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Kosowska A, Zemelka-Wiącek M, Smolińska S, Wyrodek E, Adamczak B, Jutel M. Clinical validation of grass pollen exposure chamber in patients with allergic rhinitis triggered by timothy grass. Clin Exp Allergy 2024; 54:489-499. [PMID: 38616622 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14482] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fluctuation in concentrations of airborne allergens frequently presents a challenge to assessing the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in 'field' studies. Allergen exposure chambers (AECs) are specialized medical installations developed to expose individuals to allergens at defined and consistent concentrations under a controlled environment. The aim of the study was to validate the provocation test with timothy grass pollen as well as to assess its safety in the AEC in patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODS In the ALLEC® AEC, varying concentrations of timothy grass pollen were dispersed. Allergic symptoms were measured by total nasal symptom score (TNSS), acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and nasal discharge volume. Lung function, assessed through peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), was used to evaluate safety. RESULTS The consistency of the test was proved by the stability of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity and CO2 levels, as well as constant concentrations of grass pollen at predetermined levels ranging from 1000 to 10,000 particles per cubic meter (p/m3). Allergic individuals developed symptoms at concentrations of 3000 p/m3 and above, across all measured endpoints. Lung function was not affected throughout all the challenges. The reproducibility of symptoms was confirmed throughout the tests. The concentration of 8000 p/m3 together with a challenge duration of 120 min was found to be optimal. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that the ALLEC® grass pollen exposure chamber provides a reliable and safe method for inducing repeatable symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. This approach can be effectively applied for allergy diagnostics and clinical endpoint determination during AIT.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Phleum/immunology
- Male
- Female
- Pollen/immunology
- Adult
- Allergens/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/diagnosis
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/physiopathology
- Rhinitis, Allergic/diagnosis
- Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic/immunology
- Middle Aged
- Atmosphere Exposure Chambers
- Young Adult
- Reproducibility of Results
- Nasal Provocation Tests
- Respiratory Function Tests
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kosowska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Sylwia Smolińska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Wyrodek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Adamczak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland
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Luyten A, Bürgler A, Glick S, Kwiatkowski M, Gehrig R, Beigi M, Hartmann K, Eeftens M. Ambient pollen exposure and pollen allergy symptom severity in the EPOCHAL study. Allergy 2024; 79:1908-1920. [PMID: 38659216 DOI: 10.1111/all.16130] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient pollen exposure causes nasal, ocular, and pulmonary symptoms in allergic individuals, but the shape of the exposure-response association is not well characterized. We evaluated this association and determined (1) whether symptom severity differs between subpopulations; (2) how the association changes over the course of the pollen season; and (3) which pollen exposure time lags affect symptoms. METHODS Adult study participants (n = 396) repeatedly scored severity of nasal, ocular, and pulmonary allergic symptoms, resulting in three composite symptom scores. We calculated hourly individually relevant pollen exposure to seven allergenic plants (alder, ash, birch, hazel, grasses, mugwort, and ragweed) considering personal sensitization and exposure time lags of up to 96 h. We fitted generalized additive mixed models, with a random personal intercept, adjusting for weather and air pollution as potential time-varying confounders. RESULTS We identified a clear nonlinear positive association between pollen exposure and ocular and nasal symptom severity in the pollen allergy group: Symptom severity increased steeply with increasing exposure initially, but attenuated beyond approximately 80 pollen/m3. We found no evidence of an exposure threshold, below which no symptoms occur. While recent pollen exposure in the last approximately 5 h affected symptoms most, associations lingered for up to 60 h. Grass pollen exposure (compared to tree pollen) and younger age (18-30 years, as opposed to 30-65 years) were both associated with higher nasal and ocular symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS The lack of a threshold and attenuated dose-response curve may have implications for pollen warning systems, which may be revised to include multiday pollen concentrations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Luyten
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Bürgler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Glick
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Regula Gehrig
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Minaya Beigi
- Division of Allergy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karin Hartmann
- Division of Allergy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marloes Eeftens
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Gherasim A, Dietsch F, Beck M, Domis N, de Blay F. Birch-induced allergic rhinitis: Results of exposure during nasal allergen challenge, environmental chamber, and pollen season. World Allergy Organ J 2023; 16:100801. [PMID: 37520615 PMCID: PMC10384658 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pollen variation can affect field study data quality. Nasal allergen challenge (NAC) is considered the gold standard for evaluating allergic rhinitis, while environmental exposure chambers (EECs) are mainly used in phase 2 drug development studies. We aimed to study birch-induced allergic rhinitis under 3 different conditions. Methods This study included 30 participants allergic to birch pollen, based on birch skin prick test, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), and positive NAC. Participants were exposed to placebo twice, followed by 2 consecutive 4-h birch airborne exposures, repeated on 2 occasions to evaluate reproducibility and priming effect. Nasal response was defined as total corrected nasal symptom score (ΔTNSS) ≥ 5 during NAC and EEC. The primary end-point was to measure TNSS during the last 2 h of first allergen exposure. TNSS was also analyzed during natural exposure. Results The dose most commonly yielding positive TNSS during NAC was 175.2 ng/200 μL. Eighteen participants experienced ΔTNSS ≥5 during the last 2 h of the first exposure, whereas 21 had positive responses at all 4 exposures. Mean ΔTNSS was 1 with placebo versus 6 with birch. Exposures were reproducible, with no observed priming effect. Airborne Bet v 1 was 25 ng/m3, while the pollen measurement was 279/m3 during pollen season. TNSS reached 5 in 67.9% of participants during peak pollen season. Conclusion EEC outcomes were similar to those obtained with NAC and natural exposure, suggesting the usefulness of EEC in allergic rhinitis studies. The primary end-point was reached, as 60% of participants experienced nasal responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Gherasim
- ALYATEC Environmental Exposure Chamber, 1 place de l’Hôpital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Frank Dietsch
- ALYATEC Environmental Exposure Chamber, 1 place de l’Hôpital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marine Beck
- ALYATEC Environmental Exposure Chamber, 1 place de l’Hôpital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nathalie Domis
- ALYATEC Environmental Exposure Chamber, 1 place de l’Hôpital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Frederic de Blay
- ALYATEC Environmental Exposure Chamber, 1 place de l’Hôpital, Strasbourg, France
