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Navarro-Cascales T, Colque-Bayona M, Fernandez-Concha I, Laorden D, Quirce S, Domínguez-Ortega J. A comparison of the impact of anti-IL5/5r therapies in allergic versus non-allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma in a real-life setting. J Asthma 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39235972 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2400607] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of allergic patients (AP) and non-allergic patients (NAP) with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) treated with anti-IL5/IL5R biologic agents (mepolizumab, benralizumab, or reslizumab) over one year. Sub-analyses assessed treatment response variations between AP and NAP based on the biological used and compared outcomes among AP with and without fungal allergy. METHODS Observational retrospective analysis. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, pulmonary function tests, Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, oral corticosteroid (OCS) usage, and exacerbation frequency were assessed at the initiation of biological treatment and after one year. RESULTS Sixty-five patients with SEA were included, 41 AP and 24 NAP. 55.4% were treated with mepolizumab, 33.8% with benralizumab, and 10.8% with reslizumab. Before anti-IL5/5R treatment, AP had worse baseline outcomes but there were no differences in pulmonary function. Mean annual exacerbation rate and percentage of patients requiring OCS and dose of prednisone were higher in AP than NAP. AP had significantly higher total IgE values. After one year of treatment, more AP discontinued OCS than NAP (p = 0.025). Both experienced a significant reduction in exacerbation frequency (p = 0.001) and improved respiratory function. 70.7% of AP and 60% of NAP improved ACT ≥3 points. There was no significant difference between AP and NAP using mepolizumab (p = 0.145) or benralizumab (p = 0.174) in reducing OCS. CONCLUSIONS Anti-IL5/IL5R reduced the need for OCS and improved asthma control, regardless of allergic status. Fungal allergy led to lower ACT scores and higher exacerbations than other allergens; both groups improved with anti-IL5/ILR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Navarro-Cascales
- Department of Allergy, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Daniel Laorden
- Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pneumology, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Quirce
- Department of Allergy, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Domínguez-Ortega
- Department of Allergy, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases, Madrid, Spain
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Kalyniuk V, Rodinkova V, Yuriev S, Mokin V, Losenko A, Kryvopustova M, Zabolotna D, Gogunska I. Fungi-sensitized individuals have unique profiles where Alt a 1 dominates promoting response to grass, ragweed and cat allergens. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2024; 5:1438393. [PMID: 39262766 PMCID: PMC11388980 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1438393] [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: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of our work was to determine comprehensively the sensitization profile of patients hypersensitive to fungal allergenic components in the Ukrainian population, identifying features of their co-sensitization to allergens of other groups and establishing potential relationships between causative allergens and their ability to provoke this hypersensitivity. Methods A set of programs was developed using Python and R programming languages, implementing the K-means++ clustering method. Bayesian networks were constructed based on the created clusters, allowing for the assessment of the probabilistic interplay of allergen molecules in the sensitization process of patients. Results and discussion It was found that patients sensitive to fungi are polysensitized, with 84.77% of them having unique allergological profiles, comprising from 2 to several dozen allergens from different groups. The immune response to Alt a 1 may act as the primary trigger for sensitization to other allergens and may contribute to a high probability of developing sensitivity to grasses (primarily to Phl p 2), ragweed extract, and the Amb a 1 pectate lyase, as well as to pectate lyase Cry j 1 and cat allergen Fel d 1. Individuals polysensitized to molecular components of fungi were often sensitive to such cross-reactive molecules as lipocalins Fel d 4 and Can f 6, as well. Sensitivity to Ambrosia extract which dominated in the development of sensitization to ragweed pollen indicating the importance of different allergenic components of this plant's pollen. This hypothesis, along with the assumption that Phl p 2 may be the main trigger for sensitivity to grasses in patients with Alternaria allergy, requires further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Kalyniuk
- Department of Allergology, SI Institute of Otolaryngology n.a. Prof.O.S. Kolomiychenko of NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Victoria Rodinkova
- Department of Pharmacy, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine
| | - Serhii Yuriev
- Department of Allergology, Medical Centre DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vitalii Mokin
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Arsen Losenko
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Mariia Kryvopustova
- Department of Pediatrics No2, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Diana Zabolotna
- Department of Allergology, SI Institute of Otolaryngology n.a. Prof.O.S. Kolomiychenko of NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Inna Gogunska
- Department of Allergology, SI Institute of Otolaryngology n.a. Prof.O.S. Kolomiychenko of NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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3
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Gereda JE, de Arruda-Chaves E, Larco J, Matos E, Runzer-Colmenares FM. [Severe asthma: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment]. REVISTA ALERGIA MÉXICO 2024; 71:114-127. [PMID: 39298123 DOI: 10.29262/ram.v71i2.1283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe asthma is an entity with a complex diagnosis, requiring an adequate differential diagnosis and identification of endotypes for a correct approach and therapeutic process. In the present review, we show a synthesis of the current literature on the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of severe asthma, having critically analyzed the evidence in search engines such as Medline, Scopus, and Embase.
