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Oliver ET, Saini SS. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Etiology and Pathogenesis. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2024; 44:421-438. [PMID: 38937007 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2024.03.002] [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] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Urticaria, also known as hives, is a common condition thought to affect up to 20% of individuals worldwide in their lifetime. This skin condition is characterized by the appearance of pruritic, erythematous papules or plaques with superficial swelling of the dermis. The major complaint is the symptom of pruritus. Angioedema, which involves a deeper swelling of dermal or mucosal tissues, may accompany urticaria. Urticaria can be classified by both time course of symptoms and the underlying etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Oliver
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle/ Room 3A. 18A, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Sarbjit S Saini
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Room 2B. 71B, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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2
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Saini SS. Urticaria and basophils. Allergol Int 2023:S1323-8930(23)00045-X. [PMID: 37221123 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin disease without an etiology in the vast majority of cases. The similarity of symptoms and pathology to allergen-induced skin reactions supports that skin mast cell IgE receptor activation is also involved in CSU. Accumulating evidence also supports a role for blood basophils in disease expression. Blood basopenia is noted in active CSU disease with the recruitment of blood basophils to skin lesion sites. Blood basophils further display altered IgE receptor mediated degranulation patterns in two phenotypes that improve in remission. In active CSU subjects, changes in IgE receptor signaling molecule expression levels accompany the altered degranulation function in blood basophils. The success of therapies targeting IgE in CSU patients have also shown that altered blood basophil phenotypes and enumeration have potential use as a disease biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarbjit S Saini
- Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Room 2B 71B, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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3
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Fok JS, Kolkhir P, Church MK, Maurer M. Predictors of treatment response in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Allergy 2021; 76:2965-2981. [PMID: 33539587 DOI: 10.1111/all.14757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The current therapeutic algorithm for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), endorsed by the international guideline, entails treatment escalation from second-generation H1 -antihistamines (sgAHs) to omalizumab and cyclosporine until complete response is achieved. Recently, several predictors of response to these treatment options have been described. Here, we discuss the most promising predictors of response and nonresponse to these treatments in CSU. A systematic search was performed by two independent researchers using the MEDLINE/PubMed database with specific keywords and 73 studies included in the review. Levels of evidence were categorized as strong (robust predictors), weak (emerging predictors) or no association, based on the outcome and number of studies available. High disease activity, high levels of C-reactive protein and D-dimer are robust predictors for a poor or no response to sgAHs. Poor or no response to omalizumab is robustly predicted by low serum levels of total IgE. A good response to cyclosporine is robustly predicted by a positive basophil histamine release assay, whereas low total IgE is an emerging predictor. The response to treatment with sgAHs, omalizumab and cyclosporine can be predicted by the use of markers that are readily available in routine clinical practice. Further studies are needed to confirm these predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shen Fok
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie‐Centrum‐Charité Department of Dermatology and Allergy Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Box Hill Hospital Melbourne Vic Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University Melbourne Vic Australia
| | - Pavel Kolkhir
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie‐Centrum‐Charité Department of Dermatology and Allergy Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
- Division of Immune‐mediated Skin Diseases I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) Moscow Russian Federation
| | - Martin K. Church
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie‐Centrum‐Charité Department of Dermatology and Allergy Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie‐Centrum‐Charité Department of Dermatology and Allergy Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
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4
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Sauer M, Scheffel J, Frischbutter S, Kolkhir P, Xiang YK, Siebenhaar F, Altrichter S, Maurer M, Metz M, Krause K. Lower IgA Levels in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Are Associated With Lower IgE Levels and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:657211. [PMID: 34012441 PMCID: PMC8128143 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.657211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is still insufficiently understood. Recent findings suggest that immunoglobulins, in particular IgE but also IgA, play a role in the development of CSU. Objective Our aim was to assess differences in clinical and laboratory markers between CSU patients with and without lower levels of serum IgA and IgE. Methods We analyzed the data of 606 patients with CSU by dividing them into four groups based on their IgA and IgE levels. The groups were compared for their spectrum of symptoms, disease activity, concomitant autoimmunity and routine laboratory markers. Autoreactivity was assessed by basophil activation test (BAT). Moreover, IgE-anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was measured. Results Of the patients with lower IgE levels, 66.5% also had lower IgA levels (r=0.316, p<0.001). Patients with lower IgA and lower IgE levels showed a higher prevalence of recurrent angioedema (p=0.03, p=0.04) and concomitant autoimmunity (p=0.006, p<0.001). Autoreactivity was also found more frequently in patients with lower IgA and lower IgE levels (p=0.003, p<0.001). Reduced basophil counts were linked to both, lower IgA and lower IgE levels (p<0.001), whereas low eosinophil counts were primarily present in patients with lower IgE levels (p=0.04, p<0.001). Patients with elevated IgE-anti-TPO levels had lower IgA (p=0.007) and IgE levels (p=0.001). Conclusion Lower IgA levels in CSU are linked to lower IgE levels and features of autoimmune urticaria. Our findings encourage to screen CSU patients for serum IgA and IgE levels and to further assess their role as disease biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle Sauer
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Scheffel
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Frischbutter
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pavel Kolkhir
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Yi-Kui Xiang
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Siebenhaar
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Altrichter
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Metz
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karoline Krause
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Sabaté-Brescó M, Rodriguez-Garijo N, Azofra J, Baeza ML, Donado CD, Gaig P, Guilarte M, Herrera-Lasso V, Labrador-Horrillo M, Sala-Cunill A, Veleiro B, Gil MP, Kaplan A, Ferrer M. A Comparative Study of Sex Distribution, Autoimmunity, Blood, and Inflammatory Parameters in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria with Angioedema and Chronic Histaminergic Angioedema. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:2284-2292. [PMID: 33831619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent idiopathic histaminergic angioedema is currently classified as a subtype of angioedema, as well as a subtype of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), based on the fact that both are mast cell-mediated and respond to the same treatments. OBJECTIVE In the present work, we sought to verify whether chronic histaminergic angioedema (CHA) is an entity distinct from CSU or represents a CSU subtype that lacks hives. METHODS We performed a prospective study comparing 68 CHA patients, angioedema without hives, with 63 CSU patients, with hives and angioedema, from whom we collected demographic and clinical data, as well as blood and serum markers. RESULTS We found key pathogenic features that differentiate CHA from CSU: gender distribution, basophil number, and antibodies against the IgE receptor. The male/female ratio in CHA was 0.78, whereas in CSU it was 0.36 (P = .0466). Basopenia was more often seen in CSU (n = 13 [20%]) than in CHA (n = 5 [7%]). Finally, 31.15% of CSU sera induced basophil activation, whereas no CHA sera were able to activate normal basophils. By contrast, nonspecific inflammation or immune markers, for example, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, or IgG antithyroid antibodies, were very similar between both groups. IgE anti-IL-24 could not be assessed because a control population did not differ from CSU. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of CHA as part of the spectrum of CSU is an assumption not evidence-based, and when studied separately, important differences were observed. Until there is further evidence, CHA and CSU should not necessarily be considered the same disorder, and it is our opinion that review articles and guidelines should reflect that possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sabaté-Brescó
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; RETIC de Asma, Reacciones Adversas y Alérgicas (ARADYAL), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Julian Azofra
- Allergy Section, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Baeza
- Allergy Service, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Biomedical Research Network on Rare Diseases (CIBERER)-U761, Madrid, Spain; Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen D Donado
- Allergy Section, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pere Gaig
- Allergy Section, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII de Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain; Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Mar Guilarte
- RETIC de Asma, Reacciones Adversas y Alérgicas (ARADYAL), Madrid, Spain; Allergy Section, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valeria Herrera-Lasso
- Allergy Section, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII de Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain; Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Moisés Labrador-Horrillo
- RETIC de Asma, Reacciones Adversas y Alérgicas (ARADYAL), Madrid, Spain; Allergy Section, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sala-Cunill
- RETIC de Asma, Reacciones Adversas y Alérgicas (ARADYAL), Madrid, Spain; Allergy Section, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Veleiro
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - María Pilar Gil
- Department of Dermatology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Allen Kaplan
- Department of Medicine, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Marta Ferrer
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; RETIC de Asma, Reacciones Adversas y Alérgicas (ARADYAL), Madrid, Spain.
