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Rick EM, Woolnough K, Richardson M, Monteiro W, Craner M, Bourne M, Cousins DJ, Swoboda I, Wardlaw AJ, Pashley CH. Identification of allergens from Aspergillus fumigatus-Potential association with lung damage in asthma. Allergy 2024; 79:1208-1218. [PMID: 38334146 DOI: 10.1111/all.16032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Component-resolved diagnosis allows detection of IgE sensitization having the advantage of reproducibility and standardization compared to crude extracts. The main disadvantage of the traditional allergen identification methods, 1- or 2-dimensional western blotting and screening of expression cDNA libraries with patients' IgEs, is that the native structure of the protein is not necessarily maintained. METHODS We used a novel immunoprecipitation technique in combination with mass spectrometry to identify new allergens of Aspergillus fumigatus. Magnetic Dynabeads coupled with anti-human IgE antibodies were used to purify human serum IgE and subsequently allergens from A. fumigatus protein extract. RESULTS Of the 184 proteins detected by subsequent mass peptide fingerprinting, a subset of 13 were recombinantly expressed and purified. In a panel of 52 A. fumigatus-sensitized people with asthma, 23 non-fungal-sensitized asthmatics and 18 healthy individuals, only the former showed an IgE reaction by immunoblotting and/or ELISA. We discovered 11 proteins not yet described as A. fumigatus allergens, with fructose-bisphosphate aldolase class II (FBA2) (33%), NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase (31%) and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (27%) being the most prevalent. With respect to these three allergens, native versus denatured protein assays indicated a better recognition of the native proteins. Seven of 11 allergens fulfilled the WHO/IUIS criteria and were accepted as new A. fumigatus allergens. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we introduce a straightforward method of allergen identification from complex allergenic sources such as A. fumigatus by immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry, which has the advantage over traditional methods of identifying allergens by maintaining the structure of the proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Rick
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Aerobiology and Mycology Group, Institute for Lung Health, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Allergology, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Borstel Sulfeld, Germany
| | - Kerry Woolnough
- Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Matthew Richardson
- Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - William Monteiro
- Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Michelle Craner
- Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Michelle Bourne
- Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - David John Cousins
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Aerobiology and Mycology Group, Institute for Lung Health, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ines Swoboda
- Competence Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Molecular Biotechnology Section, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrew John Wardlaw
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Aerobiology and Mycology Group, Institute for Lung Health, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Catherine Helen Pashley
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Aerobiology and Mycology Group, Institute for Lung Health, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - Respiratory, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Qin QZ, Tang J, Wang CY, Xu ZQ, Tian M. Construction by artificial intelligence and immunovalidation of hypoallergenic mite allergen Der f 36 vaccine. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1325998. [PMID: 38601166 PMCID: PMC11004385 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1325998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The house dust mite (HDM) is widely recognized as the most prevalent allergen in allergic diseases. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) has been successfully implemented in clinical treatment for HDM. Hypoallergenic B-cell epitope-based vaccine designed by artificial intelligence (AI) represents a significant progression of recombinant hypoallergenic allergen derivatives. Method The three-dimensional protein structure of Der f 36 was constructed using Alphafold2. AI-based tools were employed to predict B-cell epitopes, which were subsequently verified through IgE-reaction testing. Hypoallergenic Der f 36 was then synthesized, expressed, and purified. The reduced allergenicity was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting, and basophil activation test. T-cell response to hypoallergenic Der f 36 and Der f 36 was evaluated based on cytokine expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients. The immunogenicity was evaluated and compared through rabbit immunization with hypoallergenic Der f 36 and Der f 36, respectively. The inhibitory effect of the blocking IgG antibody on the specific IgE-binding activity and basophil activation of Der f 36 allergen was also examined. Results The final selected non-allergic B-cell epitopes were 25-48, 57-67, 107-112, 142-151, and 176-184. Hypoallergenic Der f 36 showed significant reduction in