Retrospective Analysis on the Effects of House Dust Mite Specific Immunotherapy for More Than 3 Years in Atopic Dermatitis

Allergen-specific immunotherapy improves alopecia totalis in a severe atopic dermatitis patient

House dust mite (HDM) is the most common allergen exacerbating atopic dermatitis (AD), and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) using HDM exhibited significant improvements in previous studies. Alopecia can occur as a complication of AD. Alopecia totalis (AT), a severe form of alopecia areata (AA), does not respond well to treatment and the chance of full recovery is less than 10%. For extensive hair loss, topical immunotherapy such as diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is used as the first-line treatment. However, since DPCP is a kind of contact allergen, it has the potential to exacerbate AD. A 38-year-old man with AD and AA visited our clinic with symptoms worsening from 3 months ago. Although taking oral methylprednisolone (8 mg/day) and cyclosporine (100 mg/day) for 3 months, he has lost over 90% of his hair and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) was 43. Total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were 4454 kU/L (normal <100 kU/L) and the specific IgE levels for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae following ImmunoCAP® were 20.8 and 37.4 kU/L, respectively. This patient did not respond well to previous treatment and was reluctant to use long-term steroids, so subcutaneous AIT using HDM was administered along with oral cyclosporine (100 mg/day). Topical tacrolimus was also applied to the AD lesions throughout the body. To reduce itching, nonsedative antihistamines were used if necessary. Hair loss was almost completely improved 1 year after the AIT initiation and the skin lesions of AD also improved (EASI 2.4). The specific IgE levels for D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae were 3.73 and 7.16 kU/L, respectively. Herein, we report a patient with promising results following AIT for AT with severe AD. In severe alopecic patients with AD refractory to conventional treatment, including immunosuppressants, AIT could be considered as a treatment option.

Regulatory T Cell-Targeted Immunomodulatory Therapy for Long-Term Clinical Improvement of Atopic Dermatitis: Hypotheses and Perspectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterized by itching and eczematous lesions. It is often associated with a personal or familial history of allergic diseases. Allergic inflammation induced by immunoglobulin E and T-helper type 2 (Th2) cell responses to common environmental agents has been suggested to play an essential role in AD pathogenesis. The standard therapies for AD, including topical or systemic agents, focus on controlling skin inflammation. Recently developed monoclonal antibody to interleukin-4 receptor alpha or Janus kinase inhibitors can provide significant clinical improvements in patients with AD by inhibiting Th2 cell-mediated skin inflammation. However, the clinical efficacy of the Th2 cell-targeted therapy is transient and incomplete in patients with AD. Patients with AD are seeking a permanent cure. Therefore, the development of novel immunomodulatory strategies that can improve a long-term clinical outcome and provide a long-term treatment-free clinical remission of AD (disease-modifying therapy) is needed. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a critical role in the maintenance of immune tolerance and suppress the development of autoimmune and allergic diseases. This review provides three working hypotheses and perspectives for the treatment of AD by Treg cell activation. (1) A decreased number or function of Treg cells is a critical event that causes the activation of Th2 cells, leading to the development and maintenance of AD. (2) Activation of Treg cells is an effective therapeutic approach for AD. (3) Many different immunomodulatory strategies activating Treg cells can provide a long-term clinical improvement of AD by induction of immune tolerance. The Treg cell-targeted immunomodulatory therapies for AD include allergen immunotherapy, microbiota, vitamin D, polyvalent human immunoglobulin G, monoclonal antibodies to the surface antigens of T cell or antigen-presenting cell, and adoptive transfer of autologous Treg cells or genetically engineered Treg cells expanded in vitro.

Combined application of dupilumab and mite allergen-specific immunotherapy in children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that manifests in skin dryness, severe itching, and eczema, and can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Current treatment regimens do not prevent the recurrence of the disease and are associated with adverse effects. Here, we report two cases of moderate-to-severe AD in children that were treated with dupilumab, a dual inhibitor of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, in combination with mite allergen-specific immunotherapy.

CASE SUMMARY

Both patients presented with the diagnosis of AD that was not adequately controlled by the conventional treatment regimen, including topical corticosteroids (TCS), topical calcineurin inhibitors, emollients, and the traditional Chinese medicine treatments. In both patients, AD-associated skin irritation impacted the quality of life, disturbed sleep patterns, and caused stress and anxiety.Patients received treatment with dupilumab and mite allergen-specific immunotherapy in addition to the baseline treatment regimen of external glucocorticoids (TCS) and oral antihistamines. Nine months after beginning of treatment, clinical symptoms, signs, medication scores, and evaluation scale scores of both children significantly improved, and the treatment was associated with an overall good tolerance.