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6
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MacGlashan D, Saini S, Schroeder JT. Response of peripheral blood basophils in subjects with chronic spontaneous urticaria during treatment with omalizumab. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 147:2295-2304.e12. [PMID: 33716077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of patients with asthma or food allergy with omalizumab results in several consistent changes in circulating basophils. The multiple basophil phenotypes observed in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) present some unique attributes that may not respond in a similar fashion to patients with asthma or food allergy. As part of a clinical study on the therapeutic outcomes of omalizumab treatment in CSU, the basophil compartment was examined for changes in characteristics predicted by prior studies. OBJECTIVE This study sought to examine the changes in basophil function and its relationship to auto-antibodies in serum during treatment with omalizumab. METHODS At multiple time points before and during omalizumab treatment of patients with CSU, basophil surface IgE and FcεRI expression, cellular spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) expression, IgE-mediated histamine release (HR), and the presence of auto-antibodies in serum were determined. RESULTS Three basophil phenotypes were enumerated in the clinical study and used to group results in this basophil study: subjects with (1) basopenia, (2) normal basophil numbers with normal IgE-mediated HR, and (3) normal basophil numbers with poor HR. Basopenia was highly associated with the presence of auto-antibodies to unoccupied FcεRI and basophil numbers did not change during treatment. Likewise, subjects who are basopenic showed no changes in SYK expression or HR during treatment. In basophils of subjects who are nonbasopenic, increases in SYK expression and HR showed the expected inverse relationship to starting SYK and HR levels. Treatment with omalizumab resulted in similar kinetics for decreases in surface FcεRI and IgE in all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS A unifying interpretation of the results revolves around the presence of auto-antibodies to FcεRI in CSU. If present, basopenia and an absence of changes in basophils during omalizumab treatment are observed. If auto-antibodies are absent, the changes in the basophil compartment are consistent with prior studies of asthma and food allergy. These group differences also are related to efficacy of the treatment for clinical outcomes, as found in the parent clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarbjit Saini
- Asthma and Allergy Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md
| | - John T Schroeder
- Asthma and Allergy Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md
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7
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Baumann K, Marcelino J, Skov P, Santos M, Wyroslak I, Scheffel J, Altrichter S, Woetmann A, Costa C, Maurer M. Autologous serum skin test reactions in chronic spontaneous urticaria differ from heterologous cell reactions. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35:1338-1345. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Baumann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
- RefLab ApS Copenhagen Denmark
- LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - J. Marcelino
- Immunoallergology Department, Hospital Santa Maria Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte E.P.E Lisbon Portugal
| | - P.S. Skov
- RefLab ApS Copenhagen Denmark
- Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis (ORCA), Urticaria Center of Reference and Excellence (UCARE) Odense University Hospital Odense Denmark
| | - M.C.P. Santos
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
| | - I. Wyroslak
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - J. Scheffel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - S. Altrichter
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - A. Woetmann
- LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - C. Costa
- Immunoallergology Department, Hospital Santa Maria Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte E.P.E Lisbon Portugal
| | - M. Maurer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
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8
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Magen E, Waitman DA, Kahan NR. Hematologic parameters as biomarkers for antihistamine and omalizumab resistance in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Allergy Asthma Proc 2021; 42:e17-e24. [PMID: 33404397 DOI: 10.2500/aap.2021.42.200088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Biomarkers of resistance to H1-antihistamines (AH) and omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are still a matter of debate. Objective: To identify clinical and laboratory attributes of the patient that may be predictive of AH and omalizumab resistance in CSU. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study by using the electronic patient record data base of patients with CSU and of sex- and age-matched controls. Patients with CSU were divided into three study groups: the CSU group, patients who responded to AHs; the antihistamine-resistant CSU (AH-CSU) group, patients refractory to a fourfold AH dose; and the control group, composed of a random sample of age- and sex-matched subjects, with a case-control ratio of 1:2. The patients in the AH-CSU group treated with omalizumab were compared according to the response or resistance to omalizumab. Results: A total of 106 subjects in the AH-CSU group, 483 in the CSU group, and 1198 in the control group were compared. Both AH-CSU (112.7 ± 43.1 kU/mL) and CSU (129.5 ± 52.4 kU/mL) groups were associated with higher plasma total IgE levels than control group (103.2 ± 49.5 kU/mL; p < 0.001). The AH-CSU group was characterized by a higher plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (6.4 ± 3.7 mg/L) than the CSU group (4.3 ± 1.4 mg/L; p < 0.001) and the control group (3.1 ± 1.8 mg/L; p < 0.001). The AH-CSU and CSU groups were characterized by a lower mean ± standard deviation basophil counts (0.18 ± 0.16 cells ×109/L and 0.19 ± 0.11 cells ×109/L, respectively) than the control group (0.22 ± 0.09 cells ×109/L; p < 0.001). The mean platelet volume was higher in the AH-CSU group (11.2 ± 0.3 fL) than in the CSU group (11.1 ± 0.4 fL; p = 0.002) and in the control group (10.3 ± 0.4 fL; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the mean levels of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and platelets, and the rates of eosinopenia and basopenia between the patients in the AH-CSU group who responded to and those who were resistant to omalizumab. Conclusion: This study provided additional data of interest to examine the pathophysiologic role of low-grade inflammation and basopenia in patients with CSU and resistant to AHs and omalizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Magen
- From the Leumit Health Services, Israel
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9
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Chaowattanapanit S, Choonhakarn C, Salao K, Winaikosol K, Julanon N, Wongjirattikarn R, Foocharoen C, Sompornrattanaphan M. Increased serum IL-31 levels in chronic spontaneous urticaria and psoriasis with pruritic symptoms. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05621. [PMID: 33305054 PMCID: PMC7711144 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common pruritic skin condition, the pathogenesis of which remains unclear. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a major pruritogenic cytokine that plays a role in inducing pruritus in various skin diseases. Aim. To 1) compare serum IL-31 levels among CSU patients, psoriasis patients with pruritic symptoms, and healthy subjects, 2) examine the correlations between serum IL-31 levels and disease severity, and 3) compare IL-31 levels in patients with and without CSU-associated auto-antibodies. Methods Patients with CSU, psoriasis with pruritic symptoms, and healthy volunteers were recruited in the study. Serum IL-31 levels were measured with commercial kits. Baseline characteristics, urticaria activity score, psoriasis area severity index, pruritic intensity score, and related laboratory results were collected. Results Sixty-five CSU patients, 30 psoriasis patients who had pruritus, and 31 healthy subjects participated in our study. The CSU patients had significantly higher mean serum IL-31 levels than the psoriasis patients (252.4 ± 115.5 vs 121.4 ± 16.6 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Both CSU and psoriasis patients also had significantly higher mean serum IL-31 when compared with the healthy subjects. Serum IL-31 levels of CSU and psoriasis patients did not differ significantly according to disease or itching severity. Thyroid antibodies and antinuclear antibodies were positive in 22 (33.8%) and 28 (43.1%) CSU patients, respectively. The CSU patients with ANA titers ≥1:160 had significantly higher mean serum IL-31 levels than in those who were negative for ANA and those with titers of 1:80 (P < 0.003 and P < 0.008, respectively). Conclusion Higher serum IL-31 levels were found in patients with CSU and psoriasis with pruritic symptoms. This suggests that IL-31 has a possible role in the pathogenesis of CSU and psoriasis with pruritic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charoen Choonhakarn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kanin Salao
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kengkart Winaikosol
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Narachai Julanon
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Rachot Wongjirattikarn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chingching Foocharoen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Mongkhon Sompornrattanaphan
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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10
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Rauber M, Pickert J, Holiangu L, Möbs C, Pfützner W. Omalizumab response correlates with reduced
IFN
‐γ‐,
IL
‐10‐ and
IL
