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Georas SN, Khurana S. Update on asthma biology. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:1215-1228. [PMID: 38341182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.01.024] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
This is an exciting time to be conducting asthma research. The recent development of targeted asthma biologics has validated the power of basic research to discover new molecules amenable to therapeutic intervention. Advances in high-throughput sequencing are providing a wealth of "omics" data about genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of asthma, as well as about new cellular interacting networks and potential endotypes in asthma. Airway epithelial cells have emerged not only as key sensors of the outside environment but also as central drivers of dysregulated mucosal immune responses in asthma. Emerging data suggest that the airway epithelium in asthma remembers prior encounters with environmental exposures, resulting in potentially long-lasting changes in structure and metabolism that render asthmatic individuals susceptible to subsequent exposures. Here we summarize recent insights into asthma biology, focusing on studies using human cells or tissue that were published in the past 2 years. The studies are organized thematically into 6 content areas to draw connections and spur future research (on genetics and epigenetics, prenatal and early-life origins, microbiome, immune and inflammatory pathways, asthma endotypes and biomarkers, and lung structural alterations). We highlight recent studies of airway epithelial dysfunction and response to viral infections and conclude with a framework for considering how bidirectional interactions between alterations in airway structure and mucosal immunity can lead to sustained lung dysfunction in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve N Georas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
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Chen CY, Wu KH, Guo BC, Lin WY, Chang YJ, Wei CW, Lin MJ, Wu HP. Personalized Medicine in Severe Asthma: From Biomarkers to Biologics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:182. [PMID: 38203353 PMCID: PMC10778979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010182] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe asthma is a complex and heterogeneous clinical condition presented as chronic inflammation of the airways. Conventional treatments are mainly focused on symptom control; however, there has been a shift towards personalized medicine. Identification of different phenotypes driven by complex pathobiological mechanisms (endotypes), especially those driven by type-2 (T2) inflammation, has led to improved treatment outcomes. Combining biomarkers with T2-targeting monoclonal antibodies is crucial for developing personalized treatment strategies. Several biological agents, including anti-immunoglobulin E, anti-interleukin-5, and anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin/interleukin-4, have been approved for the treatment of severe asthma. These biological therapies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing asthma exacerbations, lowering eosinophil count, improving lung function, diminishing oral corticosteroid use, and improving the quality of life in selected patients. Severe asthma management is undergoing a profound transformation with the introduction of ongoing and future biological therapies. The availability of novel treatment options has facilitated the adoption of phenotype/endotype-specific approaches and disappearance of generic interventions. The transition towards precision medicine plays a crucial role in meticulously addressing the individual traits of asthma pathobiology. An era of tailored strategies has emerged, allowing for the successful targeting of immune-inflammatory responses that underlie uncontrolled T2-high asthma. These personalized approaches hold great promise for improving the overall efficacy and outcomes in the management of severe asthma. This article comprehensively reviews currently available biological agents and biomarkers for treating severe asthma. With the expanding repertoire of therapeutic options, it is becoming increasingly crucial to comprehend the influencing factors, understand the pathogenesis, and track treatment progress in severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tungs’ Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taichung 435403, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (C.-W.W.)
- Department of Nursing, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli 35664, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Hsi Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Bei-Cyuan Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70403, Taiwan;
| | - Wen-Ya Lin
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veteran General Hospital, Taichung 43503, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Jun Chang
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biostastics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Wei Wei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tungs’ Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taichung 435403, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (C.-W.W.)