- Chest Diseases Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Federation of Translational Medicine EA 3070, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Zemelka-Wiacek M, Kosowska A, Winiarska E, Sobanska E, Jutel M. Validated allergen exposure chamber is plausible tool for the assessment of house dust mite-triggered allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2023; 78:168-177. [PMID: 35980665 PMCID: PMC10087469 DOI: 10.1111/all.15485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen exposure chamber (AEC) is a clinical facility that allows exposure to allergenic airborne particles in controlled environment. Although AECs offer stable levels of airborne allergens, the validation of symptoms and other endpoints induced by allergen challenge is key for their recommendation as a plausible tool for the assessment of patients, especially in clinical research. This study aimed to demonstrate the reproducibility of defined clinical endpoints after AEC house dust mite (HDM) challenge under optimal conditions in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). METHOD HDM was distributed at different concentrations. The assessment was subjective by the patients: total nasal symptom score (TNSS), visual analog scale (VAS), and objective by the investigator: acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and nasal secretion weight. Safety was assessed clinically and by peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1 ). RESULTS Constant environment: temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentration were maintained during all challenges. The concentration of HDM on average remained stable within the targeted values: 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 particles (p)/m3 . Most symptoms were observed at concentrations 3000 p/m3 or higher. The symptoms severity and other endpoints results were reproducible. 5000 p/m3 , and challenge duration of 120 min were found optimal. The procedure was safe with no lung function abnormalities due to challenge. CONCLUSION HDM challenge in ALL-MED AEC offers a safe and reliable method for inducing symptoms in AR patients for the use in controlled clinical studies including allergen immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Kosowska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.,ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Winiarska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Sobanska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.,ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland
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Hossenbaccus L, Linton S, Thiele J, Steacy L, Walker T, Malone C, Ellis AK. Biologic Responses to House Dust Mite Exposure in the Environmental Exposure Unit. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 2:807208. [PMID: 35386971 PMCID: PMC8974770 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.807208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that can be modeled using Controlled Allergen Exposure Facilities (CACF). Recently, we clinically validated the house dust mite (HDM) Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU) facility. In the current study, we aimed to assess biological responses in the blood following HDM exposure in the HDM-EEU.Methods: Fifty-five participants passed a screening visit, where they provided consent and completed a skin prick test (SPT), then attended a modest or higher HDM exposure session. Baseline and post-exposure blood samples were collected. Complete blood counts with differentials were measured, and isolated serum was used to determine Dermatophagoides farinae- and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-specific IgE (sIgE) and cytokine concentrations (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, TNF-α).Results: HDM-allergic participants had significantly greater SPT wheal sizes than healthy controls. sIgE concentrations were significantly greater in allergic participants, with a strong correlation between Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Serum eosinophil counts were significantly decreased post-exposure for allergic participants. White blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were significantly increased for both allergic and non-allergic participants post-exposure. Serum IL-13 concentrations were significantly reduced post-exposure in allergics while TNF-α was significantly reduced in non-allergics.Conclusion: The HDM-EEU is a useful model for investigating biologic mechanisms of HDM-induced AR. Allergic participants produced measurable biological changes compared to healthy controls following allergen exposure, specifically with serum expression of eosinophils and related markers, namely IL-5, which promotes the proliferation and differentiation of eosinophils, and IL-13, a cytokine released by eosinophils. The exact mechanisms at play require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubnaa Hossenbaccus
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre–KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sophia Linton
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre–KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jenny Thiele
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre–KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Steacy
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre–KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Terry Walker
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre–KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Crystal Malone
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre–KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anne K. Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre–KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Anne K. Ellis
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Samra SK, Rajasekaran A, Sandford AJ, Ellis AK, Tebbutt SJ. Cholinergic Synapse Pathway Gene Polymorphisms Associated With Late-Phase Responses in Allergic Rhinitis. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2021; 2:724328. [PMID: 35387037 PMCID: PMC8974783 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.724328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by an early-phase response (EPR), and in a subgroup of individuals, a late-phase response (LPR). We sought to investigate polymorphisms in cholinergic synapse pathway genes, previously associated with late-asthmatic responses, in the LPR. Twenty healthy participants and 74 participants with AR underwent allergen exposure using the Environmental Exposure Unit. Allergic participants were sub-phenotyped using self-reported nasal congestion scores; congestion is the predominant symptom experienced during the LPR. Acute congestion (AC, n = 36) participants developed only an EPR, while persistent congestion (PC, n = 38) participants developed both allergic responses. We interrogated blood samples collected before allergen exposure with genotyping and gene expression assays. Twenty-five SNPs located in ADCY3, AKT3, CACNA1S, CHRM3, CHRNB2, GNG4, and KCNQ4 had significantly different allele frequencies (P < 0.10) between PC and AC participants. PC participants had increased minor allele content (P = 0.009) in the 25 SNPs compared to AC participants. Two SNPs in AKT3 were associated with gene expression differences (FDR < 0.01) in PC participants. This study identified an association between the LPR and polymorphisms in the cholinergic synapse pathway genes, and developed a novel method to sub-phenotype AR using self-reported nasal congestion scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simranjit K. Samra
- Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ashwini Rajasekaran
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Sandford
- Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anne K. Ellis
- Departments of Medicine and Biomedical & Molecular Science, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Scott J. Tebbutt
- Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Scott J. Tebbutt
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7