‐31‐secreting cells in chronic spontaneous urticaria. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34:2078-2085. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M.M. Rauber
- Clinical & Experimental Allergology Department of Dermatology and Allergology Philipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
- Experimental Dermatology and Allergy Research Group Justus‐Liebig‐University Giessen Giessen Germany
| | - J. Pickert
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology Allergy Centre Hessen University Medical Centre Marburg Marburg Germany
| | - L. Holiangu
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology Allergy Centre Hessen University Medical Centre Marburg Marburg Germany
| | - C. Möbs
- Clinical & Experimental Allergology Department of Dermatology and Allergology Philipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
| | - W. Pfützner
- Clinical & Experimental Allergology Department of Dermatology and Allergology Philipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology Allergy Centre Hessen University Medical Centre Marburg Marburg Germany
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11
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Decreased intracellular histamine concentration and basophil activation in anaphylaxis. Allergol Int 2020; 69:78-83. [PMID: 31248810 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histamine is a crucial mediator in the development of anaphylaxis. Although histamine is promptly degraded because of its short half-life in plasma, basophils, which release histamine, remain in the blood for days. To explore basophils as a potential marker and their involvement in the pathogenesis of anaphylaxis, we evaluated the intracellular histamine concentration and the degree of basophil activation in anaphylaxis patients. METHODS We conducted a case-control study enrolling anaphylaxis patients and healthy controls. Basophil activation was evaluated by flow cytometry using up-regulation of CD203c expression. RESULTS We enrolled 23 patients and measured their blood histamine concentration. Basophil activation was analyzed in seven of 23 patients. The median intracellular histamine concentrations at admission were significantly lower in patients compared with controls (16.4 ng/mL [interquartile range {IQR}, 2.70 to 34.0] vs. 62.3 ng/mL [IQR, 46.0 to 85.1]; p < 0.0001). The median basophil number at admission was also significantly lower in patients compared with controls (2.21 cell/μL [IQR, 0.75 to 12.3] vs. 21.0 cell/μL [IQR, 19.5 to 28.9]; p = 0.027). CD203c expression was not up-regulated in any of the seven patients in vitro, but it was up-regulated in response to anti-IgE stimulation in vitro in two patients at admission and four patients at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Anaphylaxis is associated with a decrease in intracellular histamine, and a reduced number and reactivity of peripheral basophils. Impaired basophil function and a decrease in their number and intracellular histamine levels in the circulation may reflect the underlying mechanism, suggesting that basophils may be a marker of anaphylaxis.
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Johal KJ, Saini SS. Current and emerging treatments for chronic spontaneous urticaria. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2019; 125:380-387. [PMID: 31494233 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2019.08.465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the published literature on current and new treatments for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to provide guidance on the potential use of these therapeutics. DATA SOURCES A PubMed search was performed to include English-language articles with the keywords chronic spontaneous urticaria, pathophysiology, quality of life, and treatments, with a preference to those articles written in the last 5 years. ClinicalTrials.gov was reviewed for recent relevant clinical trials related to potential CSU therapeutics. STUDY SELECTIONS Literature was included if it provided information related to the current understanding of the pathophysiology and management of CSU as well as potential novel therapeutics currently in development. RESULTS CSU has a significant effect on patients' quality of life. Current therapies include antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, omalizumab, and immunosuppressants; however, additional treatments are needed. New therapeutics under investigation include IgG1 anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies (ligelizumab), chemoattractant rector-homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells antagonists (AZD1981), Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (fenebrutinib), anti-siglec-8 monoclonal antibody (AK002), and topical spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors (GSK2646264). We review the mechanisms of action as well as recently published data from clinical trials regarding the efficacy and safety of these treatments. CONCLUSION The development of new treatments for CSU will lead to improved options for patients and may assist with improving our understanding of disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti J Johal
- Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarbjit S Saini
- Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Kolkhir P, Church MK, Altrichter S, Skov PS, Hawro T, Frischbutter S, Metz M, Maurer M. Eosinopenia, in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria, Is Associated with High Disease Activity, Autoimmunity, and Poor Response to Treatment. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2019; 8:318-325.e5. [PMID: 31472293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is characterized by the degranulation of skin mast cells and the influx of basophils and eosinophils to affected skin sites. Blood basopenia has been linked to severe antihistamine-resistant CSU and type IIb autoimmunity, whereas the role of eosinophils in CSU is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To analyze data from 1613 patients with CSU from 2 centers to study the prevalence, role, and relevance of eosinopenia in CSU. METHODS Peripheral blood eosinophil and basophil counts were measured by automated hematology analyzers. Patient files were screened for clinical characteristics, results of laboratory tests, the autologous serum skin test, the serum-induced basophil histamine release assay, and response to second-generation H1-antihistamines and omalizumab. RESULTS Ten percent of patients with CSU had eosinopenia. Eosinopenia was associated with the female sex, high disease activity, autologous serum skin test and basophil histamine release assay positivity, low total IgE, and high levels of C-reactive protein and IgG-antithyroperoxidase (P ≤ .007). Nonresponders to second-generation H1-antihistamines or omalizumab had significantly lower eosinophils as compared with responders (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). Blood eosinophil counts correlated with basophil counts (r = 0.396; P < .001), and 81% of patients with CSU with undetectable eosinophils had basopenia. The combination of eosinopenia and basopenia is a better predictor of nonresponse to second-generation H1-antihistamines than eosinopenia alone (odds ratio of 9.5 vs 4.8). CONCLUSIONS Eosinopenia in patients with CSU is associated with type IIb autoimmunity, high disease activity, and poor response to treatment. Eosinophils should be explored as biomarkers and investigated for their contribution to the pathogenesis of CSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Kolkhir
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Division of Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Martin K Church
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Altrichter
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Per Stahl Skov
- Dermatological Department, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; RefLab ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tomasz Hawro
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Frischbutter
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Metz
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
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Acer E, Kaya Erdogan H, Yüksel Çanakçı N, Saracoglu ZN. The effect of omalizumab on hematological and inflammatory parameters in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2018; 38:5-8. [PMID: 29969297 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2018.1495227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The mechanism of action of omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is not exactly known. In previous studies, d-dimer which is a fibrin-degradation product and interleukin-31 which has a role in inflammation were found to be decreased in patients with chronic urticaria treated with omalizumab. However, to our knowledge, there is no study on the effects of omalizumab on the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR) and the ratio of platelet to lymphocyte (PLR) which are inflammatory parameters in patients with CSU in the PubMed database. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of omalizumab on hematological and inflammatory parameters in patients with CSU. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred six CSU patients treated with omalizumab were evaluated retrospectively. Complete blood count (CBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before treatment and at the third month of treatment were recorded. NLR and PLR were calculated from the CBC results. CBC parameters, CRP levels, NLR and PLR of the patients before treatment and at the end of third month of treatment were compared. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil count, CRP level, NLR and PLR and a significant increase in mean platelet volume and eosinophil count with omalizumab treatment in CSU patients (p < 0.05). Basophil count increased; but there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.293). CONCLUSION This study shows that omalizumab has not only anti Ig E effect, but also it may have inhibitory effects on inflammation and coagulation in patients with CSU. Further prospective studies are warranted in order to evaluate the effect of omalizumab on hematological and inflammatory parameters and correlation between omalizumab response rate and these inflammatory parameters in patients with CSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersoy Acer
