent pathways, address current challenges, and offer future perspectives. Current epigenetic and microbiome studies have shown the bilateral relationship between asthma pharmacologic interventions and the human epigenome and microbiome. These studies, focusing on corticosteroids and to a lesser extent on bronchodilators, azithromycin, immunotherapy, and mepolizumab, have improved the understanding of the molecular basis of treatment response and identified promising biomarkers for drug response prediction. Immune and inflammatory pathways (eg, IL-2, TNF-α, NF-κB, and C/EBPs) underlie microbiome-epigenetic associations with asthma treatment, representing potential therapeutic pathways to be targeted. A comprehensive evaluation of these omics biomarkers could significantly contribute to precision medicine and new therapeutic target discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Perez-Garcia
- Genomics and Health Group, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Genetics, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif
| | - Fabian Lorenzo-Diaz
- Genomics and Health Group, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Genetics, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Maria Pino-Yanes
- Genomics and Health Group, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Genetics, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bisgaard H, Chawes B, Stokholm J, Mikkelsen M, Schoos AMM, Bønnelykke K. 25 Years of translational research in the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC). J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:619-633. [PMID: 36642652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.11.022] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC) mother-child cohorts have provided a foundation of 25 years of research on the origins, prevention, and natural history of childhood asthma and related disorders. COPSAC's approach is characterized by clinical translational research with longitudinal deep phenotyping and exposure assessments from pregnancy, in combination with multi-omic data layers and embedded randomized controlled trials. One trial showed that fish oil supplementation during pregnancy prevented childhood asthma and identified pregnant women with the highest benefits from supplementation, thereby creating the potential for personalized prevention. COPSAC revealed that airway colonization with pathogenic bacteria in early life is associated with an increased risk of asthma. Further, airway bacteria were shown to be a trigger of acute asthma-like symptoms, with benefit from antibiotic treatment. COPSAC identified an immature gut microbiome in early life as a risk factor for asthma and allergy and further demonstrated that asthma can be predicted by infant lung function. At a molecular level, COPSAC has identified novel susceptibility genes, early immune deviations, and metabolomic alterations associated with childhood asthma. Thus, the COPSAC research program has enhanced our understanding of the processes causing childhood asthma and has suggested means of personalized prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans Bisgaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo Chawes
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Pediatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Marianne Mikkelsen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann-Marie Malby Schoos
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Pediatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kyvsgaard JN, Ralfkiaer U, Følsgaard N, Jensen TM, Hesselberg LM, Schoos AMM, Bønnelykke K, Bisgaard H, Stokholm J, Chawes B. Azithromycin and high-dose vitamin D for treatment and prevention of asthma-like episodes in hospitalised preschool children: study protocol for a combined double-blind randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054762. [PMID: 35418427 PMCID: PMC9014042 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous randomised controlled trials (RCTs) suggest antibiotics for treating episodes of asthma-like symptoms in preschool children. Further, high-dose vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce the rate of asthma exacerbations among adults with asthma, while RCTs in preschool children are lacking. The aims of this combined RCT are to evaluate treatment effect of azithromycin on episode duration and the preventive effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on subsequent episodes of asthma-like symptoms among hospitalised preschoolers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Eligible participants, 1-5 years old children with a history of recurrent asthma-like symptoms hospitalised due to an acute episode, will be randomly allocated 1:1 to azithromycin (10 mg/kg/day) or placebo for 3 days (n=250). Further, independent of the azithromycin intervention participants will be randomly allocated 1:1 to high-dose vitamin D (2000 IU/day+ standard dose 400 IU/day) or standard dose (400 IU/day) for 1 year (n=320). Participants are monitored with electronic diaries for asthma-like symptoms, asthma medication, adverse events and sick-leave. The primary outcome for the azithromycin intervention is duration of asthma-like symptoms after treatment. Secondary outcomes include duration of hospitalisation and antiasthmatic treatment. The primary outcome for the vitamin D intervention is the number of exacerbations during the treatment period. Secondary outcomes include time to first exacerbation, symptom burden, asthma medication and safety. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The RCTs are approved by the Danish local ethical committee and conducted in accordance with the guiding principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The Danish Medicines Agency has approved the azithromycin RCT, which is monitored by the local Unit for Good Clinical Practice. The vitamin D RCT has been reviewed and is not considered a medical intervention. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS NCT05028153, NCT05043116.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Nyholm Kyvsgaard
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Peadiatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Ralfkiaer
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Nilofar Følsgaard
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Trine Mølbæk Jensen
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Peadiatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Laura Marie Hesselberg
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Ann-Marie M Schoos