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Hossenbaccus L, Ellis AK. The use of nasal allergen vs allergen exposure chambers to evaluate allergen immunotherapy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:461-470. [PMID: 33729907 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1905523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment option for allergic rhinitis (AR) patients with persistent moderate-severe AR for whom traditional pharmacotherapies are ineffective. The nasal allergen challenge (NAC) and allergen exposure chamber (AEC) are two translational models of AR that can be used to investigate the properties, safety, and efficacy of AIT. AREAS COVERED Peer-reviewed, human-centered articles utilizing AEC or NAC models to investigate AIT between 2010 and 2020 were curated from PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID Medline databases. AECs have been used to evaluate traditional subcutaneous and sublingual administrations of AIT, including cross-protective effects and different dosing regimens. More recently, the effectiveness of novel AIT formulations has been evaluated. NACs are another model used to study AIT, including using novel intralymphatic routes of administration. It is an especially powerful and versatile tool to determine if basic science and animal model findings are clinically translatable. EXPERT OPINION The AEC and NAC models both produce clinically relevant and reproducible results. AECs are more effective for studying many participants but are limited because they require a specialized facility. As more AIT therapies and new formulations are developed over time, the versatility of the NAC will be especially useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubnaa Hossenbaccus
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.,Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre - KGH Site, Kingston, Canada
| | - Anne K Ellis
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.,Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Centre - KGH Site, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
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8
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Hossenbaccus L, Linton S, Thiele J, Steacy L, Walker T, Malone C, Ellis AK. Clinical validation of controlled exposure to house dust mite in the environmental exposure unit (EEU). Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2021; 17:34. [PMID: 33771217 PMCID: PMC7995585 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-021-00536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale The Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU), a controlled allergen exposure model of allergic rhinitis (AR), has traditionally utilized seasonal allergens. We sought to clinically validate the use of house dust mite (HDM), a perennial allergen, in the HDM-EEU, a specially designed facility within the larger EEU. Methods Forty-four HDM-allergic and eleven non-allergic participants were screened and deemed eligible for one of two 3-h exposure sessions in the HDM-EEU. Participants were exposed to a modest or higher HDM target, with blood and nasal brushing samples collected before and after allergen exposure. Symptomatic data, including Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS), Total Rhinoconjunctivitis Symptom Score (TRSS), and Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) were collected at baseline, every 30 min until 3 h, on an hourly basis for up to 12 h, and at 24 h following the onset of HDM exposure. Results The modest and higher HDM target sessions respectively featured cumulative total particle counts of 156,784 and 266,694 particles (2.5–25 µm), Der f 1 concentrations of 2.67 ng/m3 and 3.80 ng/m3, and Der p 1 concentrations of 2.07 ng/m3 and 6.66 ng/m3. Allergic participants experienced an increase in symptoms, with modest target participants plateauing at 1.5 to 2 h and achieving a mean peak TNSS of 5.74 ± 0.65, mean peak TOSS of 2.47 ± 0.56, and mean peak TRSS of 9.16 ± 1.32. High HDM-target allergics reached a mean peak TNSS of 8.17 ± 0.71, mean peak TOSS of 4.46 ± 0.62, and mean peak TRSS of 14.08 ± 1.30 at 3 h. All allergic participants’ symptoms decreased but remained higher than baseline after exiting the HDM-EEU. Sixteen participants (37.2%) were classified as Early Phase Responders (EPR), eleven (25.6%) as protracted EPR (pEPR), seven (16.3%) as Dual Phase Responders (DPR), and nine (20.9%) as Poor Responders (PR). Allergic participants experienced significant percent PNIF reductions at hours 2 and 3 compared to healthy controls. Non-allergics were asymptomatic during the study period. Conclusions The HDM-EEU is an appropriate model to study HDM-induced AR as it can generate clinically relevant AR symptoms amongst HDM-allergic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubnaa Hossenbaccus
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center - KGH Site, Kingston, Canada
| | - Sophia Linton
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jenny Thiele
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center - KGH Site, Kingston, Canada
| | - Lisa Steacy
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center - KGH Site, Kingston, Canada
| | - Terry Walker
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center - KGH Site, Kingston, Canada
| | - Crystal Malone
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center - KGH Site, Kingston, Canada
| | - Anne K Ellis
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Allergy Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center - KGH Site, Kingston, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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9
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Pfaar O, Zieglmayer P. Allergen exposure chambers: implementation in clinical trials in allergen immunotherapy. Clin Transl Allergy 2020; 10:33. [PMID: 32742636 PMCID: PMC7388504 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-020-00336-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergen exposure chambers (AECs) have been developed for controlled allergen challenges of allergic patients mimicking natural exposure. As such, these facilities have been utilized e.g., for proof of concept, dose finding or the demonstration of onset of action and treatment effect sizes of antiallergic medication. Moreover, clinical effects of and immunological mechanisms in allergen immunotherapy (AIT) have been investigated in AECs. In Europe AIT products have to fulfill regulatory requirements for obtaining market authorization through Phase I to III clinical trials. Multiple Phase II (dose-range-finding or proof-of-concept) trials on AIT products have been performed in AECs. However, they are not accepted by regulatory bodies for pivotal (Phase III) trials and a more thorough technical and clinical validation is requested. Recently, a Position Paper of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has outlined unmet needs in further development of AECs. The following review aims to address some of these needs on the basis of recently published data in the first part, whereas the second part overviews published examples of most relevant Phase II trials in AIT performed in AEC facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Pfaar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Rhinology and Allergy, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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10
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Yang WH, Kelly SM, Yang J, Santone B, Karsh J. Development and validation of an Allergen Challenge Theater for grass and ragweed. Allergy 2019; 74:2531-2533. [PMID: 31145474 DOI: 10.1111/all.13933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jimmy Yang
- Red Maple Trials Incorporated Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | | | - Jacob Karsh
- Red Maple Trials Incorporated Ottawa Ontario Canada
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11
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Tenn MW, Steacy LM, Adams DE, Walker TJ, Ellis AK. Comparison of allergic rhinitis outcomes of the environmental exposure unit and nasal allergen challenge model. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2019; 123:105-106.e1. [PMID: 30959101 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Tenn
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Steacy
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel E Adams
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terry J Walker
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne K Ellis