- a Department of Dermatology , Eskişehir Osmangazi University , Eskişehir , Turkey
| | - Hilal Kaya Erdogan
- a Department of Dermatology , Eskişehir Osmangazi University , Eskişehir , Turkey
| | - Nihan Yüksel Çanakçı
- a Department of Dermatology , Eskişehir Osmangazi University , Eskişehir , Turkey
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Kolkhir P, André F, Church MK, Maurer M, Metz M. Potential blood biomarkers in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 47:19-36. [PMID: 27926978 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a mast cell-driven disease that is defined as the recurrence of weals, angioedema or both for > 6 weeks due to known or unknown causes. As of yet, disease diagnosis is purely clinical. Objective tools are needed to monitor the activity of CSU and the efficacy of treatment. Recently, several reports have suggested that blood parameters may be considered as potential disease-related biomarkers. Here, we reviewed available literature on blood biomarkers for CSU diagnosis, activity monitoring, duration, patient subgroup allocation or response to treatment. We performed a PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science search and identified and analysed 151 reports published prior to January 2016. We found strong evidence for significant differences between patients with CSU and healthy controls in blood levels or values of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), mean platelet volume (MPV), factor VIIa, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), tumour necrosis factor, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and vitamin D. Also, there is strong evidence for a significant association between CSU activity and blood levels or values of D-dimer, F1 + 2, CRP, IL-6 and MPV. Strong evidence for reduced basophil count and high levels of IgG anti-FcεRI in the subgroup of CSU patients with positive autologous serum skin test was shown. In contrast, the evidence for all reported blood biomarkers for differentiating CSU from other diseases, or a role in prognosis, is weak, inconsistent or non-existent. Taken together, we identified 10 biomarkers that are supported by strong evidence for distinguishing patients with CSU from healthy controls, or for measuring CSU activity. There is a need for further research to identify biomarkers that predict outcome or treatment response in CSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kolkhir
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - F André
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M K Church
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Maurer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Metz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Rauber MM, Pickert J, Holiangu L, Möbs C, Pfützner W. Functional and phenotypic analysis of basophils allows determining distinct subtypes in patients with chronic urticaria. Allergy 2017; 72:1904-1911. [PMID: 28585360 DOI: 10.1111/all.13215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic urticaria (CU) is a frequent skin disease characterized by relapsing appearance of pruritic hives. While clinical symptoms are due to the release of histamine by cutaneous mast cells, the underlying pathophysiology is still unknown. However, previous studies indicate that basophils might be of relevance. Besides, the occurrence of autoantibodies against IgE or its receptor, FcεRI, and the therapeutic efficacy of anti-IgE antibodies imply that IgE-mediated mechanisms also play an important role in CU. METHODS Reactivity of CU patients' peripheral blood basophils (n=60) to specific anti-FcεRI and IgE-independent fMLP stimulation was determined by basophil activation test in comparison with patients suffering from IgE-mediated allergic rhinitis (n=10) and healthy controls (n=10). In addition, immunoglobulin receptor (FcεRI, FcγRII) expression and surface bound antibodies (IgE, IgG) were quantified on basophils. Furthermore, the autoreactive capacity of CU sera was evaluated and urticaria-related symptoms were assessed by both UCT and CU-Q2 oL. RESULTS Stimulating CU patients' basophils via FcεRI, we identified three distinct immunologic phenotypes. One subgroup of patients' basophils reacted to FcεRI stimulation, whereas the others had anti-FcεRI nonreactive basophils. Among the latter, a subgroup with pronounced basopenia was identified. Of note, this group was characterized by augmented serum-induced basophil activation, increased levels of autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase, and also exhibited the strongest disease impact on their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Patients with CU can be categorized into three immunologic subgroups based on their basophil reactivity and frequency. These phenotypes are associated with different clinical characteristics, pointing to basophils as important players in CU pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. M. Rauber
- Clinical & Experimental Allergology; Department of Dermatology and Allergology; Philipps University Marburg; Marburg Germany
| | - J. Pickert
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology; Allergy Center Hessen; University Medical Center Gießen and Marburg; Marburg Germany
| | - L. Holiangu
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology; Allergy Center Hessen; University Medical Center Gießen and Marburg; Marburg Germany
| | - C. Möbs
- Clinical & Experimental Allergology; Department of Dermatology and Allergology; Philipps University Marburg; Marburg Germany
| | - W. Pfützner
- Clinical & Experimental Allergology; Department of Dermatology and Allergology; Philipps University Marburg; Marburg Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology; Allergy Center Hessen; University Medical Center Gießen and Marburg; Marburg Germany
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Autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria: What we know and what we do not know. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 139:1772-1781.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Kaplan AP, Giménez-Arnau AM, Saini SS. Mechanisms of action that contribute to efficacy of omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Allergy 2017; 72:519-533. [PMID: 27861988 DOI: 10.1111/all.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, omalizumab, was the first drug approved for use in patients with chronic idiopathic/spontaneous urticaria (CIU/CSU) who remain symptomatic despite H1 -antihistamine treatment. Omalizumab binds to free IgE, which lowers free IgE levels and causes FcεRI receptors on basophils and mast cells to be downregulated. It has been shown to improve symptoms of CIU/CSU, but its mechanism of action is not currently understood. Potential mechanisms in CIU/CSU include reducing mast cell releasability, reversing basopenia and improving basophil IgE receptor function, reducing activity of IgG autoantibodies against FcεRI and IgE, reducing activity of IgE autoantibodies against an antigen or autoantigen that has yet to be definitively identified, reducing the activity of intrinsically 'abnormal' IgE, and decreasing in vitro coagulation abnormalities associated with disease activity. However, none of these theories alone or in combination fully account for the pattern of symptom improvement seen with omalizumab therapy, and therefore, no one mechanism is likely to be the definitive mechanism of action. Additional research is needed to further clarify the involvement of omalizumab in relieving symptoms associated with the complex, multifactorial pathogenesis of CIU/CSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. P. Kaplan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Department of Medicine; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | - A. M. Giménez-Arnau
- Department of Dermatology; Hospital del Mar, Institut Mar D'Investigacions Mediques; Universitat Autònoma; Barcelona Spain
| | - S. S. Saini
- Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center; Baltimore MD USA
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Ferrer M. Immunological events in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Clin Transl Allergy 2015; 5:30. [PMID: 26309723 PMCID: PMC4549074 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-015-0074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a highly debilitating skin disease associated with systemic features. We have made significant progress in several aspects relating to this condition. However, the exact physiopathology remains unknown. There is mounting evidence for an autoimmune basis, demonstrated by the CSU serum ability to activate healthy donors skin mast cells and blood basophils. However, it is only seen among 35–40% of patients. Mast cells and basophils play an important role in this skin condition. Both cells in CSU patients have unique features that differentiate them from basophils and mast cells from healthy donors. In the case of basophils, basopenia is typically found in CSU patients. Basophils from CSU patients also tend to be hyporesponsive to stimuli that act through the IgE receptor, responsive to other stimuli as MCP-1 or C5a, and hyperesponsive when incubated with sera. Eosinophils are also present in CSU skin biopsies, yet their exact role has not yet been defined. Likewise, endothelial cells also play a function, as indirectly demonstrated by an increase of vasoactive peptides in skin and plasma of CSU patients’ samples. All these facts orchestrate a systemic inflammation response producing a significant increase of several inflammatory markers. Unfortunately, we lack a unitary model that could explain the exact role of each of these players. In this review, we will describe the history and discover the pathway to the present knowledge on the immunological facts of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ferrer
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pio XII, 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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21