CONCLUSION

A combination of dupilumab and mite allergen-specific immunotherapy in addition to the standard anti-AD treatment improves clinical symptoms and is not associated with increased incidence of adverse effects.

[Allergen immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis]

Seit dem ersten Bericht über die Allergenimmuntherapie (AIT) durch Noon et al. vor 110 Jahren wurden zahlreiche klinische und grundlagenwissenschaftliche Studien durchgeführt, um die Effekte der einzigen kurativen Behandlung von Allergien zu untersuchen. Bei der atopischen Dermatitis (AD) findet sie jedoch nur selten Anwendung, obwohl es Evidenz dafür gibt, dass Aeroallergene zu Exazerbationen der Erkrankung beitragen können. Dieser Übersichtsbeitrag umfasst die aktuelle Studienlage, Metaanalysen und Leitlinienempfehlungen zur AIT bei AD-Patienten. Es zeigt sich eine große Heterogenität hinsichtlich Studiendesigns, Patientenkohorten, Allergenen, Applikationsformen und Endpunkten, wodurch die Vergleichbarkeit der Studien erschwert wird. Mehrere Untersuchungen zeigen eine positive Wirkung der AIT auf den Schweregrad der AD, was darauf hindeutet, dass zumindest eine Untergruppe von Patienten von der Behandlung profitieren kann. Weitere Entwicklungen auf dem Gebiet der AIT könnten dazu beitragen, dass die Therapie einen breiteren Einsatz bei AD-Patienten findet.

Sublingual immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides farinae drops for pediatric atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the clinical effect and safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with Dermatophagoides farinae drops for pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD).

METHODS

We enrolled children aged 4-13 years with AD and grouped them into the SLIT and control groups using the random number table method. We subdivided each group based on treatment duration (1-, 2-, and 3-year subgroups). The SLIT group received Dermatophagoides farinae drops, and both groups received conventional treatment (topical glucocorticoids, skin moisturizers, oral antihistamines, and allergen avoidance). Effective rate and effect were compared between groups after 1, 2, and 3 years of treatment.

RESULTS

We assessed 309 SLIT cases (male, 192; age, 4-13 years) and 131 controls (male, 79; age 4-13 years). The effective rate and curative effect after 2 and 3 years of treatment were significantly different between the groups (P < 0.05). The effect and effective rates between corresponding SLIT and control group treatment duration subgroups were significantly different (P < 0.05). SLIT group duration subgroups showed significant differences in the effect and effective rates (P < 0.05). Posttreatment Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) scores in the SLIT group duration subgroups were significantly lower than those of the corresponding control subgroups (P < 0.05). Upon follow-up at 1 year post treatment completion, the SLIT group's SCORAD score was significantly lower than its baseline score and the control group's follow-up score (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SLIT with Dermatophagoides farinae drops for pediatric AD is safe and effective; effectiveness is maintained after treatment cessation, and prolonged treatment improves efficacy.

Efficacy of transdermal immunotherapy with biodegradable microneedle patches in a murine asthma model

BACKGROUND

House dust mite (HDM) is a well-known cause of asthma. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) can only modify the natural course of the disease. Conventional routes of HDM AIT are subcutaneous or sublingual. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) has a disadvantage of systemic hypersensitive reaction, and the sublingual immunotherapy has a disadvantage of local allergic reaction and low drug adherence.

OBJECTIVE

To overcome the weak points of conventional AIT, we developed a HDM loaded biodegradable microneedle patch (MNP) for transdermal immunotherapy (TDIT). We aim to demonstrate the efficacy of TDIT in murine asthma model triggered by HDM compared with conventional SCIT.

METHODS

To make HDM asthma mouse model, 5-week-old BALB/c female mice were sensitized and challenged by intranasal administration of HDM. The mice were divided into 5 groups: sham, asthma, low (10 µg) and high dose (100 µg) SCIT, and TDIT (10 µg). To make HDM loaded MNP, droplet-born air blowing method was used. Airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic inflammation markers were analysed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, immunohistochemistry, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) analysis, and lung cytokine assays.

RESULTS

Airway hyperresponsiveness was ameliorated by TDIT. Eosinophilic inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage was improved without adverse reactions. Reduction of Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) cytokines, and HDM-specific IgE, induction of Treg (IL-10, TGF-β), Th1 (IFN-γ) cytokines were observed. Eosinophilic infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, and subepithelial fibrosis were also alleviated by TDIT. These changes were more significant in the TDIT group than in subcutaneous AIT group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, HDM loaded biodegradable TDIT is a novel treatment option to treat asthma which showed more effectiveness and may have better safety profiles than conventional SCIT.