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Ellis AK, Jacobs RL, Tenn MW, Steacy LM, Adams DE, Walker TJ, Togias A, Ramirez DA, Andrews CP, Visness CM, James RL, Rather CG. Clinical standardization of two controlled allergen challenge facilities: The Environmental Exposure Unit and the Biogenics Research Chamber. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2019; 122:639-646.e2. [PMID: 30878629 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlled allergen challenge facilities (CACF), in disparate geographic regions with dissimilar engineering and base populations, have historically functioned as single, independent sites in clinical allergy trials. We aimed to demonstrate "between-unit reproducibility" to allow controlled challenge trials of participants using 2 CACFs. OBJECTIVE To compare and standardize 2 CACFs located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and San Antonio, Texas, by examining participant-reported symptom severity during qualifying and treatment visits and evaluating response to treatment, while using the same allergen. METHODS At 2 different CACFs, participants were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover intervention trial with cetirizine 10 mg. Different distribution devices delivered common short ragweed pollen via laminar air flow and maintained an airborne concentration of 3500 ± 700 grains/m3 in both facilities. A 1-hour "sham" run with no pollen release preceded a priming exposure of 3 hours and was followed 3 days later by a qualifying/treatment 5-hour exposure. At least 14 days later, another priming exposure was followed by the crossover exposure and treatment. RESULTS Forty-eight and 43 subjects completed the study at Kingston and San Antonio, respectively. Demographics were similar. Fewer than 10% exhibited symptoms with sham exposure. No significant differences were found between the 2 facilities in maximal total rhinoconjunctivitis symptom score, total nasal symptom score, and total ocular symptom score, nor in areas under the curve. In both facilities, no significant effects of cetirizine 10 mg over placebo were detected. CONCLUSION The results were equivalent, demonstrating that the 2 CACFs can be used together in dual-center clinical trials and show the possibility of multicenter trials involving multiple CACFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Ellis
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Mark W Tenn
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Steacy
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel E Adams
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terry J Walker
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alkis Togias
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland
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Ellis AK, Tenn MW, Steacy LM, Adams DE, Day AG, Walker TJ, Nolte H. Lack of effect of Timothy grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy tablet on birch pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in an environmental exposure unit. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2018; 120:495-503.e2. [PMID: 29432967 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timothy grass pollen allergen extract tablets (Grastek) are standardized sublingual immunotherapy tablets (SLIT-T) approved for the treatment of grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) and conjunctivitis. Many grass allergic patients are also cosensitized to birch pollen. Whether Timothy grass SLIT-T can confer symptomatic benefits for birch pollen-induced AR symptoms is unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the treatment effect of Timothy grass SLIT-T for birch pollen-induced AR in participants sensitized to both grass and birch pollen using an environmental exposure unit (EEU). METHODS This study was a phase 4, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study that enrolled participants aged 18 to 65 years allergic to both timothy grass and birch pollen. After a baseline EEU birch pollen challenge, in which a minimum total nasal symptom score (TNSS) of 6 of 12 was required for enrollment, participants were randomized to receive Timothy grass SLIT-T or placebo taken once daily for 4 months. No confirmatory grass pollen challenge was performed. The primary end point was the change in TNSS averaged from assessments from hours 2 to 5 during the posttreatment birch pollen challenge compared with baseline. The secondary and exploratory end points included temporally identical changes in total ocular symptom score (TOSS), total rhinoconjunctivitis symptom score (TRSS), and individual symptom scores. RESULTS The difference in TNSS reduction after 4 months of therapy between the Timothy grass SLIT-T and placebo group was not significant (P = .83). Reductions in TOSS (P = .19) and TRSS (P = .67) were also comparable between groups. Findings between groups for individual symptom scores were similar (all P > .40), except for watery eyes, in which symptom reduction was slightly better in the placebo arm (P = .01). Timothy grass SLIT-T was well tolerated, and no serious adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSION A bystander effect of grass SLIT-T on birch pollen-induced AR symptoms was not detected. Symptomatic benefits of grass SLIT-T are likely allergen specific. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02394600.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Mark W Tenn
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Steacy
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel E Adams
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew G Day
- Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terry J Walker
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Health Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Wise SK, Lin SY, Toskala E, Orlandi RR, Akdis CA, Alt JA, Azar A, Baroody FM, Bachert C, Canonica GW, Chacko T, Cingi C, Ciprandi G, Corey J, Cox LS, Creticos PS, Custovic A, Damask C, DeConde A, DelGaudio JM, Ebert CS, Eloy JA, Flanagan CE, Fokkens WJ, Franzese C, Gosepath J, Halderman A, Hamilton RG, Hoffman HJ, Hohlfeld JM, Houser SM, Hwang PH, Incorvaia C, Jarvis D, Khalid AN, Kilpeläinen M, Kingdom TT, Krouse H, Larenas-Linnemann D, Laury AM, Lee SE, Levy JM, Luong AU, Marple BF, McCoul ED, McMains KC, Melén E, Mims JW, Moscato G, Mullol J, Nelson HS, Patadia M, Pawankar R, Pfaar O, Platt MP, Reisacher W, Rondón C, Rudmik L, Ryan M, Sastre J, Schlosser RJ, Settipane RA, Sharma HP, Sheikh A, Smith TL, Tantilipikorn P, Tversky JR, Veling MC, Wang DY, Westman M, Wickman M, Zacharek M. International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2018; 8:108-352. [PMID: 29438602 PMCID: PMC7286723 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical examination of the quality and validity of available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature is necessary to improve understanding and to appropriately translate this knowledge to clinical care of the AR patient. To evaluate the existing AR literature, international multidisciplinary experts with an interest in AR have produced the International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR). METHODS Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to AR. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) format as dictated by available evidence and purpose within the ICAR:AR document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:AR document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus. RESULTS The ICAR:AR document addresses over 100 individual topics related to AR, including diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors for the development of AR, allergy testing modalities, treatment, and other conditions/comorbidities associated with AR. CONCLUSION This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature to identify areas for future AR research and improved understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cezmi A. Akdis
- Allergy/Asthma, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research, Switzerland
| | | | - Antoine Azar
- Allergy/Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Cemal Cingi
- Otolaryngology, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam DeConde
- Otolaryngology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jan Gosepath
- Otorhinolaryngology, Helios Kliniken Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jens M. Hohlfeld
- Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Airway Research Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, German Center for Lung Research, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amber U. Luong
