International archives of allergy and immunology
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Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 2021
Meta AnalysisDoes Asthma Increase the Mortality of Patients with COVID-19?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the literature and collate data comparing the mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with and without asthma. The databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and medRxiv.org were searched for studies comparing the clinical outcomes of asthmatic patients with those of nonasthmatic patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Mortality data were summarized using the Mantel-Haenszel OR with 95% CI in a random-effects model. ⋯ To conclude, preliminary data indicates that asthma as a comorbidity may not increase the mortality of COVID-19. Data on the influence of asthma on the risk of hospitalization, the duration of hospitalization, the requirement of ICU admission, and disease severity is still too limited to draw any strong conclusions. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to establish strong evidence.
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Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 2020
ReviewJAK Inhibition as a New Treatment Strategy for Patients with COVID-19.
After the advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) commenced across the world. Understanding the Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 is essential for interrupting viral infectivity and preventing aberrant immune responses before a vaccine can be developed. In this review, we provide the latest insights into the roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) and Ang II receptor-1 (AT1-R) in this disease. ⋯ Furthermore, considering the common role of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway in AT1-R expressed on peripheral tissues and cytokine receptors on the surface of immune cells, potential targeting of this pathway using JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) is suggested as a promising approach in patients with COVID-19 who are admitted to hospitals. In addition to antiviral therapy, potential ACE2- and AT1-R-inhibiting strategies, and other supportive care, we suggest other potential JAKinibs and novel anti-inflammatory combination therapies that affect the JAK-STAT pathway in patients with COVID-19. Since the combination of MTX and baricitinib leads to outstanding clinical outcomes, the addition of baricitinib to MTX might be a potential strategy.
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Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 2020
ReviewStrategies to Prevent SARS-CoV-2-Mediated Eosinophilic Disease in Association with COVID-19 Vaccination and Infection.
A vaccine to protect against COVID-19 is urgently needed. Such a vaccine should efficiently induce high-affinity neutralizing antibodies which neutralize SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. However, there is a concern regarding both vaccine-induced eosinophilic lung disease and eosinophil-associated Th2 immunopotentiation following infection after vaccination. Here, we review the anticipated characteristics of a COVID-19 vaccine to avoid vaccine-associated eosinophil immunopathology.
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Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. · Jan 2018
ReviewRagweed Pollen Allergy: Burden, Characteristics, and Management of an Imported Allergen Source in Europe.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia, also known as common or short ragweed, is an invasive annual flowering herbaceous plant that has its origin in North America. Nowadays, ragweed can be found in many areas worldwide. Ragweed pollen is known for its high potential to cause type I allergic reactions in late summer and autumn and represents a major health problem in America and several countries in Europe. ⋯ Pharmacotherapy is the most common treatment for ragweed pollen allergy but fails to impact on the course of allergy. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causative and disease-modifying treatment of allergy with long-lasting effects, but currently it is based on the administration of ragweed pollen extract or Amb a 1 only. In order to improve ragweed pollen AIT, new strategies are required with higher efficacy and safety.
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Food allergy is a major clinical and public health concern worldwide. The risk factors are well defined, however, the mechanisms by which they affect immune development remain largely unknown, and unfortunately the effective treatment or prevention of food allergy is still being researched. Recent studies show that the genes that are critical for the development of food allergy are regulated through DNA methylation. ⋯ Indeed, the modification and identification of the methylation levels of specific genetic loci have gained increasing attention for therapeutic and diagnostic application in combating food allergy. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent developments of DNA methylation in food allergy, including the pathogenesis, therapy, and diagnosis. This review will also summarize and discuss the environmental factors that affect DNA methylation levels in food allergy.