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Peadiatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Peadiatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Bo Chawes
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ogulur I, Pat Y, Ardicli O, Barletta E, Cevhertas L, Fernandez‐Santamaria R, Huang M, Bel Imam M, Koch J, Ma S, Maurer DJ, Mitamura Y, Peng Y, Radzikowska U, Rinaldi AO, Rodriguez‐Coira J, Satitsuksanoa P, Schneider SR, Wallimann A, Zhakparov D, Ziadlou R, Brüggen M, Veen W, Sokolowska M, Baerenfaller K, Zhang L, Akdis M, Akdis CA. Advances and highlights in biomarkers of allergic diseases. Allergy 2021; 76:3659-3686. [PMID: 34519063 PMCID: PMC9292545 DOI: 10.1111/all.15089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
During the past years, there has been a global outbreak of allergic diseases, presenting a considerable medical and socioeconomical burden. A large fraction of allergic diseases is characterized by a type 2 immune response involving Th2 cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and M2 macrophages. Biomarkers are valuable parameters for precision medicine as they provide information on the disease endotypes, clusters, precision diagnoses, identification of therapeutic targets, and monitoring of treatment efficacies. The availability of powerful omics technologies, together with integrated data analysis and network‐based approaches can help the identification of clinically useful biomarkers. These biomarkers need to be accurately quantified using robust and reproducible methods, such as reliable and point‐of‐care systems. Ideally, samples should be collected using quick, cost‐efficient and noninvasive methods. In recent years, a plethora of research has been directed toward finding novel biomarkers of allergic diseases. Promising biomarkers of type 2 allergic diseases include sputum eosinophils, serum periostin and exhaled nitric oxide. Several other biomarkers, such as pro‐inflammatory mediators, miRNAs, eicosanoid molecules, epithelial barrier integrity, and microbiota changes are useful for diagnosis and monitoring of allergic diseases and can be quantified in serum, body fluids and exhaled air. Herein, we review recent studies on biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, food allergies, anaphylaxis, drug hypersensitivity and allergen immunotherapy. In addition, we discuss COVID‐19 and allergic diseases within the perspective of biomarkers and recommendations on the management of allergic and asthmatic patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Collapse
|
5
|
Agache I, Eguiluz‐Gracia I, Cojanu C, Laculiceanu A, Giacco S, Zemelka‐Wiacek M, Kosowska A, Akdis CA, Jutel M. Advances and highlights in asthma in 2021. Allergy 2021; 76:3390-3407. [PMID: 34392546 DOI: 10.1111/all.15054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Last year brought a significant advance in asthma management, unyielding to the pressure of the pandemics. Novel key findings in asthma pathogenesis focus on the resident cell compartment, epigenetics and the innate immune system. The precision immunology unbiased approach was supplemented with novel tools and greatly facilitated by the use of artificial intelligence. Several randomised clinical trials and good quality real-world evidence shed new light on asthma treatment and supported the revision of several asthma guidelines (GINA, Expert Panel Report 3, ERS/ATS guidelines on severe asthma) and the conception of new ones (EAACI Guidelines for the use of biologicals in severe asthma). Integrating asthma management within the broader context of Planetary Health has been put forward. In this review, recently published articles and clinical trials are summarised and discussed with the goal to provide clinicians and researchers with a concise update on asthma research from a translational perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Agache
- Faculty of Medicine Transylvania University Brasov Romania
| | - Ibon Eguiluz‐Gracia
- Allergy Unit IBIMA‐Regional University Hospital of MalagaUMA, RETICS ARADyALBIONAND Malaga Spain
| | | | | | - Stefano Giacco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
| | | | - Anna Kosowska
- Department of Clinical Immunology Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw Poland
- All‐MED Medical Research Institute Wroclaw Poland
| | - Cezmi A. Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw Poland
- All‐MED Medical Research Institute Wroclaw Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pijnenburg MW, Frey U, De Jongste JC, Saglani S. Childhood asthma- pathogenesis and phenotypes. Eur Respir J 2021; 59:13993003.00731-2021. [PMID: 34711541 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00731-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In the pathogenesis of asthma in children there is a pivotal role for a type 2 inflammatory response to early life exposures or events. Interactions between infections, atopy, genetic susceptibility, and environmental exposures (such as farmyard environment, air pollution, tobacco smoke exposure) influence the development of wheezing illness and the risk for progression to asthma. The immune system, lung function and the microbiome in gut and airways develop in parallel and dysbiosis of the microbiome may be a critical factor in asthma development. Increased infant weight gain and preterm birth are other risk factors for development of asthma and reduced lung function. The complex interplay between these factors explains the heterogeneity of asthma in children. Subgroups of patients can be identified as phenotypes based on clinical parameters, or endotypes, based on a specific pathophysiological mechanism. Paediatric asthma phenotypes and endotypes may ultimately help to improve diagnosis of asthma, prediction of asthma development and treatment of individual children, based on clinical, temporal, developmental or inflammatory characteristics. Unbiased, data-driven clustering, using a multidimensional or systems biology approach may be needed to better define phenotypes. The present knowledge on inflammatory phenotypes of childhood asthma has now been successfully applied in the treatment with biologicals of children with severe therapy resistant asthma, and it is to be expected that more personalized treatment options may become available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariëlle W Pijnenburg
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Urs Frey
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johan C De Jongste
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sejal Saglani
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|