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Najib U, Sheikh J. An Update on Acute and Chronic Urticaria for the Primary Care Provider. Postgrad Med 2015; 121:141-51. [DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2009.01.1966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Correlation of mean platelet volume levels with severity of chronic urticaria. JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY & DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdds.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Eli M, Joseph M, Kuznik B, Menachem S. Chronic idiopathic angioedema: a single center experience. Int J Dermatol 2014; 53:e421-7. [PMID: 25209993 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic idiopathic angioedema (CIA) is defined as three or more episodes of angioedema in a period of > 6 months without a clear etiology. In the study, we tried to explore clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with CIA unaccompanied by urticaria. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed clinical and laboratory characteristics of 1238 patients with chronic urticaria and/or angioedema referred to our allergy clinic. RESULTS Eight hundred and forty-one (67.9%) subjects had chronic urticaria without angioedema (CU Group), 323 (26.1%) had both urticaria and angioedema (CU + CA group), and 74 (5.9%) had chronic angioedema without urticaria (CA). In 29 (39.2%) cases of CA, no etiologic factor of angioedema was discovered, thus the patients were defined as having chronic idiopathic angioedema (CIA Group). Twenty-two (75.8%) subjects had antihistamine-responsive CIA and seven (24.1%) had antihistamine-unresponsive CIA. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical (except of urticarial eruptions) and laboratory characteristics between CU, CA + CU, and CIA groups. Antihistamine responsive and antihistamine-unresponsive CIA groups had no distinguishable clinical or laboratory features. CONCLUSIONS We suppose that CIA, at least its antihistamine-responsive form, represents a rare form of chronic spontaneous urticaria. The reasons why in CIA there are no other clinical signs of mast cell/basophil activation, such as pruritus, urticarial, and dermatographism, are largely unknown and have to be elucidated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magen Eli
- Leumit Health Services, Barzilai Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of Negev, Ashkelon, Israel; Medicine B Department, Barzilai Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of Negev, Ashkelon, Israel; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Barzilai Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of Negev, Ashkelon, Israel
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Kay AB, Ying S, Ardelean E, Mlynek A, Kita H, Clark P, Maurer M. Elevations in vascular markers and eosinophils in chronic spontaneous urticarial weals with low-level persistence in uninvolved skin. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171:505-11. [PMID: 24665899 PMCID: PMC4282040 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.12991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) mast cell activation together with inflammatory changes in the skin are well documented and may play an important role in mechanisms of tissue oedema. OBJECTIVES To confirm and extend these observations by measuring microvascular markers, leucocytes and mast cell numbers in lesional and uninvolved skin and to compare findings with a control group. METHODS Paired biopsies (one from 4-8-h spontaneous weals and one from uninvolved skin) were taken from eight patients with CSU and nine control subjects and studied using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy using the lectin Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (UEA-1). RESULTS Lesional skin in CSU contained significantly more CD31+ endothelial cells; CD31+ blood vessels, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and macrophages; and CD3+ T cells than nonlesional skin. Increased vascularity was confirmed by confocal imaging using the lectin UEA-1. Uninvolved skin from CSU contained significantly more CD31+ endothelial cells, CD31+ blood vessels and eosinophils compared with the control subjects. There was a threefold increase in mast cell numbers when CSU was compared with controls but no difference was observed between lesional and uninvolved skin. CONCLUSIONS Increased vascular markers together with eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration are features of lesional skin in CSU and might contribute to tissue oedema. Eosinophils and microvascular changes persist in uninvolved skin, which, together with increased mast cells, suggests that nonlesional skin is primed for further wealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Kay
- Leukocyte Biology Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
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Dijkstra D, Hennig C, Hansen G, Biller H, Krug N, Hohlfeld JM. Identification and quantification of basophils in the airways of asthmatics following segmental allergen challenge. Cytometry A 2014; 85:580-7. [PMID: 24733663 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
During asthma attacks, allergens activate sensitized basophils in the lung, thereby aggravating symptoms. Due to the paucity of basophils in bronchial lavage fluid and the lack of specific basophil detection and quantification methods, basophil-directed research in these samples was hampered in the past. This study aimed to establish and validate a flow cytometry-based basophil detection and quantification method for human basophils from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and blood as a prerequisite for a better understanding of their pathogenic contribution and subtyping of asthma phenotypes. BAL and blood leukocytes from seasonal asthmatics were analyzed by flow cytometry. Chipcytometry, a highly sensitive single-cell analysis method, was used to validate the staining panel for basophils. Cell differentials of May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained cytospins were used to compare basophil percentages. BAL basophils are identifiable as CD123(+) HLA-DR(-) CD3(-) CD14(-) CD19(-) CD20(-) CD56(-) cells in flow cytometrical analysis. Their identity was validated by Chipcytometry. CD203c was highly expressed by BAL basophils, whereas it was expressed at variable levels on blood basophils. The two quantification methods correlated, although more basophils were detected by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the increase in basophil percentages in the lung correlated with the decrease in the basophil percentages in the blood after allergen challenge. We here validated a reliable basophil quantification method, which is independent of the cell's activation and degranulation state. The results obtained with this method indicate that basophils are directly recruited from the blood circulation to the airway lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Dijkstra
- Department of Clinical Airway Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, D-30625, Hannover, Germany; Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology, and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
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Abstract
Urticaria affects individuals of all ages and is commonplace. Nearly 1 in 5 individuals will experience an episode of urticaria in their lifetime, while the chronic form of disease has an estimated annual prevalence of approximately 1% of the population. Given the similarity of chronic urticaria symptoms to those seen in patients suffering an allergic reaction, the condition often leads to a search for an external cause. In most cases, no external trigger factor is identified. At present several theories of pathogenesis exist, none of which is firmly established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarbjit S Saini
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Room 2B. 71B, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Krause K, Metz M, Magerl M, Maurer M. Prevalence and relevance of skin autoreactivity in chronic urticaria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/edm.09.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
Angioedema can be caused by either mast cell degranulation or activation of the kallikrein-kinin cascade. In the former case, angioedema can be caused by allergic reactions caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity to foods or drugs that can also result in acute urticaria or a more generalized anaphylactic reaction. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitors, in particular) may cause angioedema with or without urticaria, and leukotrienes may have a particular role as a mediator of the swelling. Reactions to contrast agents resemble allergy with basophil and mast cell degranulation in the absence of specific IgE antibody and can be generalized, that is, anaphylactoid. Angioedema accompanies chronic urticaria in 40% of patients, and approximately half have an autoimmune mechanism in which there is IgG antibody directed to the subunit of the IgE receptor (40%) or to IgE itself (5%-10%). Bradykinin is the mediator of angioedema in hereditary angioedema types I and II (C1 inhibitor [INH] deficiency) and the newly described type III disorder some of which are caused bya mutation involving factor XII. Acquired C1 INH deficiency presents in a similar fashion to the hereditary disorder and is due either toC1 INH depletion by circulating immune complexes or to an IgG antibody directed to C1 INH. Although each of these causes excessive bradykinin formation because of activation of the plasma bradykinin-forming pathway, the angioedema due to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is caused by excessive bradykinin levels due to inhibition of bradykinin degradation. Idiopathic angioedema (ie, pathogenesis unknown) may be histaminergic, that is, caused by mast cell degranulation with histamine release, or nonhistaminergic. The mediator pathways in the latter case are yet to be defined. A minority may be associated with the same autoantibodies associated with chronic urticaria. Angioedema that is likely to be life threatening (laryngeal edema or tongue/pharyngeal edema that obstructs the airway) is seen in anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions and the disorders mediated by bradykinin.