Safety of Ultra-rush Schedule of Subcutaneous Allergen Immunotherapy With House Dust Mite Extract Conducted in an Outpatient Clinic in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis and Allergic Rhinitis

PURPOSE

Ultra-rush schedule of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (UR-SCIT) administering maximum maintenance dose of allergen extract within one day can save time and effort for allergen immunotherapy in patients with allergic disease. However, UR-SCIT is associated with an increased risk of systemic reaction (SR) and typically has been conducted in a hospital admission setting. To overcome disadvantages of UR-SCIT, we evaluated the safety of UR-SCIT conducted in an outpatient clinic in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic rhinitis (AR).

METHODS

UR-SCIT was performed in 538 patients with AD and/or AR sensitized to house dust mite (HDM). A maximum maintenance dose of tyrosine-adsorbed HDM extract (1 mL of maintenance concentration) was divided into 4 increasing doses (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mL) and administered to the patients by subcutaneous injection at 2-hour intervals for 8 hours in an outpatient clinic. SRs associated with UR-SCIT were classified according to the World Allergy Organization grading system.

RESULTS

SR was observed in 12 of 538 patients (2.2%) with AD and/or AR during UR-SCIT. The severity grades of the observed SRs were mild-to-moderate (grade 1 in 7 patients, grade 2 in 4 patients, and grade 3 in 1 patient). The scheduled 4 increasing doses of HDM extract could be administered in 535 of 538 patients (99.4%) except 3 patients who experienced SR before administration of the last scheduled dose. SR was observed within 2 hours in 11 patients after administration of the scheduled doses of HDM extract except one patient who experienced a grade 2 SR at 5.5 hours after administration of the last scheduled dose.

CONCLUSIONS

UR-SCIT with tyrosine-adsorbed HDM extract conducted in an outpatient clinic was tolerable in patients with AD and AR. UR-SCIT can be a useful method to start a SCIT in patients with AD and AR.

Current Status of Patient Education in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea

Patient education is important for successful management of atopic dermatitis; however, due to limited time and resources, patient education remains insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the current state of education provided by Korean dermatologists, pediatric allergists, and allergists to patients with atopic dermatitis. A questionnaire survey consisting of items regarding educational programs for patients with atopic dermatitis was conducted via e-mail. In total, 153 participants responded to the questionnaires, and 26.8% indicated that they have had separate educational programs. The workforce involved in the educational program included nurses, residents or fellows, dieticians, pharmacists, and clinical psychologists. Most education protocols addressed the characteristics and natural course of atopic dermatitis and environmental management. Overall, 96.7% of the participants replied that an additional charge is needed for education; moreover, additional assistance from an academic society or association, in the form of medical staff, organized data, and advertisement, is required to develop and provide a well-structured educational program. A standardized education protocol will effectively provide appropriate education for patients with atopic dermatitis. Arrangement of education fees, covered by the National Health Insurance Service, will lead to the establishment of a structured educational program and participation of an additional medical workforce.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy induces regulatory T cells in an atopic dermatitis mouse model

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated that allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) can be an effective treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD). However, there is no relevant mouse model to investigate the mechanism and validate the novel modality of SIT in AD.

METHODS

NC/Nga mice with induced AD-like skin lesions received a subcutaneous injection of SIT (an extract of the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae [DfE]) or placebo for 5 weeks). Clinical and histological improvements of AD-like skin lesions were examined. The responses of local and systemic regulatory T (Treg) cells, natural killer (NK) cells, B cells, serum immunoglobulin, and T-cell cytokine response to DfE were evaluated to determine the underlying mechanism of the observed results.

RESULTS

Specific immunotherapy significantly improved AD-like skin lesions. Histologically, SIT decreased epidermal thickness and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, especially that of eosinophils. Concomitantly, SIT suppressed Th2 responses and induced local infiltration of Treg cells into the skin. Also, SIT induced the immunoglobulin G4 and attenuated allergen-specific immunoglobulin E. Furthermore, SIT induced local and systemic IL-10-producing Treg cells and regulatory NK cells.

CONCLUSION

We established a SIT model on AD mice and showed that our model correlates well with previous reports about SIT-treated patients. Also, we revealed NK cells as another possible resource of IL-10 in SIT. Based on our results, we suggest our SIT model as a useful tool to investigate mechanism of action of SIT and to validate the efficacy of new SIT modalities for the treatment of AD.