IgE-binding activity. The competitive inhibition of IgE-binding to Der f 36 was investigated using the hypoallergenic Der f 36, and only 20% inhibition could be achieved, which is greatly reduced when compared with inhibition by Der f 36 (98%). The hypoallergenic Der f 36 exhibited a low basophil-stimulating ratio similar to that of the negative control, and it could induce an increasing level of IFN-γ but not Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 in PBMCs. The vaccine-specific rabbit blocking IgG antibodies could inhibit the patients' IgE binding and basophil stimulation activity of Derf 36. Conclusion This study represents the first application of an AI strategy to facilitate the development of a B-cell epitope-based hypoallergenic Der f 36 vaccine, which may become a promising immunotherapy for HDM-allergic patients due to its reduced allergenicity and its high immunogenicity in inducing blocking of IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Zhi Qin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Pediatric Department, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Cai-Yun Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Xu
- Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- National Vaccine Innovation Platform, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Man Tian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Abel-Fernández E, Fernández-Caldas E. Allergy to fungi: Advances in the understanding of fungal allergens. Mol Immunol 2023; 163:216-223. [PMID: 37864931 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Allergic diseases are a major health problem due to their increasing incidence and high prevalence worldwide. Asthma has several aetiologies, and allergy plays an important role in its development in approximately 60% of adults and 80% of children and adolescents. Although the link between aeroallergen sensitization and asthma exacerbations has been long recognized, the investigations of the triggering allergens may be superficial in many asthma cases. The main allergenic sources related to asthma, and other allergic diseases, are pollens, mites, fungi, and animal epithelia. Fungi are considered the third most frequent cause of respiratory pathologies. Asthma caused by several fungi species may have a bad prognosis in some cases due to its severity and difficulty in avoidance methods. Despite the recognised relevance of fungi in respiratory allergies, the knowledge about fungal allergens seems to be scarce, with few descriptions of new allergens, compared to other allergenic sources. The study of major, minor, and cross-reactive fungal allergens, and their relevance in the allergic disease, might be crucial, not only to accurately diagnose these allergies, but also to predict exacerbations and responses to therapies, as well as for the development of personalized treatment plans in a fast-changing climate scenario.
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4
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Pfeiffer S, Swoboda I. Problems Encountered Using Fungal Extracts as Test Solutions for Fungal Allergy Diagnosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:957. [PMID: 37888213 PMCID: PMC10607634 DOI: 10.3390/jof9100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal allergy is a worldwide public health burden, and problems associated with a reliable allergy diagnosis are far from being solved. Especially, the lack of high-quality standardized fungal extracts contributes to the underdiagnosis of fungal allergy. Compared to the manufacturing processes of extracts from other allergen sources, the processes used to manufacture extracts from fungi show the highest variability. The reasons for the high variability are manifold as the starting material, the growth conditions, the protein extraction methods, and the storage conditions all have an influence on the presence and quantity of individual allergens. Despite the vast variety of studies that have analyzed the impact of the different production steps on the allergenicity of fungal allergen extracts, much remains unknown. This review points to the need for further research in the field of fungal allergology, for standardization and for generally accepted guidelines on the preparation of fungal allergen extracts. In particular, the standardization of fungal extracts has been and will continue to be difficult, but it will be crucial for improving allergy diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ines Swoboda
- The Molecular Biotechnology Section, Department Applied Life Sciences, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, 1100 Vienna, Austria;