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Konstantinou GN, Asero R, Ferrer M, Knol EF, Maurer M, Raap U, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Skol PS, Grattan CEH. EAACI taskforce position paper: evidence for autoimmune urticaria and proposal for defining diagnostic criteria. Allergy 2013; 68:27-36. [PMID: 23157716 DOI: 10.1111/all.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
An autoimmune subset of chronic spontaneous urticaria is increasingly being recognized internationally, based on laboratory and clinical evidence that has accrued over the last 20 years. This evidence has been reviewed by a taskforce of the Dermatology section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Functional autoantibodies in chronic urticaria (CU) patient sera have been demonstrated against IgE and FcεRIα by basophil and mast cell histamine release assays and by basophil activation assays. Antibody specificity has been confirmed by immunoassay, but there is a poor correlation between functionality and immunoreactivity. Approximately 25% of CU patients have a positive basophil histamine release assay and show autoreactivity (a positive autologous serum skin test), whereas 50% are negative regarding both. Functionality of CU sera appears to be complement dependent on mast cells but not exclusively on basophils. Basophil activation by CU sera is predominantly restricted to IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses. Circumstantial evidence for CU being an autoimmune disease comes from an observed association with other autoimmune diseases, a strong association between serum functionality and HLA-DR4 haplotype and the good response of CU patients to immunotherapies. It was proposed that a study should be undertaken to prospectively validate potentially relevant clinical criteria (from the history, examination and routinely available clinical investigations) against a new 'gold standard' for the diagnosis of ACU (positive autoreactivity, functional bioassay and immunoassay) to define preliminary criteria sets for the diagnosis of ACU based on clinical and laboratory features with highest individual sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. N. Konstantinou
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; 424 General Military Training Hospital; Thessaloniki; Greece
| | - R. Asero
- Ambulatorio di Allergologia; Clinica San Carlo; Paderno Dugnano; Millan; Italy
| | - M. Ferrer
- Department of Allergy; Clinica Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona; Spain
| | - E. F. Knol
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht; The Netherlands
| | - M. Maurer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin; Germany
| | - U. Raap
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | | | - P. S. Skol
- Department of Dermatology; Odense University Hospital; Odense Area; Denmark
| | - C. E. H. Grattan
- Department of Dermatology; St John's Institute of Dermatology; London and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital; Norwich; UK
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Clinical utility of testing for autoimmunity in chronic idiopathic urticaria. J Am Acad Dermatol 2012; 66:e83-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sharma YK, Gera V, Tiwari VD. Chronic Urticaria : Expanding the Autoimmune Kaleidoscope. Med J Armed Forces India 2011; 60:372-8. [PMID: 27407677 DOI: 10.1016/s0377-1237(04)80015-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2003] [Accepted: 03/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinay Gera
- Graded Specialist(Dermatology), Military Hospital, Ramgarh Cantt
| | - V D Tiwari
- Vice Chancellor, Dr. SG Reddy University, Raipur
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Abstract
Chronic urticaria is heterogenous, long-persisting and has a severe impact on quality of life and daily work. Effective treatment is essential but remains a confounding problem. This review summarizes available treatment strategies for chronic urticaria and their strength of evidence. Besides treatment of identified triggering factors such as chronic persistent bacterial infections (e.g., with Helicobacter pylori, streptococci, staphylococci or yersinia), standard treatment consists of nonsedating H1-antihistamines. Most patients require increasing (off-label) dosages that should be taken daily and regularly, however, this still fails in a third of cases. Reliable alternatives in the world literature are rare and the level of evidence is low. Certain subgroups may display benefit from additional treatment with cyclosporine A, cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, chloroquine, dapsone or other alternatives. A practicable step-wise treatment approach is given to optimize and individualize the treatment of patients with chronic urticaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Wedi
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Hannover Medical University, Ricklinger Str. 5, D-30449 Hannover, Germany.
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Abstract
Chronic urticaria is a common skin disease without an etiology in the majority of cases. The similarity of symptoms and pathology to allergen-induced skin reactions supports the idea that skin mast cell and blood basophil IgE receptor activation is involved; however, no exogenous allergen trigger has been identified. Recent evidence supports a role for blood basophils in disease expression. Specifically, blood basopenia is noted in active disease with the recruitment of blood basophils to skin lesional sites. In addition, blood basophils display altered IgE receptor-mediated degranulation that reverts in disease remission. In active chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) subjects, changes in IgE receptor-signaling molecule expression levels accompany the altered degranulation function in blood basophils. The arrival of therapies targeting IgE has further shown that altered blood basophil degranulation behavior has potential use as a disease biomarker in CIU.
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Konstantinou GN, Asero R, Maurer M, Sabroe RA, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Grattan CEH. EAACI/GA(2)LEN task force consensus report: the autologous serum skin test in urticaria. Allergy 2009; 64:1256-68. [PMID: 19650847 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02132.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Injection of autologous serum collected during disease activity from some patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CU) into clinically normal skin elicits an immediate weal and flare response. This observation provides a convincing demonstration of a circulating factor or factors that may be relevant to the understanding of the pathogenesis and management of the disease. This test has become known as the autologous serum skin test (ASST) and is now widely practised despite incomplete agreement about its value and meaning, the methodology and the definition of a positive response. It should be regarded as a test for autoreactivity rather than a specific test for autoimmune urticaria. It has only moderate specificity as a marker for functional autoantibodies against IgE or the high affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI), detected by the basophil histamine release assay, but high negative predictive value for CU patients without them. It is usually negative in other patterns of CU, including those that are physically induced. Positive ASSTs have been reported in some subjects without CU, including those with multiple drug intolerance, patients with respiratory allergy and healthy controls, although the clinical implications of this are uncertain. It is essential that failsafe precautions are taken to ensure that the patient's own serum is used for skin testing and aseptic procedures are followed for sample preparation and handling. CU patients with a positive ASST (ASST(+)) are more likely to be associated with HLADR4, to have autoimmune thyroid disease, a more prolonged disease course and may be less responsive to H1-antihistamine treatment than those with a negative ASST (ASST(-)) although more evidence is needed to confirm these observations conclusively.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Konstantinou
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, NIMTS, Army Hospital and Allergy Research Center National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Urticaria is often classified as acute, chronic, or physical based on duration of symptoms and the presence or absence of inducing stimuli. Urticarial vasculitis, contact urticaria, and special syndromes are also included under the broad heading of urticaria. Recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria include the finding of autoantibodies to mast cell receptors in nearly half of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria. These patients may have more severe disease and require more aggressive therapies. Extensive laboratory evaluation for patients with chronic urticaria is typically unrevealing and there are no compelling data that associate urticaria with chronic infections or malignancy. Pharmacologic therapy consists primarily of the appropriate use of first- and second-generation histamine H(1) receptor antihistamines. Additional therapy may include leukotriene receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, and immunomodulatory agents for severe, unremitting disease. Despite our greater understanding of the pathogenesis of urticaria, the condition remains a frustrating entity for many patients, particularly those with chronic urticaria.