- Otolaryngology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, USA
| | | | | | | | - Erik Melén
- Pediatric Allergy, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | | | | | - Joaquim Mullol
- Otolaryngology, Universitat de Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Pfaar
- Rhinology/Allergy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | | | - Carmen Rondón
- Allergy, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, Spain
| | - Luke Rudmik
- Otolaryngology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Matthew Ryan
- Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern, USA
| | - Joaquin Sastre
- Allergology, Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jiminez Diaz, Spain
| | | | | | - Hemant P. Sharma
- Allergy/Immunology, Children's National Health System, George Washington University School of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - De Yun Wang
- Otolaryngology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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North ML, Jones MJ, MacIsaac JL, Morin AM, Steacy LM, Gregor A, Kobor MS, Ellis AK. Blood and nasal epigenetics correlate with allergic rhinitis symptom development in the environmental exposure unit. Allergy 2018; 73:196-205. [PMID: 28755526 DOI: 10.1111/all.13263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic alterations may represent new therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers of allergic rhinitis (AR). Our aim was to examine genome-wide epigenetic changes induced by controlled pollen exposure in the environmental exposure unit (EEU). METHODS 38 AR sufferers and eight nonallergic controls were exposed to grass pollen for 3 hours on two consecutive days. We interrogated DNA methylation at baseline and 3 hours in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using the Infinium Methylation 450K array. We corrected for demographics, cell composition, and multiple testing (Benjamini-Hochberg) and verified hits using bisulfite PCR pyrosequencing and qPCR. To extend these findings to a clinically relevant tissue, we investigated DNA methylation and gene expression of mucin 4 (MUC4), in nasal brushings from a separate validation cohort exposed to birch pollen. RESULTS In PBMCs of allergic rhinitis participants, 42 sites showed significant DNA methylation changes of 2% or greater. DNA methylation changes in tryptase gamma 1 (TPSG1), schlafen 12 (SLFN12), and MUC4 in response to exposure were validated by pyrosequencing. SLFN12 DNA methylation significantly correlated with symptoms (P < 0.05), and baseline DNA methylation pattern was found to be predictive of symptom severity upon grass allergen exposure (P = 0.029). Changes in MUC4 DNA methylation in nasal brushings in the validation cohort correlated with drop in peak nasal inspiratory flow (Spearman's r = 0.314, P = 0.034), and MUC4 gene expression was significantly increased (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION This study revealed novel and rapid epigenetic changes upon exposure in a controlled allergen challenge facility, and identified baseline epigenetic status as a predictor of symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. L. North
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences and Division of Allergy & Immunology Department of Medicine Queen's University Kingston ON Canada
- Allergy Research Unit Kingston General Hospital Kingston ON Canada
| | - M. J. Jones
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - J. L. MacIsaac
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - A. M. Morin
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - L. M. Steacy
- Allergy Research Unit Kingston General Hospital Kingston ON Canada
| | - A. Gregor
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences and Division of Allergy & Immunology Department of Medicine Queen's University Kingston ON Canada
| | - M. S. Kobor
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - A. K. Ellis
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences and Division of Allergy & Immunology Department of Medicine Queen's University Kingston ON Canada
- Allergy Research Unit Kingston General Hospital Kingston ON Canada
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Boelke G, Berger U, Bergmann KC, Bindslev-Jensen C, Bousquet J, Gildemeister J, Jutel M, Pfaar O, Sehlinger T, Zuberbier T. Peak nasal inspiratory flow as outcome for provocation studies in allergen exposure chambers: a GA 2LEN study. Clin Transl Allergy 2017; 7:33. [PMID: 28932387 PMCID: PMC5604509 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-017-0169-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The GA2LEN chamber has been developed as a novel mobile allergen exposure chamber (AEC) allowing standardized multicenter trials in allergy. Hitherto, subjective nasal symptom scores have been the most often used outcome parameter, but in standardized modern trials objective parameters are preferred. Despite its practicability, the objective parameter peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) has been rarely used for allergy trials in the setting of allergen exposure chambers. This study aims to evaluate PNIF as an outcome parameter for provocation studies in AECs. Methods In a randomized controlled blinded setting subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis were exposed to grass pollen, birch pollen, house dust mite and/or placebo in the GA2LEN chamber. Different allergen concentrations were used to evaluate symptom severities. Patients had to perform PNIF before and every 30 min during a challenge using a portable PNIF meter. Results 86 subjects participated in 203 challenges, altogether. House dust mite provocations caused the greatest reduction in PNIF values, followed by grass pollen and birch pollen. Provocations with every allergen or pollen concentration led to a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in PNIF compared to baseline. Furthermore, positive correlations were obtained between PNIF and peak expiratory flow, height and weight, and inverse correlations between PNIF and total nasal symptom score, nasal congestion score and visual analog scale of overall subjective symptoms. Conclusion PNIF is a helpful and feasible tool for conducting provocation trials with allergens, especially grass pollen and house dust mite, in an AEC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13601-017-0169-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Boelke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy-Center-Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Berger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Aerobiology and Pollen Information Research Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy-Center-Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jean Bousquet
- CHRU, Montpellier University Hospital Center, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Marek Jutel
- ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Oliver Pfaar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | - Torsten Zuberbier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy-Center-Charité, Berlin, Germany