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Grijincu M, Huțu I, Weber M, Babaev E, Stolz F, Valenta R, Păunescu V, Panaitescu C, Chen KW. Physicochemical and immunological characterization of Amb a 12, a novel ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen allergen. Mol Immunol 2023; 157:18-29. [PMID: 36966550 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ragweed is an invasive plant in Europe, causing hay fever and asthma in allergic patients. Climate change is predicted to increase expansion and allergenicity. Elevated NO2 induced upregulation of a new allergen in ragweed pollen, an enolase, Amb a 12. OBJECTIVE of this study was producing ragweed enolase as a recombinant protein and characterizing its physicochemical and immunological features. METHODS Amb a 12 was designed for E. coli and insect cell expression. Physicochemical features were determined by mass spectrometry, circular dichroism measurements and enzymatic activity assay. Immunological characteristics were determined in ELISA, in a mediator release assay and by investigation of association with clinical symptoms. Common allergen sources were screened for similar proteins. RESULTS Ragweed enolase was produced as a 48 kDa protein forming oligomers in both expression systems, showing differences in secondary structure content and enzymatic activity depending on expression system. IgE frequency and allergenicity were low regardless of expression system. Enolase-specific serum bound to similar sized molecules in mugwort, timothy grass and birch pollen, as well as food allergen sources, while highest IgE inhibition was achieved with peach pulp extract. CONCLUSIONS Amb a 12 had high sequence similarity and comparable IgE frequency to enolase allergens from different sources. 50 kDa proteins were found in other pollen and food allergen sources, suggesting that enolases might be pan-allergens in pollen and plant foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Grijincu
- Center of Immuno-physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara, Romania; OncoGen Center, Pius Brînzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ioan Huțu
- University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I of Romania", Timişoara, Romania
| | - Milena Weber
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Frank Stolz
- Biomay AG, Vienna Competence Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia; Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sechenov First State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Virgil Păunescu
- Center of Immuno-physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara, Romania; OncoGen Center, Pius Brînzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Carmen Panaitescu
- Center of Immuno-physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara, Romania; OncoGen Center, Pius Brînzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timișoara, Romania.
| | - Kuan-Wei Chen
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brînzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timișoara, Romania
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Atopy and Multisensitizations in Specific IgE Microarrays and Their Impact on Severe Asthma. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101520. [DOI: 10.3390/life12101520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Around 3–10% of patients experience severe refractory asthma. These patients with high symptom intensity and frequent exacerbations present a challenge for allergologists. Their allergic vs. non-allergic profile might be different from the standard asthmatic group and this difference is vital in qualifying for anti-IgE biologicals. The aim of the study was to analyze multiple sensitizations in patients with severe asthma and assess their impact on the course of the disease. (2) Forty-two patients with severe asthma according to GINA were enrolled. They experienced at least two exacerbations during the past year and had uncontrolled asthma despite high inhaled steroid use. A microarray serum Alex test (allergen-specific IgE to 295 extracts and components) was performed together with Complete Blood Count tests, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ), and spirometry. (3) There were 29 female and 13 male patients. The patient mean age was 50.4 (22–70). In 25 (60%) patients, inhalant sensitizations were detected. In 9 (21%) cases, a new perennial allergen was discovered that might enable anti-IgE treatment in the future. In the entire studied group, 8 patients (19%) would still not qualify for anti-IgE, anti-IL4, or anti-IL5 treatment. A linear regression analysis revealed that a Canis familiaris allergen (Can f 1) correlated with worse asthma control in ACQ. An Aspergillus allergen (Asp f 6) correlated negatively with Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). (4) The study presents the usefulness of the ALEX test in 21% of patients with severe asthma in qualification for anti-IgE treatment. It highlights the impact of canine and Aspergillus sensitizations on worse control in patients with severe asthma.
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Abstract
Knowledge of patterns of pollen cross-reactivity is crucial for formulation of immunotherapy vaccines. As phylogenetic relationships have become better clarified through the use of tools such as gene sequencing, it is apparent that cross-reactivity reflects taxonomy in the vast majority of cases. Contradictory observations of unexpected cross-reactivity between distantly related plants require explanation. There are many proteins, presumably performing vital functions, tightly preserved throughout the evolutionary tree from plants to animals. Examples are profilins, lipid transfer proteins, and pathogenesis-related proteins. These may function as panallergens. The small differences that exist between these ubiquitous proteins may explain why these are frequently minor allergens, not reacting in the majority of allergic sera. This article summarizes cross-reactivity from older studies using crude pollen extracts as well as newer research of purified or recombinant allergenic proteins. The patterns of cross-allergenicity that emerge should be helpful in guiding therapeutic decisions.
