Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) targets a tissue rich in antigen-presenting cells. Laser-facilitated EPIT combines controlled and efficient barrier disruption with a laser-induced adjuvant effect. However, application of native allergens to the skin can induce unwanted side effects. Coupling the β-glucan laminarin to allergens can markedly reduce their IgE binding capacity. β-glucan neoglycoconjugates efficiently target dendritic cells via the C-type lectin receptor dectin-1, boosting their immunogenicity. In a mouse model of allergic asthma, laminarin-ovalbumin conjugates (LamOVA) diminished local side effects in vivo, while inducing higher levels of blocking IgG compared with uncoupled OVA. EPIT with LamOVA was equally efficient in improving lung functions compared to classical SCIT. Abbreviations: EPIT, epicutaneous immunotherapy; LamOVA, laminarin-ovalbumin conjugates; OVA, ovalbumin; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; Penh, resistance and compliance data are shown as area under the curve (AUC) of a methacholine challenge dose response curve; SCIT, subcutaneous immunotherapy

We found that about one-fourth of patients with severe asthma was diagnosed with ACO by specialists. The most common reason for ACO diagnosis was smoking history. ACO patients were predominantly male, older, and had more smoking history compared with non-ACO patients. ACO patients had higher blood neutrophil count, but lower lung function. ACO patients used more LAMA, methylxanthine, and systemic corticosteroid and had more frequent exacerbations related to ER visits compared with those with severe asthma only. Abbreviations: ACO, asthma-COPD overlap; ER, emergency room; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second.

Reactivity to crude allergen extracts and classical CCD epitope (core β-1,2-xylose, α-1,3-fucose)-modified N-glycans is positively associated with the rural, Schistosoma mansoni-endemic environment. However, a higher proportion of urban, compared to rural participants, recognise recombinant established major allergenic components. There are inverse associations between reactivity to a subset of core α-1,3-fucose-substituted N-glycans and asthma, but not for CCD-specific IgE in general. Abbreviation: CCD, cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant.

This study investigated the role of rhinovirus (RV) infections in preschool asthma in 130 asthmatic children from PreDicta cohort over 1-year follow-up. During all visits, RV was the most commonly detected virus. Vitamin D supplementation was associated with decreased number of rhinovirus infections in preschool children with asthma. Detection of RV was associated with more severe course of acute illness (more severe nighttime coughing, more sleep disturbances, and more days with runny nose) and more compromised medium-term prognosis (more nights with awakenings and more days of exercise-related symptoms).

Allergen-induced airway inflammation is increased by estrogen signaling. Compared to WT mice, Alt Ext challenged Esr1 −/− mice have decreased IL-5 and IL-13 production, eosinophils number, and IL-33 release. Estrogen receptor-α signaling has no direct effect on ILC2 proliferation or cytokine expression. Abbreviations: Alt Ext, Alternaria extract; DPN, diarylpropionitrile; E2, 17β-estradiol; Eos, eosinophils; Esr1 −/−, estrogen receptor alpha deficient mice; ER-α, estrogen receptor α; ILC2, group 2 innate lymphoid cells; PPT, propyl-pyrazole-triol; WT, wild-type

This study examines dupilumab efficacy in type 2-high asthma patients receiving high-dose ICS at baseline. Dupilumab reduces severe exacerbations, improves lung function and asthma control in patients on high-dose ICS with elevated baseline blood eosinophils or FeNO. Dupilumab efficacy is rapid and sustained throughout treatment and comparable across type 2-high asthma patients receiving high-dose ICS at baseline. Abbreviations: ACQ-5, 5-item Asthma Control Questionnaire; FeNO, fractional exhaled nitric oxide; FEV₁, forced expiratory volume in 1 second; ICS, inhaled corticosteroids; ppb, parts per billion; pre-BD, prebronchodilator.

Th2 cell number in peripheral blood correlates with asthma control and quality of life during asthma exacerbations. Patients with asthma exacerbations have a higher % of Th2 cells (CD4⁺ T cells expressing CRTh2) in peripheral blood compared to patients with stable asthma, and this parameter decreases after treatment. Eosinophils and ILC2 cells in peripheral blood do not change during asthma exacerbations. The decrease in the % of Th2 cells seen during the follow-up visit correlates with the improvement in lung function. Abbreviations: ACQ, asthma control questionnaire; AQLQ, asthma quality of life questionnaire; FEV₁, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec; ILC2: group 2 innate lymphoid cell; pred, predicted.

Topical application of EDN1 receptor antagonist, bosentan, significantly attenuated the development of mite induced AD-like skin inflammation, scratching bouts and epidermal nervous elongation in NC/Nga mice. While EDN1 significantly elongated the nerves of dorsal root ganglion cells, bosentan treatment attenuated this. Topical bosentan is a potential protective candidate for AD. Abbreviations: AD, atopic dermatitis; DRG, dorsal root ganglion; EDN1, endothelin 1; TARC, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine.

Staphylococcal biofilms are observed on the skin of children with AD in the MPAACH cohort. Staphylococcus aureus strains showing higher relative biofilm propensity (compared with S epidermidis from the same subject) are associated with increased AD severity. Staphylococcus aureus strains showing higher relative biofilm propensity are associated with increased lesional and nonlesional transepidermal water loss. Abbreviations: AD, atopic dermatitis; FLG, filaggrin; MPAACH, Mechanisms of Progression of Atopic Dermatitis to Asthma in Children; SCORAD, scoring atopic dermatitis index; S100A8, S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A8; S100A9, Calcium-Binding Protein A9; TEWL, transepidermal water loss.

Tape strips are collected for RNA-seq profiling from 19 infants/toddlers (ages 0-5 years; lesional and nonlesional) with early-onset (≤6 months), moderate-to-severe AD and 17 healthy controls. We identify 2491 differentially expressed genes in AD vs healthy skin. We observe significant dysregulation of Th2 and Th22/Th17-related markers, largely lacking Th1 skewing. Significant decreases in barrier-related genes are seen primarily in lesional skin. Abbreviations: AD, atopic dermatitis; DEGs, differentially expressed genes.

There is currently no validated instrument to calculate health utility in food allergy, which is a barrier to the conduct of cost-effectiveness analyses. Using time trade-off and discrete choice experiment approaches, options of the SF-6Dv2 generic health-related quality of life questionnaire were directly valued in the Canadian food allergic population. The resulting algorithm based on the health preferences of food allergic patients and parents can now be used to convert SF-6Dv2 answers to health utility values in this population. Abbreviation: SF-6Dv2, Short form-six dimensions version 2.

This study describes food-induced immediate response of the esophagus (FIRE), a novel syndrome frequently reported in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients. Eosinophilic esophagitis expert physicians' and patients' surveys were performed to characterize FIRE. A burning and choking unpleasant or painful sensation with rapid occurrence upon ingestion of trigger food is typical of FIRE, occurring in a considerable fraction of EoE patients unrelated from classical solid food dysphagia. Abbreviations: EoE, eosinophilic esophagitis; FIRE, food-induced immediate response of the esophagus.

Living in a greener neighbourhood at birth is associated with a lower prevalence of asthma and rhinitis at the age of seven. Living in a neighbourhood with high numbers of fauna species is associated with an increased risk for allergic diseases and asthma in children. The associations between the contact with nature and the development of asthma are stronger among children with a later onset of disease. Abbreviations: CI, confidence intervals; OR, odds ratio; NDVI, normalized difference vegetation index; SRI, species richness index.