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Affiliation(s)
- José E Gereda
- Sociedad Peruana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología (SPAAI)
- Clínica Ricardo Palma, Lima, Perú
| | - Erika de Arruda-Chaves
- Sociedad Peruana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología (SPAAI)
- PERUCARE, Clínica Anglo Americana, Lima, Perú
| | - José Larco
- Sociedad Peruana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología (SPAAI)
- Clínica San Felipe, Lima, Perú
| | - Edgar Matos
- Sociedad Peruana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología (SPAAI)
- Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño - Breña,Lima, Perú
| | - Fernando M Runzer-Colmenares
- Clínica San Felipe, Lima, Perú
- CHANGE Research Working Group, Carrera de Medicina Humana, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú.
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Fakhimahmadi A, Roth-Walter F, Hofstetter G, Wiederstein M, Jensen SA, Berger M, Szepannek N, Bianchini R, Pali-Schöll I, Jensen-Jarolim E, Hufnagl K. Mould allergen Alt a 1 spiked with the micronutrient retinoic acid reduces Th2 response and ameliorates Alternaria allergy in BALB/c mice. Allergy 2024. [PMID: 38818808 DOI: 10.1111/all.16181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the biological function of the mould allergen Alt a 1 as a carrier of micronutrients, such as the vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) and the influence of RA binding on its allergenicity in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Alt a 1-RA complex formation was analyzed in silico and in vitro. PBMCs from Alternaria-allergic donors were stimulated with Alt a 1 complexed with RA (holo-Alt a 1) or empty apo-Alt a 1 and analyzed for cytokine production and CD marker expression. Serum IgE-binding and crosslinking assays to apo- and holo-protein were correlated to B-cell epitope analysis. Female BALB/c mice already sensitized to Alt a 1 were intranasally treated with apo-Alt a 1, holo-Alt a 1 or RA alone before measuring anaphylactic response, serum antibody levels, splenic cytokines and CD marker expression. RESULTS In silico docking calculations and in vitro assays showed that the extent of RA binding depended on the higher quaternary state of Alt a 1. Holo-Alt a 1 loaded with RA reduced IL-13 released from PBMCs and CD3+CD4+CRTh2 cells. Complexing Alt a 1 to RA masked its IgE B-cell epitopes and reduced its IgE-binding capacity. In a therapeutic mouse model of Alternaria allergy nasal application of holo-Alt a 1, but not of apo-Alt a 1, significantly impeded the anaphylactic response, impaired splenic antigen-presenting cells and induced IL-10 production. CONCLUSION Holo-Alt a 1 binding to RA was able to alleviate Th2 immunity in vitro, modulate an ongoing Th2 response and prevent anaphylactic symptoms in vivo, presenting a novel option for improving allergen-specific immunotherapy in Alternaria allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aila Fakhimahmadi
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Roth-Walter
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerlinde Hofstetter
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Wiederstein
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sebastian A Jensen
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- AllergyCare Allergy Diagnosis Center, Private Clinic Döbling, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Berger
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nathalie Szepannek
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodolfo Bianchini
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Pali-Schöll
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erika Jensen-Jarolim
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- AllergyCare Allergy Diagnosis Center, Private Clinic Döbling, Vienna, Austria
- Biomedical International R+D GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Hufnagl
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- AllergyCare Allergy Diagnosis Center, Private Clinic Döbling, Vienna, Austria
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Rodinkova V, Yuriev S, Mokin V, Kryvopustova M, Shmundiak D, Bortnyk M, Kryzhanovskyi Y, Kurchenko A. Bayesian analysis suggests independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. World Allergy Organ J 2024; 17:100908. [PMID: 38800499 PMCID: PMC11126528 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100908] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fungi are known for their ability to cause allergies, but data on individual sensitization to them are insufficient. The purpose of the study was to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the fungal allergens' sensitization profile in the Ukrainian population and to determine both population and individual sensitivity to these allergens. Methods We utilized a set of ALEX allergy test data from 20,033 inhabitants of 17 regions of Ukraine from 1 to 89 years conducted in 2020-2022. A complex of programs in the Python language was developed and Bayesian network analysis was applied to determine the sensitivity combinations in individual patients to various fungal components. Results Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated and was observed in 79.39% of patients, and 62.17% of them were sensitive solely to Alt a 1. Exclusive sensitivity to Mala s 6 was second in individual patient profiles with a frequency of 4.06%. Combined sensitivity to Alt a 1 - Asp f 3 was third with a share of 3.28%. Pen ch and Cla h extracts stimulated the production of the lowest median sIgE levels. The highest median sIgE levels were for Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6, respectively. Median sIgE levels increased in adults compared to children for all components of Aspergillus fumigatus, as well as for Mala s 5 and Mala s 11. In the rest of the cases, they decreased in adults compared to children. The sensitization rates to fungi in general and specifically to Alternaria were lower in the western parts of Ukraine, especially in the Carpathian region, situated within the Broad-leaved Forest zone. The results of Bayesian modeling revealed that in the case of Alt a 1, the simultaneous absence of sensitivity to Cla h 8, Mala s 11, Mala s 5 and Mala s 6 molecules could condition the presence of sensitization to the major Alternaria allergen with a probability of 92.42%. In all other cases, there was a high probability of absence of sensitivity to particular allergen against the background of absence of sensitivity to other ones, which may indicate the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. Conclusions Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated in the studied population with a lower rate in the western regions. The highest median sIgE levels were induced by Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6. Bayesian Analysis suggest a high probability of the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. The idea that sensitization to one allergen may be protective against sensitization to another one(s) requires further clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Rodinkova
- Department of Pharmacy, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Serhii Yuriev
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Medical Centre, DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vitalii Mokin
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Mariia Kryvopustova
- Medical Centre, DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Department of Pediatrics No 2, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Shmundiak
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Mykyta Bortnyk
- Department of Pharmacy, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
- Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Yevhenii Kryzhanovskyi
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Andrii Kurchenko
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Medical Centre, DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Grewling Ł, Ribeiro H, Antunes C, Apangu GP, Çelenk S, Costa A, Eguiluz-Gracia I, Galveias A, Gonzalez Roldan N, Lika M, Magyar D, Martinez-Bracero M, Ørby P, O'Connor D, Penha AM, Pereira S, Pérez-Badia R, Rodinkova V, Xhetani M, Šauliene I, Skjøth CA. Outdoor airborne allergens: Characterization, behavior and monitoring in Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167042. [PMID: 37709071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Aeroallergens or inhalant allergens, are proteins dispersed through the air and have the potential to induce allergic conditions such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Outdoor aeroallergens are found predominantly in pollen grains and fungal spores, which are allergen carriers. Aeroallergens from pollen and fungi have seasonal emission patterns that correlate with plant pollination and fungal sporulation and are strongly associated with atmospheric weather conditions. They are released when allergen carriers come in contact with the respiratory system, e.g. the nasal mucosa. In addition, due to the rupture of allergen carriers, airborne allergen molecules may be released directly into the air in the form of micronic and submicronic particles (cytoplasmic debris, cell wall fragments, droplets etc.) or adhered onto other airborne particulate matter. Therefore, aeroallergen detection strategies must consider, in addition to the allergen carriers, the allergen molecules themselves. This review article aims to present the current knowledge on inhalant allergens in the outdoor environment, their structure, localization, and factors affecting their production, transformation, release or degradation. In addition, methods for collecting and quantifying aeroallergens are listed and thoroughly discussed. Finally, the knowledge gaps, challenges and implications associated with aeroallergen analysis are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grewling
- Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Helena Ribeiro
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Celia Antunes
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Sevcan Çelenk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ana Costa
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Ibon Eguiluz-Gracia
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Ana Galveias
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nestor Gonzalez Roldan