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Dorofeeva Y, Shilovskiy I, Tulaeva I, Focke‐Tejkl M, Flicker S, Kudlay D, Khaitov M, Karsonova A, Riabova K, Karaulov A, Khanferyan R, Pickl WF, Wekerle T, Valenta R. Past, present, and future of allergen immunotherapy vaccines. Allergy 2021; 76:131-149. [PMID: 32249442 PMCID: PMC7818275 DOI: 10.1111/all.14300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is an allergen-specific form of treatment for patients suffering from immunoglobulin E (IgE)-associated allergy; the most common and important immunologically mediated hypersensitivity disease. AIT is based on the administration of the disease-causing allergen with the goal to induce a protective immunity consisting of allergen-specific blocking IgG antibodies and alterations of the cellular immune response so that the patient can tolerate allergen contact. Major advantages of AIT over all other existing treatments for allergy are that AIT induces a long-lasting protection and prevents the progression of disease to severe manifestations. AIT is cost effective because it uses the patient´s own immune system for protection and potentially can be used as a preventive treatment. However, broad application of AIT is limited by mainly technical issues such as the quality of allergen preparations and the risk of inducing side effects which results in extremely cumbersome treatment schedules reducing patient´s compliance. In this article we review progress in AIT made from its beginning and provide an overview of the state of the art, the needs for further development, and possible technical solutions available through molecular allergology. Finally, we consider visions for AIT development towards prophylactic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Dorofeeva
- Division of ImmunopathologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Igor Shilovskiy
- National Research Center, Institute of immunology, FMBA of RussiaMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Inna Tulaeva
- Division of ImmunopathologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergyLaboratory of ImmunopathologySechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Margarete Focke‐Tejkl
- Division of ImmunopathologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Sabine Flicker
- Division of ImmunopathologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Dmitriy Kudlay
- National Research Center, Institute of immunology, FMBA of RussiaMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Musa Khaitov
- National Research Center, Institute of immunology, FMBA of RussiaMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Antonina Karsonova
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergyLaboratory of ImmunopathologySechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Ksenja Riabova
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergyLaboratory of ImmunopathologySechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Alexander Karaulov
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergyLaboratory of ImmunopathologySechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Roman Khanferyan
- Department of Immunology and AllergyRussian People’s Friendship UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Institute of ImmunologyCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Wekerle
- Section of Transplantation ImmunologyDepartment of SurgeryMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Division of ImmunopathologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- National Research Center, Institute of immunology, FMBA of RussiaMoscowRussian Federation
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergyLaboratory of ImmunopathologySechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
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Microbial Air Quality in Neighborhoods near Landfill Sites: Implications for Public Health. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 2020:4609164. [PMID: 32733576 PMCID: PMC7369668 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4609164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution has been a major challenge worldwide particularly in the developing world. Improper waste disposal and management may result in microbial air pollution. In advanced countries, landfill sites are far from neighborhoods; however, the opposite is observed for landfill sites in the developing world. In Accra, some landfill sites are 100 meters from neighborhoods. The aim of this study was to assess the microbial air quality and associated environmental health hazards of landfill sites in selected districts in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A random sampling method was employed to select sampling sites across the dry and wet seasons from landfills and their corresponding neighborhoods. Results obtained showed a higher total count (CFU/m3) of bacteria and fungi in the air at the landfill sites than neighborhoods. Statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) in bacterial and fungal concentrations over two seasons was found for both landfills and neighborhoods. However, bacterial concentrations were significantly higher than fungal concentrations (p < 0.05) across seasons for all locations. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the highest (15.6 %) occurring microbe at both landfill sites and neighborhoods. This was followed by Staphylococcus aureus (12.7%). Other bacteria and fungi of public health importance such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger were also isolated from the study sites, above the WHO recommended levels. In conclusion, the landfill waste disposal and its close proximity to neighborhoods as observed in this study pose a potential environmental health risk, with dire implications for public health and safety. The government must enact and implement policies to regulate waste management and to ensure public safety.