Sensitization to various minor house dust mite allergens is greater in patients with atopic dermatitis than in those with respiratory allergic disease

BACKGROUND

Various allergenic proteins are produced by house dust mites (HDM). However, the allergenicity and clinical implications of these allergens are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify allergens in Dermatophagoides farinae and elucidate the sensitization profiles to these in Korean patients suffering from respiratory (allergic rhinitis and/or asthma) and atopic dermatitis symptoms.

METHODS

IgE reactivities in sera from 160 HDM allergy patients were analysed by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. IgE-reactive components were identified by liquid chromatography-coupled electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Nine recombinant mite allergens (Der f 1, Der f 2, Der f 10, Der f 11, Der f 13, Der f 14, Der f 30, Der f 32 and Der f Alt a 10) were produced, and the IgE reactivity in sera to each was determined by ELISAs.

RESULTS

Der f 1 and Der f 2 were recognized by IgE in serum samples from 88.1% and 78.1% of all patients, respectively. Patients with respiratory allergies were mainly sensitized to these major allergens, whereas patients with atopic dermatitis symptoms showed polysensitization to major and minor allergen components (including Der f 11, Der f 13, Der f 14, Der f 32 and Der f Alt a 10).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with respiratory allergic disease sensitize to major allergen components of HDM. Those with atopic dermatitis were sensitized to a broader range of minor allergen components of HDM (Der f 11, Der f 13, Der f 14, Der f 32 and Der f Alt a 10).

Immunotherapy of house dust mite allergy

House dust mite (HDM) is a predominant source of indoor aeroallergen worldwide, which induces allergic diseases including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, allergic asthma, atopic eczema and other allergic skin diseases. Allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only potential disease-modifying treatment of HDM allergic subjects. However, AIT remains underused due to no universally accepted allergen standardization and a shortage of rigorous clinical studies to confirm safety and efficacy. With the effort of doctors and researchers in allergy field, efficacy, safety, standardization and strategy of AIT are being continuously developed. This review presents the updated research based on recently published trials and meta-analyses.

Molecular aspects of allergens in atopic dermatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Molecular allergology uses pure, mainly recombinant and structurally defined allergen molecules and allergen-derived epitopes to study mechanisms of IgE-associated allergy, to diagnose, and even predict the development of allergic manifestations and to treat and prevent IgE-associated allergies. Atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease is almost always associated with IgE sensitization to allergens. However, also non-IgE-mediated pathomechanisms seem to be operative in atopic dermatitis and it is often difficult to identify the disease-causing allergens. Here we review recent work showing the usefulness of molecular allergology to study mechanisms of atopic dermatitis, for diagnosis and eventually for treatment and prevention of atopic dermatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

IgE sensitization to airborne, food-derived, microbial allergens, and autoallergens has been found to be associated with atopic dermatitis. Using defined allergen molecules and non-IgE-reactive allergen derivatives, evidence could be provided for the existence of IgE- and non-IgE-mediated mechanisms of inflammation in atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, effects of epicutaneous allergen administration on systemic allergen-specific immune responses have been studied. Multi-allergen tests containing micro-arrayed allergen molecules have been shown to be useful for the identification of culprit allergens in atopic dermatitis and may improve the management of atopic dermatitis by allergen-specific immunotherapy, allergen avoidance, and IgE-targeting therapies in a personalized medicine approach.

SUMMARY

Molecular allergology allows for dissection of the pathomechanisms of atopic dermatitis, provides new forms of allergy diagnosis for identification of disease-causing allergens, and opens the door to new forms of management by allergen-specific and T cells-targeting or IgE-targeting interventions in a personalized medicine approach.

Allergen immunotherapy in atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing skin disease, characterized by flare-up due to the exposure to allergens in patients sensitized to them. Currently, therapy of AD is mainly based on symptomatic treatment and avoidance of irritating/allergenic factors, house dust mites being particularly important. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is suggested to be the only etiologic treatment, to modify the natural history of the disease. Areas covered: The aim of this review is investigating the putative role of AIT in AD through the evaluation of the most recent scientific literature. Several studies have been conducted since 1970, with promising results in improving the clinical outcome of AD, but they often lack the necessary scientific rigorousness. Moreover, heterogeneity of the studies makes it very difficult to compare and to analyze data in a systematic review or meta-analysis. Expert commentary: As a result of the above-mentioned limitations, the treatment of AD with causative aeroallergen can nowadays be suggested only as an add-on therapy in selected patients who are non-responsive to the traditional therapy.