- Group of Biofunctional Metabolites and Structures, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Borstel, Germany; Pollen Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mirela Lika
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Donát Magyar
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Pia Ørby
- Department of Environmental Science, Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA) Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin D09 E432, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Marchã Penha
- Water Laboratory, School of Sciences and Technology, ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora. 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Sónia Pereira
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Rosa Pérez-Badia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Merita Xhetani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
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Fernandes C, Casadevall A, Gonçalves T. Mechanisms of Alternaria pathogenesis in animals and plants. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad061. [PMID: 37884396 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad061] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria species are cosmopolitan fungi darkly pigmented by melanin that infect numerous plant species causing economically important agricultural spoilage of various food crops. Alternaria spp. also infect animals, being described as entomopathogenic fungi but also infecting warm-blooded animals, including humans. Their clinical importance in human health, as infection agents, lay in the growing number of immunocompromised patients. Moreover, Alternaria spp. are considered some of the most abundant and potent sources of airborne sensitizer allergens causing allergic respiratory diseases, as severe asthma. Among the numerous strategies deployed by Alternaria spp. to attack their hosts, the production of toxins, carrying critical concerns to public health as food contaminant, and the production of hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases, can be highlighted. Alternaria proteases also trigger allergic symptoms in individuals with fungal sensitization, acting as allergens and facilitating antigen access to the host subepithelium. Here, we review the current knowledge about the mechanisms of Alternaria pathogenesis in plants and animals, the strategies used by Alternaria to cope with the host defenses, and the involvement Alternaria allergens and mechanisms of sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Fernandes
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Wolfe Street, Room E5132, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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González-de Paz L, Valdesoiro-Navarrete L, Roma J, Blat-Guimerà E, Benavent-Areu J, Bartra J, Sisó-Almirall A. Prevalence and Impact of Asthma and Allergy on Daily Life, Health Outcomes and Use of Healthcare Services in Children: A Population-Based Study. Arch Bronconeumol 2023:S0300-2896(23)00163-1. [PMID: 37277255 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2023.05.005] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies on the prevalence of asthma and allergies often lack representation of the pediatric population, and their impact has not been examined using children without these diseases as a reference group. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of asthma and allergies in children under 14 years old in Spain and their impact on health-related quality of life, activities, healthcare utilization, and environmental and household exposure risk factors. METHODS Data came from a Spanish population-based representative survey of children aged <14 years (N=6297). A sample of controls (1:4) from the same survey was matched using propensity score matching. Logistic regression models and population-attributable fractions were calculated to determine the impact of asthma and allergy. RESULTS The population prevalence of asthma was 5.7% (95% CI: 5.0%, 6.4%), and of allergy was 11.4% (95% CI: 10.5%, 12.4. In children with lower percentiles of health-related quality of life (≤20th), 32.3% (95% CI, 13.6%, 47.0%) was attributed to asthma and 27.7% (95% CI: 13.0%, 40.0%) to allergy. Forty-four percent of restrictions in usual activity were attributed to asthma (OR: 2.0, p-value: <0.001), and 47.9% to allergy (OR: 2.1, p-value: <0.001). 62.3% of all hospital admissions were attributed to asthma (OR: 2.8, p-value: <0.001), and 36.8% (OR: 2.5, p-value: <0.001) of all specialist consults to allergy. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of atopic disease and its impact on daily life and healthcare utilization call for an integrated healthcare system focused on children and caregivers' needs with continuity of care across education and healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis González-de Paz
- Consorci d'Atenció Primària de Salut Barcelona Esquerra (CAPSBE), Barcelona, Spain; Primary Healthcare Transversal Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Valdesoiro-Navarrete
- Department of Pediatric Allergy, Parc Taulí University Hospital, Sabadell, Spain; Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Sabadell Spain.