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Grewling Ł, Nowak M, Szymańska A, Kostecki Ł, Bogawski P. Temporal variability in the allergenicity of airborne Alternaria spores. Med Mycol 2019; 57:403-411. [PMID: 30212862 PMCID: PMC6441355 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The concentration of fungal spores in the air is traditionally considered as a proxy of allergen exposure. However, in vitro experiments have shown that the allergenicity of Alternaria spores varies depending on ecophysiological and developmental factors. Despite the potential clinical significance of these findings, it has never been verified in outdoor environments. This study, therefore, aims to investigate variability in the amount of the major allergen (Alt a 1) released from Alternaria spores in outdoor air. During the 3-year monitoring study (2014-2016), the median seasonal allergenicity of Alternaria spores exceeded 8.6 × 10-3 pg Alt a 1/spore. The most allergenic spores were collected during the driest and the most polluted season (with respect to seasonal concentrations of ozone, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter). Within the season, daily spore allergenicity ranged from 2.4 to 34.7 × 10-3 pg Alt a 1/spore (5th-95th percentile). No repeatable effects of weather and pollution on short-term variations in Alternaria spore allergenicity were found. However, during the episodes when high-potency spores were recorded, the air masses arrived from eastern directions. Contrary, the spores with the lowest allergenicity were related to western winds. This suggests that factors such as source area (habitat types) and species diversity could be responsible for the varying exposure to Alternaria allergens. Our findings show that high and low-potency spores are recorded in the air; therefore, the airborne concentrations of fungal spores alone may not be sufficient to provide allergy sufferers and healthcare professionals with information about allergen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grewling
- Laboratory of Aeropalynology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-489 Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Nowak
- Laboratory of Aeropalynology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-489 Poznań, Poland
| | - Agata Szymańska
- Laboratory of Aeropalynology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-489 Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kostecki
- Laboratory of Aeropalynology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-489 Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Bogawski
- Laboratory of Biological Spatial Information, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-489 Poznań, Poland
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11
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Popescu FD, Vieru M. Precision medicine allergy immunoassay methods for assessing immunoglobulin E sensitization to aeroallergen molecules. World J Methodol 2018; 8:17-36. [PMID: 30519536 PMCID: PMC6275558 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v8.i3.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular-based allergy diagnosis for the in vitro assessment of a patient immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization profile at the molecular level uses allergen molecules (also referred to as allergen components), which may be well-defined, highly purified, natural allergen components or recombinant allergens. Modern immunoassay methods used for the detection of specific IgE against aeroallergen components are either singleplex (such as the fluorescence enzyme immunoassay with capsulated cellulose polymer solid-phase coupled allergens, the enzyme-enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay and the reversed enzyme allergosorbent test, with liquid-phase allergens), multiparameter (such as the line blot immunoassay for defined partial allergen diagnostics with allergen components coating membrane strips) or multiplex (such as the microarray-based immunoassay on immuno solid-phase allergen chip, and the two new multiplex nanotechnology-based immunoassays: the patient-friendly allergen nano-bead array, and the macroarray nanotechnology-based immunoassay used as a molecular allergy explorer). The precision medicine diagnostic work-up may be organized as an integrated “U-shape” approach, with a “top-down” approach (from symptoms to molecules) and a “bottom-up” approach (from molecules to clinical implications), as needed in selected patients. The comprehensive and accurate IgE sensitization molecular profiling, with identification of the relevant allergens, is indicated within the framework of a detailed patient’s clinical history to distinguish genuine IgE sensitization from sensitization due to cross-reactivity (especially in polysensitized patients), to assess unclear symptoms and unsatisfactory response to treatment, to reveal unexpected sensitizations, and to improve assessment of severity and risk aspects in some patients. Practical approaches, such as anamnesis molecular thinking, laboratory molecular thinking and postmolecular anamnesis, are sometimes applied. The component-resolved diagnosis of the specific IgE repertoire has a key impact on optimal decisions making for prophylactic and specific immunotherapeutic strategies tailored for the individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin-Dan Popescu
- Department of Allergology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 022441, Romania
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 022441, Romania
| | - Mariana Vieru
- Department of Allergology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 022441, Romania
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest 022441, Romania
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12