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Basophil Phenotypes in Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria in Relation to Disease Activity and Autoantibodies. J Invest Dermatol 2009; 129:1035-6; author reply 1036-8. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2008.334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Vonakis BM, Saini SS. New concepts in chronic urticaria. Curr Opin Immunol 2008; 20:709-16. [PMID: 18832031 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2008.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2008] [Accepted: 09/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic urticaria is a common skin disease without a clear etiology in the vast majority of cases. The similarity of symptoms and lesion pathology to allergen-induced skin reactions supports the idea that skin mast cell and blood basophil IgE receptor activation is involved; however, no exogenous allergen trigger has been identified. The presence of serum IgG autoantibodies targeting IgE or the IgE receptor in approximately 40% of CIU cases supports the theory of an autoimmune basis for the disease. However, issues remain with the assays to detect autoantibodies among other serum factors, the relationship of autoantibodies to CIU disease activity, and the occurrence of autoantibodies in healthy subjects. Other studies have identified altered IgE receptor degranulation that reverts in disease remission and is accompanied by changes in signaling molecule expression and function in mast cells and basophils in active CIU subjects. The arrival of therapies targeting IgE and the IgE receptor pathway elements has potential use in CIU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky M Vonakis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature on the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria (excluding physical urticaria). DATA SOURCES PubMed was searched using the keywords urticaria and either chronic or autoimmune or pathogenesis for articles published from January 1972 to June 2007. All searches were limited to the English language. References from review articles on chronic urticaria were also considered for inclusion in this review. STUDY SELECTION The authors selected relevant and current sources for inclusion in this review. RESULTS No concise pathogenic mechanism has been identified for all cases of chronic urticaria, although evidence for a serologic mediator that may be autoimmune in nature has been identified in many cases. The activation of basophils and/or mast cells is a central feature in any theory proposed to explain this troubling disease. CONCLUSION Further research is needed to better define the mechanism or mechanism(s) responsible for the development of chronic urticaria. Such research will lead to more effective and possibly even curative treatments.
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Lourenço FD, Azor MH, Santos JC, Prearo E, Maruta CW, Rivitti EA, Duarte AJS, Sato MN. Activated status of basophils in chronic urticaria leads to interleukin-3 hyper-responsiveness and enhancement of histamine release induced by anti-IgE stimulus. Br J Dermatol 2008; 158:979-86. [PMID: 18341658 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08499.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basophils and mast cells are the main target cells in chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). Besides the basopenia, intrinsic defects of the anti-IgE cross-linking signalling pathway of basophils have been described in CIU. OBJECTIVES We sought to investigate the profile of expression of activation markers on basophils of patients with CIU and to explore the effect of interleukin (IL)-3 priming upon anti-IgE cross-linking stimuli through expression of activation markers and basophil histamine releasability. METHODS Evaluation of the surface expression of FcepsilonRIalpha, CD63, CD203c and CD123 on whole blood basophils of patients with CIU undergoing autologous serum skin test (ASST) was performed by flow cytometry. The effect of pretreatment with IL-3 in the anti-IgE response was analysed by the expression of basophil activation markers and histamine release using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Blood basophils of patients with CIU were reduced in number and displayed increased surface expression of FcepsilonRIalpha, which was positively correlated with the IgE serum levels. Upregulation of expression of both surface markers CD203c and CD63 was verified on basophils of patients with CIU, regardless of ASST response. High expression of IL-3 receptor on basophils was detected only in ASST+ patients with CIU. Pretreatment with IL-3 upregulated CD203c expression concomitantly with the excreting function of blood basophils and induced a quick hyper-responsiveness to anti-IgE cross-linking on basophils of patients with CIU compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS Basophils of patients with CIU showed an activated profile, possibly due to an in vivo priming. Functionally, basophils have high responsiveness to IL-3 stimulation, thereby suggesting that defects in the signal transduction pathway after IgE cross-linking stimuli are recoverable in subjects with chronic urticaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- F D Lourenço
- Laboratory of Investigation in Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies (LIM-56), Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, 05403-000 São Paulo, and Dermatological Outpatient Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, Brazil
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de Weck A, Sanz M, Gamboa P, Aberer W, Bienvenu J, Blanca M, Demoly P, Ebo D, Mayorga L, Monneret G, Sainte-Laudy J. Diagnostic Tests Based on Human Basophils: More Potentials and Perspectives than Pitfalls. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2008; 146:177-89. [DOI: 10.1159/000115885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Ferrer M, Kaplan AP. Progress and challenges in the understanding of chronic urticaria. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 3:31-5. [PMID: 20525151 PMCID: PMC2873630 DOI: 10.1186/1710-1492-3-1-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
: Chronic urticaria is a skin disorder characterized by transient pruritic weals that recur from day to day for 6 weeks or more. It has a great impact on patients' quality of life. In spite of this prevalence and morbidity, we are only beginning to understand its physiopathology and we do not have a curative treatment. Moreover, a patient with chronic urticaria may undergo extensive laboratory evaluations seeking a cause only to be frustrated when none is found. In recent years there have been significant advances in our understanding of some of the molecular mechanisms responsible for hive formation. The presence and probable role of IgG autoantibodies directed against epitopes expressed on the alpha-chain of the IgE receptor and to lesser extent, to IgE in a subset of patients is generally acknowledged. These autoantibodies activate complement to release C5a, which augments histamine release, and IL4 and leukotriene C4 are released as well. A perivascular cellular infiltrate results without predominance of either Th1 or Th2 lymphocyte subpopulations. Basophils of all chronic urticaria patients (autoimmune or idiopathic) are hyperresponsive to serum, regardless of source, but poorly responsive to anti IgE. In this review we will summarize the recent contributions to this field and try to provide insights to possible future directions for research on this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ferrer
- Department of Allergy, Clinica Universitaria, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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43
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Vonakis BM, Vasagar K, Gibbons SP, Gober L, Sterba PM, Chang H, Saini SS. Basophil FcepsilonRI histamine release parallels expression of Src-homology 2-containing inositol phosphatases in chronic idiopathic urticaria. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2006; 119:441-8. [PMID: 17125820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2006.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2006] [Revised: 08/31/2006] [Accepted: 09/26/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basophils are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). Autoantibodies to the IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) and serum histamine releasing activity have been detected in some subjects with CIU, although their role in vivo is unclear. Basophils of patients with CIU have altered FcepsilonRI-mediated histamine release (HR); however, the mechanism is unknown. In the basophil FcepsilonRI signaling pathway, protein levels of Src-homology 2-containing-5'-inositol phosphatase (SHIP)-1 are inversely correlated with the release of mediators or releasability. A related phosphatase, SHIP-2, is a negative regulator of monocyte IgG receptor (FcgammaR) signaling . We hypothesized that SHIP levels are altered in CIU basophils. METHODS Blood basophils were isolated from cold urticaria, CIU, or normal donors, and FcepsilonRI-dependent and independent HR were quantified. Protein levels of SHIP-1, SHIP-2, spleen tyrosine kinase, and phosphorylated Akt were determined by Western blotting. Subjects' serum was tested for serum histamine releasing activity and anti-FcepsilonRIalpha antibodies. RESULTS CIU basophils displayed a bimodal response to anti-IgE activation. One half of CIU subjects' basophils had reductions in anti-IgE-induced HR and were designated nonresponders (CIU NR). CIU NR basophil HR remained diminished at 10-fold to 30-fold higher doses of anti-IgE. CIU anti-IgE responder basophils had HR similar to normal subjects. SHIP-1 and SHIP-2 proteins were increased in CIU NR basophils and were linked to reduced phosphoAkt after anti-IgE stimulation. CIU basophil anti-IgE response was not related to the presence of serologic factors. CONCLUSION In CIU basophils, the observed changes in FcepsilonRI signaling pathway molecule expression may underlie changes in releasability. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Patients with CIU can be segregated on the basis of basophil functional phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky M Vonakis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Marsland AM. Autoimmunity and complement in the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2006; 6:265-9. [PMID: 16822377 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-006-0058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic urticaria is a debilitating skin disease that is believed to have an underlying autoimmune etiology in 35% to 50% of cases. Patients with autoimmune urticaria have functional antibodies in their sera that release histamine from basophils and mast cells. The C5a component of complement is required for mast cell degranulation in this process and at least augments basophil histamine release. In this article, the evidence that is key to our understanding of autoimmunity and complement in the pathogenesis of a subset of patients with chronic urticaria is outlined. Some of the issues in testing for and treating autoimmune urticaria are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Marsland
- Department of Dermatology, University of Manchester School of Medicine, Hope Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester M6 8HD, UK.