Clinical Diversity of Atopic Dermatitis: A Review of 5,000 Patients at a Single Institute

PURPOSE

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic eczematous dermatitis that has a high prevalence and diverse clinical features. Although several hypotheses about its multifactorial pathogenesis have been suggested, the cause is not yet fully understood. A better understanding of the clinical features may helpful inelucidating the pathogenesis of AD.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the questionnaires, medical charts, and laboratory examination results of 5,000 patients diagnosed with AD at a single tertiary hospital in Korea.

RESULTS

The demographics, allergic comorbidities, family history, severity, and treatment experiences of the patients were analyzed. Most of the patients were adults, 76.3% of whom were classified as havingan extrinsic type of AD. The mean eczema area and severity index (EASI) score was found to be 13.68, and adult patients were found to have higher severity than the other age groups. The anatomical involvements were different among the age groups, with more involvements of the head and neck in adults. The patients reported seasonal changes and stress as the factors that aggravated their symptoms the most. Topical steroids and oral cyclosporine were the most used medications at our clinic, whereas 10.1% of the patients underwent allergen-specific immunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis of 5,000 patients would lead to a better understanding of various subtypes and diverse clinical features of AD in Koreans. Distinct characteristics were observed among different age groups; thus, treatment strategies may need to be differentiated accordingly.

Clinical Efficacy of Subcutaneous Allergen Immunotherapy in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

PURPOSE

The clinical usefulness of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is still controversial. We analyzed the clinical efficacy of SCIT in patients with AD and the clinical characteristics of patients showing a favorable clinical response to the treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred and fifty one patients with AD sensitized to house dust mite (HDM) were treated by SCIT using HDM extract. The clinical severity of AD was measured using the standardized clinical severity scoring system for AD (SCORAD) at baseline and 12 months. A favorable clinical response to SCIT was defined as a decrease in SCORAD value at 12 months greater than 50% compared to baseline value. Severe AD was defined as a baseline SCORAD value above 50.

RESULTS

A favorable clinical response to SCIT was observed in 73.6% of patients. The proportion of patients showing a favorable clinical response to SCIT was significantly higher in patients with severe AD (90.6%) than patients with mild to moderated AD (63.7%) (p<0.001). Patients with severe AD showing a favorable clinical response had a significantly shorter duration of AD (12.3±8.5 years; mean±SD) than patients with severe AD showing no significant clinical response (20.6±10.9 years) (p<0.05) at baseline.

CONCLUSION

SCIT could be a clinically useful therapeutic option for patients with severe AD sensitized to HDM. Early initiation of SCIT might provide a favorable clinical outcome in patients with severe AD sensitized to HDM.

Different Responses in Induction of Allergen Specific Immunoglobulin G4 and IgE-Blocking Factors for Three Mite Subcutaneous Immunotherapy Products

PURPOSE

Specific immunoglobulin G4 (sIgG4) and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-blocking factors produced by subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) play a critical role in the induction of allergen tolerance. However, comparative studies of available SCIT reagents on the induction of sIgG4 are limited. We compared increases in sIgG4 for three different house dust mite (HDM) SCIT reagents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-two HDM sensitized allergic patients were enrolled and classified into four groups: 1) control (n=27), 2) SCIT with Hollister-Stier® (n=19), 3) Tyrosine S® (n=16), and 4) Novo-Helisen® (n=10). Levels of specific IgE (sIgE), sIgG4, and IgE blocking factor to Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae) were measured using ImmunoCAP (sIgE, sIgG4) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (IgE-blocking factors). Levels were measured before and 13.9±6.6 months after the SCIT. The allergen specificity and the induction levels of sIgE and sIgG4 were confirmed by immunoblot analysis.

RESULTS

After SCIT, sIgG4 levels to D. farinae increased significantly; however, the increases differed significantly among the SCIT groups (p<0.001). Specific IgG4 levels to D. farinae were highest in Hollister-Stier® (3.7±4.1 mg/L), followed by Novo-Helisen® (2.2±2.3 mg/L) and Tyrosine S® (0.7±0.5 mg/L). In addition, patients who were administered using Hollister-Stier® showed the most significant decrease in IgE/IgG4 ratio (p<0.001) and increase in blocking factor (p=0.009). Finally, according to IgE immunoblot results, the Hollister-Stier® group showed the most significant attenuation of IgE binding patterns among others.

CONCLUSION

Currently available SCIT reagents induce different levels of specific IgG4, IgE/IgG4 ratio, and IgE-blocking factor.