| | - Josep Roma
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona School of Management, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Spain
| | - Esther Blat-Guimerà
- Consorci d'Atenció Primària de Salut Barcelona Esquerra (CAPSBE), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Benavent-Areu
- Consorci d'Atenció Primària de Salut Barcelona Esquerra (CAPSBE), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Bartra
- Department of Allergy, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical and Experimental Respiratory Immunoallergy Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Sisó-Almirall
- Consorci d'Atenció Primària de Salut Barcelona Esquerra (CAPSBE), Barcelona, Spain; Primary Healthcare Transversal Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Abel-Fernández E, Martínez MJ, Galán T, Pineda F. Going over Fungal Allergy: Alternaria alternata and Its Allergens. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050582. [PMID: 37233293 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal allergy is the third most frequent cause of respiratory pathologies and the most related to a poor prognosis of asthma. The genera Alternaria and Cladosporium are the most frequently associated with allergic respiratory diseases, with Alternaria being the one with the highest prevalence of sensitization. Alternaria alternata is an outdoor fungus whose spores disseminate in warm and dry air, reaching peak levels in temperate summers. Alternaria can also be found in damp and insufficiently ventilated houses, causing what is known as sick building syndrome. Thus, exposure to fungal allergens can occur outdoors and indoors. However, not only spores but also fungal fragments contain detectable amounts of allergens and may function as aeroallergenic sources. Allergenic extracts of Alternaria hyphae and spores are still in use for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases but are variable and insufficiently standardised, as they are often a random mixture of allergenic ingredients and casual impurities. Thus, diagnosis of fungal allergy has been difficult, and knowledge about new fungal allergens is stuck. The number of allergens described in Fungi remains almost constant while new allergens are being found in the Plantae and Animalia kingdoms. Given Alt a 1 is not the unique Alternaria allergen eliciting allergy symptoms, component-resolved diagnosis strategies should be applied to diagnose fungal allergy. To date, twelve A. alternata allergens are accepted in the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Subcommittee, many of them are enzymes: Alt a 4 (disulfide isomerase), Alt a 6 (enolase), Alt a 8 (mannitol de-hydrogenase), Alt a 10 (aldehyde dehydrogenase), Alt a 13 (glutathione-S-transferase) and Alt a MnSOD (Mn superoxide dismutase), and others have structural and regulatory functions such as Alt a 5 and Alt a 12, Alt a 3, Alt a 7. The function of Alt a 1 and Alt a 9 remains unknown. Other four allergens are included in other medical databases (e.g., Allergome): Alt a NTF2, Alt a TCTP, and Alt a 70 kDa. Despite Alt a 1 being the A. alternata major allergen, other allergens, such as enolase, Alt a 6 or MnSOD, Alt a 14 have been suggested to be included in the diagnosis panel of fungal allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Abel-Fernández
- Applied Science, Inmunotek S.L., Parque Científico Tecnológico Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Martínez
- Applied Science, Inmunotek S.L., Parque Científico Tecnológico Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Galán
- Applied Science, Inmunotek S.L., Parque Científico Tecnológico Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Pineda
- Applied Science, Inmunotek S.L., Parque Científico Tecnológico Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
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Apangu GP, Frisk CA, Adams-Groom B, Petch GM, Hanson M, Skjøth CA. Using qPCR and microscopy to assess the impact of harvesting and weather conditions on the relationship between Alternaria alternata and Alternaria spp. spores in rural and urban atmospheres. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s00484-023-02480-w. [PMID: 37191729 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02480-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Alternaria is a plant pathogen and human allergen. Alternaria alternata is one of the most abundant fungal spores in the air. The purpose of this study was to examine whether Alternaria spp. spore concentrations can be used to predict the abundance and spatio-temporal pattern of A. alternata spores in the air. This was investigated by testing the hypothesis that A. alternata dominates airborne Alternaria spp. spores and varies spatio-temporally. Secondarily, we aimed at investigating the relationship between airborne Alternaria spp. spores and the DNA profile of A. alternata spores between two proximate (~ 7 km apart) sites. These were examined by sampling Alternaria spp. spores using Burkard 7-day and cyclone samplers for the period 2016-2018 at Worcester and Lakeside campuses of the University of Worcester, UK. Daily Alternaria spp. spores from the Burkard traps were identified using optical microscopy whilst A. alternata from the cyclone samples was detected and quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results showed that either A. alternata or other Alternaria species spores dominate the airborne Alternaria spore concentrations, generally depending on weather conditions. Furthermore, although Alternaria spp. spore concentrations were similar for the two proximate sites, A. alternata spore concentrations significantly varied for those sites and it is highly likely that the airborne samples contained large amounts of small fragments of A. alternata. Overall, the study shows that there is a higher abundance of airborne Alternaria allergen than reported by aerobiological networks and the majority is likely to be from spore and hyphal fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Philliam Apangu
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK.