| | - Mao-Jen Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung 42743, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ping Wu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
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Morąg B, Kozubek P, Gomułka K. Obesity and Selected Allergic and Immunological Diseases-Etiopathogenesis, Course and Management. Nutrients 2023; 15:3813. [PMID: 37686844 PMCID: PMC10489982 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global problem. It affects every age group and is associated with many negative health effects. As an example, there is a relationship between obesity and allergic and immunological diseases, such as asthma, psoriasis, food allergies, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Obesity undeniably affects their development. In addition, it causes adverse changes in the course and response to therapy in relation to patients without excessive body weight. The treatment of diseases associated with obesity is difficult; drugs are less effective and must be used in higher doses, and their use in patients with obesity is often associated with higher risks. The main form of treatment of all obesity-related diseases is a change in eating habits and increased physical activity, which leads to a decrease in body fat mass. The positive effect of reducing BMI has been confirmed in many independent studies. This paper reviews various types of research documents published since 2019. It aims to systematize the latest knowledge and highlight the need for further research for effective and sustainable treatment options for obesity, its complications and obesity-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Morąg
- Faculty of Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-425 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Patrycja Kozubek
- Student Scientific Group of Adult Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gomułka
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland;
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Ferraro VA, Zanconato S, Carraro S. Metabolomics Applied to Pediatric Asthma: What Have We Learnt in the Past 10 Years? CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1452. [PMID: 37761413 PMCID: PMC10529856 DOI: 10.3390/children10091452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background: Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children. It is a complex non-communicable disease resulting from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors and characterized by heterogeneous underlying molecular mechanisms. Metabolomics, as with the other omic sciences, thanks to the joint use of high-throughput technologies and sophisticated multivariate statistical methods, provides an unbiased approach to study the biochemical-metabolic processes underlying asthma. The aim of this narrative review is the analysis of the metabolomic studies in pediatric asthma published in the past 10 years, focusing on the prediction of asthma development, endotype characterization and pharmaco-metabolomics. Methods: A total of 43 relevant published studies were identified searching the MEDLINE/Pubmed database, using the following terms: "asthma" AND "metabolomics". The following filters were applied: language (English), age of study subjects (0-18 years), and publication date (last 10 years). Results and Conclusions: Several studies were identified within the three areas of interest described in the aim, and some of them likely have the potential to influence our clinical approach in the future. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to validate the findings and to assess the role of the proposed biomarkers as possible diagnostic or prognostic tools to be used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Agnese Ferraro
- Unit of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Health Department, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
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Ji T, Li H. T-helper cells and their cytokines in pathogenesis and treatment of asthma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1149203. [PMID: 37377958 PMCID: PMC10291091 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1149203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prosperous advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chronic inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma have been made over the past several decades. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by reversible airway obstruction that is self-resolving or remits with treatment. Around half of asthma patients are "Type-2-high" asthma with overexpression of type 2 inflammatory pathways and elevated type 2 cytokines. When stimulated by allergens, airway epithelial cells secrete IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP to derive a Th2 immune response. First ILC2 followed by Th2 cells produces a series of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. TFH cells control IgE synthesis by secreting IL-4 to allergen-specific B cells. IL-5 promotes eosinophil inflammation, while IL-13 and IL-4 are involved in goblet cell metaplasia and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Currently, "Type-2 low" asthma is defined as asthma with low levels of T2 biomarkers due to the lack of reliable biomarkers, which is associated with other Th cells. Th1 and Th17 are capable of producing cytokines that recruit neutrophils, such as IFN-γ and IL-17, to participate in the development of "Type-2-low" asthma. Precision medicine targeting Th cells and related cytokines is essential in the management of asthma aiming at the more appropriate patient selection and better treatment response. In this review, we sort out the pathogenesis of Th cells in asthma and summarize the therapeutic approaches involved as well as potential research directions.
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Makrinioti H, Zhu Z, Camargo CA, Fainardi V, Hasegawa K, Bush A, Saglani S. Application of Metabolomics in Obesity-Related Childhood Asthma Subtyping: A Narrative Scoping Review. Metabolites 2023; 13:328. [PMID: 36984768 PMCID: PMC10054720 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030328] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity-related asthma is a heterogeneous childhood asthma phenotype with rising prevalence. Observational studies identify early-life obesity or weight gain as risk factors for childhood asthma development. The reverse association is also described, children with asthma have a higher risk of being obese. Obese children with asthma have poor symptom control and an increased number of asthma attacks compared to non-obese children with asthma. Clinical trials have also identified that a proportion of obese children with asthma do not respond as well to usual treatment (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids). The heterogeneity of obesity-related asthma phenotypes may be attributable to different underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. Although few childhood obesity-related asthma endotypes have been described, our knowledge in this field is incomplete. An evolving analytical profiling technique, metabolomics, has the potential to link individuals' genetic backgrounds and environmental exposures (e.g., diet) to disease endotypes. This will ultimately help define clinically relevant obesity-related childhood asthma subtypes that respond better to targeted treatment. However, there are challenges related to this approach. The current narrative scoping review summarizes the evidence for metabolomics contributing to asthma subtyping in obese children, highlights the challenges associated with the implementation of this approach, and identifies gaps in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Makrinioti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Zhaozhong Zhu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Carlos A. Camargo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Valentina Fainardi
- Clinica Pediatrica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Kohei Hasegawa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrew Bush
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Royal Brompton Hospital, London SW3 6NP, UK
| | - Sejal Saglani
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Royal Brompton Hospital, London SW3 6NP, UK
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