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Badorrek P, Müller M, Koch W, Hohlfeld JM, Krug N. Specificity and reproducibility of nasal biomarkers in patients with allergic rhinitis after allergen challenge chamber exposure. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2017; 118:290-297. [PMID: 28284536 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2017.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease that causes cellular influx and mediator release in the nose. These inflammatory changes might be used as nasal biomarkers to assess the efficacy of novel anti-allergic treatments. OBJECTIVE To assess the specificity and reproducibility of nasal biomarkers in patients with allergic rhinitis after grass pollen exposure in an allergen challenge chamber. METHODS In a monocenter pilot study, 15 patients with allergic rhinitis and 19 healthy individuals underwent two 4-hour Dactylis glomerate pollen challenges in the challenge chamber with an interval of 21 days. Before challenge, on exit, and after 2 and 22 hours, a nasal lavage was performed and nasal secretions were collected on filter paper to determine a wide panel of cells and mediators. Furthermore, total nasal symptom score, nasal flow, and nasal nitric oxide were measured. RESULTS Pollen exposure significantly increased eosinophil, interleukin (IL) 5, IL-6, IL-13, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β levels in allergic patients but not in healthy individuals. The effect could be reproduced for eosinophils, IL-5, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β after the second allergen challenge. By contrast, the IL-13 levels were higher and eotaxin levels first increased after repetitive allergen challenge. There was no correlation between total nasal symptom score and elevated cell or cytokine levels. Nasal nitric oxide levels were nonspecifically elevated in both patients with allergy and healthy controls. CONCLUSION A subset of cellular and soluble biomarkers in nasal lavage and secretion reveals specificity and reproducibility in patients with allergic rhinitis. These can be used to measure the immunologic efficacy of antiallergic treatments in an allergen challenge chamber. Carryover effects attributable to priming must be considered when designing cross-over studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00297843.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Badorrek
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Meike Müller
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Koch
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens M Hohlfeld
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Lung Research, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Norbert Krug
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Lung Research, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
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18
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Ellis AK, Steacy LM, Joshi A, Bhowmik S, Raut A. Efficacy of the novel nasal steroid S0597 tested in an environmental exposure unit. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2017; 117:310-7. [PMID: 27613466 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND S0597 is a novel glucocorticosteroid that was formulated as an intranasal spray to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). In a previous phase 2 study, doses of 100 to 400 μg twice daily were well tolerated and more effective than placebo for improving nasal symptoms induced by grass pollen. OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of a once-daily S0597 nasal spray for treatment of SAR induced by ragweed pollen in an environmental exposure unit (EEU). METHODS A single-center, phase 2, randomized, double-blind study in 222 adults with SAR and a positive skin prick test result to short ragweed. Participants underwent ragweed pollen challenge in the EEU at the screening or priming visit and on days 1, 7, and 14 and received 50, 200, or 400 μg of S0597 or placebo in the evening for 13 days. The primary efficacy end point was change in total nasal symptom score (TNSS) from baseline to day 14. RESULTS Improvement in TNSS from baseline to day 14 was statistically significant in all S0597 groups compared with placebo. Least-squares mean differences in change from baseline between active treatment and placebo were 1.18, 1.84, and 1.17 for the 50-, 200-, and 400-μg/d S0597 groups, respectively (P < .05). The 200-μg group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all TNSS subscales (rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal itching) compared with placebo at days 7 and 14. CONCLUSION Treatment with 50 to 400 μg of S0597 once daily was well tolerated and significantly more effective than placebo in relieving nasal symptoms of SAR associated with ragweed pollen. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01940146.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Ellis
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lisa M Steacy
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Atul Raut
- Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company Ltd, Mumbai, India
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Pfaar O, Calderon MA, Andrews CP, Angjeli E, Bergmann KC, Bønløkke JH, de Blay F, Devillier P, Ellis AK, Gerth van Wijk R, Hohlfeld JM, Horak F, Jacobs RL, Jacobsen L, Jutel M, Kaul S, Larché M, Larenas-Linnemann D, Mösges R, Nolte H, Patel P, Peoples L, Rabin RL, Rather C, Salapatek AM, Sigsgaard T, Thaarup S, Yang J, Zieglmayer P, Zuberbier T, Demoly P. Allergen exposure chambers: harmonizing current concepts and projecting the needs for the future - an EAACI Position Paper. Allergy 2017; 72:1035-1042. [PMID: 28122133 DOI: 10.1111/all.13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen exposure chambers (AECs) are clinical facilities allowing for controlled exposure of subjects to allergens in an enclosed environment. AECs have contributed towards characterizing the pathophysiology of respiratory allergic diseases and the pharmacological properties of new therapies. In addition, they are complementary to and offer some advantages over traditional multicentre field trials for evaluation of novel therapeutics. To date, AEC studies conducted have been monocentric and have followed protocols unique to each centre. Because there are technical differences among AECs, it may be necessary to define parameters to standardize the AECs so that studies may be extrapolated for driving basic immunological research and for marketing authorization purposes by regulatory authorities. METHODS For this task force initiative of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), experts from academia and regulatory agencies met with chamber operators to list technical, clinical and regulatory unmet needs as well as the prerequisites for clinical validation. RESULTS The latter covered the validation process, standardization of challenges and outcomes, intra- and interchamber variability and reproducibility, in addition to comparability with field trials and specifics of paediatric trials and regulatory issues. CONCLUSION This EAACI Position Paper aims to harmonize current concepts in AECs and to project unmet needs with the intent to enhance progress towards use of these facilities in determining safety and efficacy of new therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Pfaar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery; Universitätsmedizin Mannheim; Medical Faculty Mannheim; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
- Center for Rhinology and Allergology; Wiesbaden Germany
| | - M. A. Calderon
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Imperial College London; London UK
- National Heart & Lung Institute; Royal Brompton Hospital; London UK
| | | | | | - K. C. Bergmann
- Allergy-Centre-Charité; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - J. H. Bønløkke
- Department of Public Health; Section for Environment, Occupation and Health; Danish Ramazzini Center; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
| | - F. de Blay
- ALYATEC; Strasbourg France
- Chest Disease Department; University Hospital of Strasbourg and Federation of Translational Medicine, EA3072; Strasbourg University; Strasbourg France
| | - P. Devillier
- UPRES EA 220; Airway Diseases Department; Hôpital Foch; Université Versailles Saint Quentin; University Paris Saclay; Suresnes France
| | - A. K. Ellis
- Department of Medicine; Queen's University; Kingston ON Canada
- Environmental Exposure Unit; Kingston General Hospital; Kingston ON Canada
| | - R. Gerth van Wijk
- Section of Allergology; Department of Internal Medicine; Erasmus MC; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - J. M. Hohlfeld
- Department of Clinical Airway Research; Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM); Hannover Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research
| | - F. Horak
- Vienna Challenge Chamber; Vienna Austria
| | - R. L. Jacobs
- Biogenics Research Chamber LLC; San Antonio TX USA
| | - L. Jacobsen
- Allergy Learning and Consulting (ALC); Copenhagen Denmark
| | - M. Jutel
- ALL-MED Medical Research Institute; Wrocław Poland
- Wroclaw Medical University; Wrocław Poland
| | - S. Kaul
- Division of Allergology; Paul-Ehrlich-Institut; Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines; Langen Germany
| | - M. Larché
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health; Department of Medicine; St. Joseph's Hospital Healthcare; McMaster University; Hamilton ON Canada