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.
| | - Carl Alexander Frisk
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
- Department of Urban Greening and Vegetation Ecology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
| | - Beverley Adams-Groom
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
| | - Geoffrey M Petch
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
| | - Mary Hanson
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Carsten Ambelas Skjøth
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester, UK
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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Mokhtar GA, Gebriel MG, Hammad NM, Roman SW, Attia O, Behiry A, Ismail NA, Sayed MSAEAE, Hadhoud AN, Osama YA, Ali AA, Kadry HM. Fungal Aeroallergen Sensitization Patterns among Airway-Allergic Patients in Zagazig, Egypt. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:185. [PMID: 36836300 PMCID: PMC9961027 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, as well as their comorbidities, are increasing worldwide, causing significant socioeconomic health burdens to societies. It is estimated that between 3% and 10% of the population is allergic to fungi. The type of fungal sensitization varies from one geographical region to another. The present study aimed to identify the common fungal aeroallergen sensitization patterns among airway-allergic patients residing in the Zagazig locality, Egypt, in order to obtain a better understanding of fungal allergy, in addition to improving the awareness and management strategies for those patients. METHODS The present cross-sectional study included 200 allergic rhinitis and asthma patients. Sensitization to fungal aeroallergens was evaluated by skin prick testing and in vitro measurement of total and specific immunoglobulin E. RESULTS As determined by a skin prick test, 58% of the patients studied were allergic to mixed molds. Alternaria alternata was the predominant fungal aeroallergen among the studied patients (72.2%), which was followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (53.45%), Penicillium notatum (52.6%), Candida albicans (34.5%), and Aspergillus niger (25%). CONCLUSION Mixed mold sensitization ranked fourth among the most frequent aeroallergens in airway-allergic patients, and Alternaria alternata was the most frequently encountered fungal aeroallergen in the Zagazig locality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada A. Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Manar G. Gebriel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Hammad
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Sylvia W. Roman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Osama Attia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Behiry
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Endemic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Nagwan A. Ismail
- Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed Nagy Hadhoud
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Yosra A. Osama
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Ali
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Kadry
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
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Special Issue: Alternaria alternata: Should We Still Consider This Fungus as a Minor Brother in the Etiology of Respiratory Allergy? J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080796. [PMID: 36012785 PMCID: PMC9410497 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Sequino G, Valentino V, Torrieri E, De Filippis F. Specific Microbial Communities Are Selected in Minimally-Processed Fruit and Vegetables according to the Type of Product. Foods 2022; 11:foods11142164. [PMID: 35885409 PMCID: PMC9315490 DOI: 10.3390/foods11142164] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables (F&V) products are recommended for the daily diet due to their low caloric content, high amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Furthermore, these foods are a source of various phytochemical compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids and sterols, exerting antioxidant activity. Despite the benefits derived from eating raw F&V, the quality and safety of these products may represent a source of concern, since they can be quickly spoiled and have a very short shelf-life. Moreover, they may be a vehicle of pathogenic microorganisms. This study aims to evaluate the bacterial and fungal populations in F&V products (i.e., iceberg lettuces, arugula, spinaches, fennels, tomatoes and pears) by using culture-dependent microbiological analysis and high-throughput sequencing (HTS), in order to decipher the microbial populations that characterize minimally-processed F&V. Our results show that F&V harbor diverse and product-specific bacterial and fungal communities, with vegetables leaf morphology and type of edible fraction of fruits exerting the highest influence. In addition, we observed that several alterative (e.g., Pseudomonas and Aspergillus) and potentially pathogenic taxa (such as Staphylococcus and Cladosporium) are present, thus emphasizing the need for novel product-specific strategies to control the microbial composition of F&V and extend their shelf-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Sequino
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (G.S.); (V.V.); (E.T.)
| | - Vincenzo Valentino
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (G.S.); (V.V.); (E.T.)
| | - Elena Torrieri
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (G.S.); (V.V.); (E.T.)
| | - Francesca De Filippis
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (G.S.); (V.V.); (E.T.)