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Kaplan AP, Greaves MW. Angioedema. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 53:373-88; quiz 389-92. [PMID: 16112343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2004] [Revised: 09/23/2004] [Accepted: 09/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Although first described more than 130 years ago, the pathophysiology, origin, and management of the several types of angioedema are poorly understood by most dermatologists. Although clinically similar, angioedema can be caused by either mast cell degranulation or activation of kinin formation. In the former category, allergic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced angioedema are frequently accompanied by urticaria. Idiopathic chronic angioedema is also usually accompanied by urticaria, but can occur without hives. In either case, an autoimmune process leading to dermal mast cell degranulation occurs in some patients. In these patients, histamine-releasing IgG anti-FcepsilonR1 autoantibodies are believed to be the cause of the disease, removal or suppression by immunomodulation being followed by remission. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced angioedema is unaccompanied by hives, and is caused by the inhibition of enzymatic degradation of tissue bradykinin. Hereditary angioedema, caused by unchecked tissue bradykinin formation, is recognized biochemically by a low plasma C'4 and low quantitative or functional C'1 inhibitor. Progress has now been made in understanding the molecular genetic basis of the two isoforms of this dominantly inherited disease. Recently, a third type of hereditary angioedema has been defined by several groups. Occurring exclusively in women, it is not associated with detectable abnormalities of the complement system. Angioedema caused by a C'1 esterase inhibitor deficiency can also be acquired in several clinical settings, including lymphoma and autoimmune connective tissue disease. It can also occur as a consequence of specific anti-C'1 esterase autoantibodies in some patients. We have reviewed the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of these different subtypes of angioedema. LEARNING OBJECTIVE After completing this learning activity, participants should be aware of the classification, causes, and differential diagnosis of angioedema, the molecular basis of hereditary and non-hereditary forms of angioedema, and be able to formulate a pathophysiology-based treatment strategy for each of the subtypes of angioedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen P Kaplan
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Vonakis BM, Saini SS. Basophils and mast cells in chronic idiopathic urticaria. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2005; 5:270-6. [PMID: 15967067 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-005-0066-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is diagnosed in patients when urticarial eruptions recur for more than 6 weeks, and no specific cause is determined. Given that urticaria resembles the lesions induced by injection of histamine or allergen into the skin, a role for mast cells or basophils has been proposed in the generation of localized urticarial lesions. However, currently, the exact mechanisms governing regional mast cell or basophil activation are unknown. In the past decade, there has been mounting interest in viewing CIU as an autoimmune disease, given the presence of circulating autoantibodies to IgE or the alpha subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FceRI) in a subset of patients. In this review, we propose that in addition to autoantibodies, specific differences in the expression of FceRI-signaling molecules in the basophils or mast cells of CIU patients may contribute to the generation of urticarial eruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky M Vonakis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Room 2A.52, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Sheikh J. Autoantibodies to the high-affinity IgE receptor in chronic urticaria: how important are they? Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2005; 5:403-7. [PMID: 16131914 DOI: 10.1097/01.all.0000182540.45348.bc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Eighty to 90% of patients with chronic urticaria have no specific external cause for their disease, which is therefore labeled 'chronic idiopathic urticaria'. We now know, however, that as many as 30-50% of patients have evidence of an autoantibody to the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI), which may be pathogenic. The exact prevalence and role of these autoantibodies is still under investigation. RECENT FINDINGS The frequency of autoantibodies to FcepsilonRI in chronic urticaria has been estimated at 30-50%, but extensive epidemiological studies have not been done. Recent work has confirmed that autoantibodies to FcepsilonRI can be functional, meaning that they can cause histamine release from basophils in vitro. Evidence increasingly suggests that such autoantibodies are also functional in vivo, but conclusive evidence is still lacking. Approximately 50% of cases of urticaria still have no known cause, but recent studies have demonstrated that some of these patients may have intrinsic abnormalities of basophils or mast cells. SUMMARY The recent evidence that is discussed in this review helps to clarify the role of autoantibodies in some cases of urticaria, but also points towards other non-autoimmune mechanisms that might be pathogenic. Further investigation in these areas will help us to understand the cause of urticaria in cases that are still classified as 'idiopathic'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Sheikh
- Harvard Medical School and Division of Allergy and Inflammation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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48
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Abstract
A growing body of evidence shows that at least 40% of patients with unexplained (idiopathic) chronic urticaria have clinically relevant functional autoantibodies to the high-affinity IgE receptor on basophils and mast cells. The term "autoimmune urticaria" is used for this subgroup of patients presenting with continuous ordinary urticaria. This article reviews the evidence for the autoimmune hypothesis and other nonantibody serum histamine-releasing factors in the etiopathogenesis of urticaria; defines autoimmune urticaria; looks at how autoimmune urticaria fits into existing classifications of urticaria; proposes diagnostic criteria that may be useful to the clinician; and reviews the management implications for patients with this subset of chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive E H Grattan
- Dermatology Centre, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK.
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49
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic idiopathic urticaria has long been a demoralizing disease, baffling allergists and dermatologists alike, to the detriment of the patient. Recent findings, however, have shed light on causation in many, though not all, of these patients. The purpose of this review is to bring the reader up to date on the current position regarding aetiology and pathogenesis and the strength of the evidence. The review also seeks to point up rational approaches to diagnosis and treatment in the light of these developments. RECENT FINDINGS Chronic idiopathic urticaria encompasses at least two subgroups. One of these is the now well-established entity of autoimmune chronic urticaria, due to autoantibodies against either the high-affinity IgE receptor Fc epsilon R1 or, less commonly, IgE. These patients, who co-segregate with chronic idiopathic urticaria patients having an increased frequency of antithyroid autoantibodies, represent 30-50% of the patients previously designated as having chronic idiopathic urticaria. Convenient routine diagnostic tests for this subset remain elusive. The remaining 50% of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria remain truly 'idiopathic', although the condition in some may have an autoimmune basis, autoantibodies having eluded current techniques for detection. Selected patients with autoimmune urticaria may benefit from immunotherapy. SUMMARY It is now known that in 30-50% of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria, the condition has an autoimmune basis, although confirmation of the diagnosis in these patients is not straightforward. In selected patients, attempts to establish this diagnosis are worthwhile since there are important therapeutic implications.
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Pachlopnik JM, Horn MP, Fux M, Dahinden M, Mandallaz M, Schneeberger D, Baldi L, Vogel M, Stadler BM, Miescher SM. Natural anti-FcεRIα autoantibodies may interfere with diagnostic tests for autoimmune urticaria. J Autoimmun 2004; 22:43-51. [PMID: 14709412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2003.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
IgG autoantibodies against the alpha-chain of the high affinity IgE receptor are claimed to play a pathogenetic role in autoimmune urticaria. The best methods for detection of functional autoantibodies are currently the autologous serum skin test and the basophil histamine release assay. A simplified and feasible screening test would facilitate the diagnosis of autoimmune urticaria. Here we offer an explanation for the difficulties in establishing a screening test for autoantibodies directed against the alpha-chain of the high affinity IgE receptor in autoimmune urticaria. Identical autoantibodies in chronic urticaria patients and healthy donors belonging to the natural autoantibody repertoire were found by sequence analysis of anti-alpha-chain autoantibodies isolated by repertoire cloning from antibody libraries. These natural autoantibodies bound to the receptor and triggered histamine release but only if IgE was previously removed from the receptor. Diagnostic assays used for detection of antibodies directed against the IgE receptor may require signal comparison with and without the artificial removal of IgE, immune complexes, and complement in order to avoid false positive or negative results. After IgE removal diagnostic tests will detect natural autoantibodies against the high affinity IgE receptor regardless of whether they are pathogenic or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana M Pachlopnik
- Institute of Immunology, Sahlihaus 1, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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