| | - D. Larenas-Linnemann
- Department of Investigation; Hospital Médica Sur; Mexico City Mexico
- Center for Excellence in Asthma and Allergy; Mexico City Mexico
| | - R. Mösges
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology (IMSIE); University Hospital of Cologne; University at Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | | | - P. Patel
- Inflamax Research Inc.; Mississauga ON Canada
| | | | - R. L. Rabin
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research; United States Food and Drug Administration; Silver Spring MD USA
| | - C. Rather
- Biogenics Research Chamber LLC; San Antonio TX USA
| | | | - T. Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health; Section for Environment, Occupation and Health; Danish Ramazzini Center; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
| | - S. Thaarup
- Mobile Chamber Experts GmbH (MCX); Berlin Germany
| | - J. Yang
- Red Maple Trials; Ottawa ON Canada
| | | | - T. Zuberbier
- Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA LEN); Department of Dermatology & Allergy; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - P. Demoly
- Département de Pneumologie et Addictologie; Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve; University Hospital of Montpellier; Montpellier France
- UPMC Paris 06; UMR-S 1136; IPLESP; Equipe EPAR; Sorbonne Universités; Paris France
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Angjeli E, Gomes P, Lane KJ, Stein L, Abelson MB. Technical and clinical validation of the Allergen BioCube ® for timothy grass. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2017; 5:78-84. [PMID: 28250927 PMCID: PMC5322160 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Field studies for allergic rhinitis (AR) commonly have inconsistent allergen concentrations and subject exposure patterns due to varying environmental conditions and subject behaviors. A technical and clinical validation study was conducted for the Allergen BioCube® using timothy grass to confirm uniform allergen concentration and clinically relevant subject symptom responses. METHODS Allergen concentrations were verified by laser particle counts. Subjects (N = 14) with positive skin test reactions and no symptoms at screening received four 3-h timothy grass exposures in the BioCube over consecutive days. Subjects evaluated nasal itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion while in the BioCube; Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) was computed. Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), sIgE blood tests, and Nasal Inflammation Score (NIS) were assessed. A correlation analysis was conducted for mean sIgE, skin test, and TNSS. RESULTS Uniform timothy grass concentrations were achieved in the BioCube, both spatially and temporally, at all subject positions. Mean TNSS increased substantially from pre-exposure levels (0.36 ± 0.74 to 1.86 ± 2.14) to maximums of 7.07 ± 2.76 at 1.5 h and 6.71 ± 2.70 at 3 h BioCube exposure. Twelve (86%) subjects had TNSS increases ≥6 units. PNIF decreased 12-24% from baseline at 3-h BioCube exposure. NIS increased (baseline = 0) to 3.7 (maximum score = 4). A low/moderate correlation (r = 0.485) occurred between mean sIgE blood levels and mean skin tests; neither sIgE or skin tests correlated with mean TNSS. However, subjects with high skin test scores or positive blood IgE tended to also have higher TNSS. CONCLUSIONS The Allergen BioCube achieved technical and clinical validation for uniform timothy grass concentration and clinically meaningful AR sign and symptom responses. The Allergen BioCube can be used to assess the efficacy of therapies for reduction of AR signs and symptoms resulting from grass exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mark B Abelson
- Ora, Inc.AndoverMassachusettsUSA; Department of OphthalmologyHarvard Medical SchoolCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
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Mueller GA, Thompson PM, DeRose EF, O’Connell TM, London RE. A metabolomic, geographic, and seasonal analysis of the contribution of pollen-derived adenosine to allergic sensitization. Metabolomics 2016; 12:187. [PMID: 28798556 PMCID: PMC5546310 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-016-1130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on ragweed and birch pollen extracts suggested that the adenosine content is an important factor in allergic sensitization. However, exposure levels from other pollens and considerations of geographic and seasonal factors have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE This study compared the metabolite profile of pollen species important for allergic disease, specifically measured the adenosine content, and evaluated exposure to pollen-derived adenosine. METHODS An NMR metabolomics approach was used to measure metabolite concentrations in twenty-six pollen extracts. Pollen count data was analyzed from five cities to model exposure. RESULTS A principal component analysis of the various metabolites identified by NMR showed that pollen extracts could be differentiated primarily by sugar content: glucose, fructose, sucrose, and myo-inositol. In extracts of 10 mg of pollen/ml, the adenosine was highest for grasses (45 μM) followed by trees (23 μM) and weeds (19 μM). Pollen count data showed that tree pollen was typically 5-10 times the amount of other pollens. At the daily peaks of tree, grass, and weed season the pollen-derived adenosine exposure per day is likely to only be 1.1, 0.11, and 0.12 μg, respectively. Seasonal models of pollen exposure and respiration suggest that it would be a rare event limited to tree pollen season for concentrations of pollen-derived adenosine to approach physiological levels. CONCLUSIONS Sugar content and other metabolites may be useful in classifying pollens. Unless other factors create localized exposures that are very different from these models, pollen-derived adenosine is unlikely to be a major factor in allergic sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey A. Mueller
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity and Structural Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
- Corresponding Author: 111 T.W. Alexander Drive MD-MR01, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709,
| | - Peter M. Thompson
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity and Structural Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
| | - Eugene F. DeRose
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity and Structural Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
| | - Thomas M. O’Connell
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Robert E. London
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity and Structural Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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Ellis AK, Soliman M, Steacy LM, Adams DE, Hobsbawn B, Walker TJB. Clinical validation of controlled exposure to birch pollen in the Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU). ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 12:53. [PMID: 27777594 PMCID: PMC5069953 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-016-0156-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU) in Kingston, Ontario, Canada is a controlled allergen challenge facility (CACF) that has been previously clinically validated for the use of ragweed and grass pollen in clinical studies. In this study we aim to validate the use of birch pollen to challenge allergic participants. METHODS A total of 59 volunteers were screened and 38 birch allergic participants and ten non-allergics completed the study, outside of tree pollen season. Participants had to have a minimum of 2-year history of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis during the typical tree pollen season and have a positive skin prick test to birch allergen ≥5 mm from the control. Qualified participants were exposed to birch (Betula pendula) pollen for 4 h in the EEU and recorded their symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, nasal itch which comprised the total nasal symptom score (TNSS), as well as itchy/watery eyes, red/burning eyes and itching of ears/palate/throat which along with the TNSS comprised the total rhinoconjunctival symptom score (TRSS) along with Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) at baseline and at 30 min intervals for the duration of exposure, then hourly for up to 12 h from the start of exposure. RESULTS Allergic participants reported a gradual rise in TNSS and TRSS, reaching a mean and standard error of the mean of 7.08 ± 0.45 and 11.58 ± 0.93 respectively by 180 min from the start of exposure. Symptoms gradually declined to near baseline values following departing from the unit, reaching 1.9 and 2.7 by 450 min. Allergic participants reported significantly higher TNSS than non-allergics starting from 30 min (p < 0.01, two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections), maintaining maximum significance from 60 to 300 min (p < 0.0001) and losing significance by 420 min. TRSS and PNIF followed similar trends as those seen with TNSS. Participants were phenotyped using previously published definitions using the TNSS into Early Phase Responders (EPR, 57.8 %), protracted EPR (pEPR, 39.5 %), and Dual Phase Responders (DPR, 2.7 %). CONCLUSIONS The EEU can competently challenge birch allergic participants and achieve statistically significant changes in symptoms and nasal airflow, while such changes are not reported in non-allergic controls. Trial registration NCT02351830 clinicaltrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K. Ellis