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I 40, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0812539388
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Sánchez P, Vélez-del-Burgo A, Suñén E, Martínez J, Postigo I. Fungal Allergen and Mold Allergy Diagnosis: Role and Relevance of Alternaria alternata Alt a 1 Protein Family. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:277. [PMID: 35330279 PMCID: PMC8954643 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria is a genus of worldwide fungi found in different habitats such as soil, the atmosphere, plants or indoor environments. Alternaria species are saprobic-largely involved in the decomposition of organic material-but they can also act as animal pathogens, causing disease in humans and animals, developing infections, toxicosis and allergic diseases. A. alternata is considered one of the most important sources of fungal allergens worldwide and it is associated with severe asthma and respiratory status. Among the A. alternata allergens, Alt a 1 is the main sensitizing allergen and its usefulness in diagnosis and immunotherapy has been demonstrated. Alt a 1 seems to define a protein family that can be used to identify related pathogenic fungi in plants and fruits, and to establish taxonomic relationships between the different fungal divisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Idoia Postigo
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Immunoallergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (P.S.); (A.V.-d.-B.); (E.S.); (J.M.)
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De Linares C, Navarro D, Puigdemunt R, Belmonte J. Airborne Alt a 1 Dynamic and Its Relationship with the Airborne Dynamics of Alternaria Conidia and Pleosporales Spores. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020125. [PMID: 35205882 PMCID: PMC8880004 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal spores are universal atmospheric components associated to allergic reactions. Alternaria (Ascomycota) is considered the most allergenic spore taxa. Alt a 1 is the major allergen of Alternaria and is present also in other Pleosporales. In this study, standard Hirst-based sampling and analyzing methods for measuring spore daily concentrations of Alternaria, Curvularia, Drechslera-Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Leptosphaeria, Pithomyces, Pleospora and Stemphylium (all included in the taxon Pleosporales) have been used as well as two high-volume samplers, Burkard Cyclone (2017) and MCV CAV-A/mb (2019–2020), and ELISA kits for measuring the allergen. The detection and quantification of Alt a 1 was only possible in the samples from the MCV sampler. Although Alt a 1 was better correlated with Alternaria spores than with Pleosporales spores, the three of them showed high correlations. It is shown that there is a high and significant correlation of Alt a 1 with temperature, a negative correlation with relative humidity and no correlation with precipitation. The aerobiological monitoring of these three elements ensures the best information for understanding the affectation to allergy sufferers, but, if this is not possible, as a minimum public health service aimed at the detection, treatment and prevention of allergies, the study of the airborne Alternaria spores should be ensured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concepción De Linares
- Department of Botany, University of Granada, 180171 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-243-394
| | - David Navarro
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (D.N.); (R.P.); (J.B.)
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Rut Puigdemunt
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (D.N.); (R.P.); (J.B.)
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordina Belmonte
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (D.N.); (R.P.); (J.B.)
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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Changes in the Sensitization Pattern to Alternaria alternata Allergens in Patients Treated with Alt a 1 Immunotherapy. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110974. [PMID: 34829261 PMCID: PMC8618185 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternaria alternata is the most important allergenic fungus, with up to 20% of allergic patients affected. The sensitization profile of patients sensitized to A. alternata and how it changes when treated with immunotherapy is not known. Our objective is to determine the allergen recognition pattern of allergic patients to A. alternata and to study its association to the parameters studied in a clinical trial recently published. Sera of 64 patients from the clinical trial of immunotherapy with native major allergen Alt a 1 were analyzed by immunoblotting; 98. 4% of the patients recognized Alt a 1. The percentage of recognition for Alt a 3, Alt a 4, and/or Alt a 6, Alt a 7, Alt a 8, Alt a 10 and/or Alt a 15 was 1.6%, 21.9%, 12.5%, 12.5%, and 12.5% respectively. Of the 64 patients, 45 (70.3%) only recognized Alt a 1 among the allergens present in the A. alternata extract. Immunotherapy with Alt a 1 desensitizes treated patients, reducing their symptoms and medication consumption through the elimination of Alt a 1 sensitization, which is no longer present in the immunoblotting of some patients. There may be gender differences in the pattern of sensitization to A. alternata allergens, among others.
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