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Valenta R, Karaulov A, Niederberger V, Zhernov Y, Elisyutina O, Campana R, Focke-Tejkl M, Curin M, Namazova-Baranova L, Wang JY, Pawankar R, Khaitov M. Allergen Extracts for In Vivo Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergy: Is There a Future? THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2018; 6:1845-1855.e2. [PMID: 30297269 PMCID: PMC6390933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Today, in vivo allergy diagnosis and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) are still based on allergen extracts obtained from natural allergen sources. Several studies analyzing the composition of natural allergen extracts have shown severe problems regarding their quality such as the presence of undefined nonallergenic materials, contaminants as well as high variabilities regarding contents and biological activity of individual allergens. Despite the increasing availability of sophisticated analytical technologies, these problems cannot be overcome because they are inherent to allergen sources and methods of extract production. For in vitro allergy diagnosis problems related to natural allergen extracts have been largely overcome by the implementation of recombinant allergen molecules that are defined regarding purity and biological activity. However, no such advances have been made for allergen preparations to be used in vivo for diagnosis and therapy. No clinical studies have been performed for allergen extracts available for in vivo allergy diagnosis that document safety, sensitivity, and specificity of the products. Only for very few therapeutic allergen extracts state-of-the-art clinical studies have been performed that provide evidence for safety and efficacy. In this article, we discuss problems related to the inconsistent quality of products based on natural allergen extracts and share our observations that most of the products available for in vivo diagnosis and AIT do not meet the international standards for medicinal products. We argue that a replacement of natural allergen extracts by defined recombinantly produced allergen molecules and/or mixtures thereof may be the only way to guarantee the supply of clinicians with state-of-the-art medicinal products for in vivo diagnosis and treatment of allergic patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Valenta
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia; Laboratory for Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexander Karaulov
- Laboratory for Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Verena Niederberger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yury Zhernov
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Raffaela Campana
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margarete Focke-Tejkl
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirela Curin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leyla Namazova-Baranova
- Department of Pediatrics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jiu-Yao Wang
- Center for Allergy and Immunology Research (ACIR), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University (Hospital), Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ruby Pawankar
- Division of Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Musa Khaitov
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
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Hayes T, Rumore A, Howard B, He X, Luo M, Wuenschmann S, Chapman M, Kale S, Li L, Kita H, Lawrence CB. Innate Immunity Induced by the Major Allergen Alt a 1 From the Fungus Alternaria Is Dependent Upon Toll-Like Receptors 2/4 in Human Lung Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1507. [PMID: 30100902 PMCID: PMC6072870 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergens are molecules that elicit a hypersensitive inflammatory response in sensitized individuals and are derived from a variety of sources. Alt a 1 is the most clinically important secreted allergen of the ubiquitous fungus, Alternaria. It has been shown to be a major allergen causing IgE-mediated allergic response in the vast majority of Alternaria-sensitized individuals. However, no studies have been conducted in regards to the innate immune eliciting activities of this clinically relevant protein. In this study, recombinant Alt a 1 was produced, purified, labeled, and incubated with BEAS-2B, NHBE, and DHBE human lung epithelial cells. Alt a 1 elicited strong induction of IL-8, MCP-1, and Gro-a/b/g. Using gene-specific siRNAs, blocking antibodies, and chemical inhibitors such as LPS-RS, it was determined that Alt a 1-induced immune responses were dependent upon toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4, and the adaptor proteins MYD88 and TIRAP. Studies utilizing human embryonic kidney cells engineered to express single receptors on the cell surface such as TLRs, further confirmed that Alt a 1-induced innate immunity is dependent upon TLR4 and to a lesser extent TLR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Hayes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University Bloomington, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Amanda Rumore
- Department of Biology, Randolph College, Lynchburg, VA, United States
| | - Brad Howard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Xin He
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mengyao Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | | | - Martin Chapman
- Indoor Biotechnologies, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Shiv Kale
- Biocomplexity Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Liwu Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Hirohito Kita
- Division of Allergic Diseases, Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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