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON Canada
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, 76 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7 Canada
| | - Mena Soliman
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, 76 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7 Canada
| | - Lisa M. Steacy
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, 76 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7 Canada
| | - Daniel E. Adams
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, 76 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7 Canada
| | - Barnaby Hobsbawn
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, 76 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7 Canada
| | - Terry J. B. Walker
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, 76 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7 Canada
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Kenney P, Bønløkke J, Hilberg O, Ravn P, Schlünssen V, Sigsgaard T. Method for a homogeneous distribution of pollens in an environmental exposure chamber. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:1176-84. [PMID: 27144495 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of different environmental exposure chambers (EECs) have been used to evaluate treatments for allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE To describe and test a system for a homogenous distribution of grass pollen, Phleum Pratense, in an EEC to be used for controlled pollen exposure studies in allergic participants. METHODS A chamber made of stainless steel with completely rounded corners, seating four individuals at a time, was used. Room pressure, temperature, humidity and the air change rate were kept constant throughout the study period. A rotating pipette dispensed a uniform supply of pollen into a turntable's v-shaped grooves. A stainless steel capillary tube sucked the pollens into a venturi throat at which time the pollens were mixed with a high-pressure airstream of compressed high-efficiency particulate arrestance filtered air and then transported to a spreading plate inside the EEC. To achieve uniform concentrations in the EEC, the turntable's rotating speed was continuously adjusted using information from video-coupled feedback and feed forward mechanisms. Pollen levels were detected using standard volumetric air samplers and laser particle counters. The target pollen exposure level was 1000 pollens/m(3) . Twenty-one participants were exposed to pollens in the EEC twice for 210 min. Participants evaluated their symptoms every 30 min using a total nasal symptom score (TNSS) consisting of blocked nose, runny nose, nasal itching and sneezing. RESULTS Across fifteen study days, the average pollen level was 982 pollens/m(3) (SD, 102 pollens/m(3) ). On average, participants experienced a 10% difference in overall pollen levels between their two visits to the EEC. The mean TNSSs rose throughout the exposure period, with a low at baseline of 0.43 (SD, 0.68) to a high of 4.71 (SD, 2.43) just before exiting the EEC. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE This EEC provides a reproducible, precise and homogenous distribution of pollens making it suitable for single-centre allergy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kenney
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Rhinix ApS, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - J Bønløkke
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - O Hilberg
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - P Ravn
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - V Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,National Research Center for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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North ML, Walker TJ, Steacy LM, Hobsbawn BG, Allan RJ, Hackman F, Sun X, Day AG, Ellis AK. Add-on histamine receptor-3 antagonist for allergic rhinitis: a double blind randomized crossover trial using the environmental exposure unit. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2014; 10:33. [PMID: 25024716 PMCID: PMC4094756 DOI: 10.1186/1710-1492-10-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral antihistamines that target the histamine receptor-1, such as fexofenadine, offer suboptimal relief of allergic rhinitis-associated nasal congestion. Combinations with oral sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, relieve congestion but produce side effects. Previous animal and human studies with histamine receptor-3 antagonists, such as PF-03654764, demonstrate promise. METHODS Herein we employ the Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU) to conduct the first randomized controlled trial of PF-03654764 in allergic rhinitis. 64 participants were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled 4-period crossover study. Participants were exposed to ragweed pollen for 6 hours post-dose in the EEU. The primary objective was to compare the effect of PF-03654764 + fexofenadine to pseudoephedrine + fexofenadine on the subjective measures of congestion and Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS). The objectives of our post-hoc analyses were to compare all treatments to placebo and determine the onset of action (OA). This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01033396). RESULTS PF-03654764 + fexofenadine was not superior to pseudoephedrine + fexofenadine. In post-hoc analyses, PF-03654764 + fexofenadine significantly reduced TNSS, relative to placebo, and OA was 60 minutes. Pseudoephedrine + fexofenadine significantly reduced congestion and TNSS, relative to placebo, with OA of 60 and 30 minutes, respectively. Although this study was not powered for a statistical analysis of safety, it was noted that all PF-03654764-treated groups experienced an elevated incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS PF-03654764 + fexofenadine failed to provide superior relief of allergic rhinitis-associated nasal symptoms upon exposure to ragweed pollen compared to fexofenadine + pseudoephedrine. However, in post-hoc analyses, PF-03654764 + fexofenadine improved TNSS compared to placebo. Side effects in the PF-03654764-treated groups were clinically significant compared to the controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L North
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada ; Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terry J Walker
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Steacy
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barnaby G Hobsbawn
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Xiaoqun Sun
- Clinical Research Centre, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew G Day
- Clinical Research Centre, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne K Ellis
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada ; Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada ; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Doran 1, Kingston General Hospital, 76 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2 V7, Canada
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