Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): A Personalized Medicine

Therapeutic and continuative effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in food-allergic mice

This study aimed to investigate the impact of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hUC-MSCs) on food allergy (FA) mice induced by ovalbumin. The percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs) was assessed by administering hUC-MSCs intravenously to FA mouse models with oral challenges, allergic responses and levels of related allergic cytokines. The phenotypes of hUC-MSCs were analysed using flow cytometric analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used for histology observation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for gene expression. Jejunum tissue was analysed by transcriptome sequencing. Our results demonstrated that in the current FA model, hUC-MSC therapy significantly alleviated allergic responses and diarrhoea. Levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), as well as cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α associated with T helper 2 cells, were reduced. Conversely, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β levels increased with hUC-MSC therapy. In addition, enhanced TGF-β expression along with IL-10 messenger ribonucleic acid levels and an increased percentage of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs were observed. In long-term FA mice models, hUC-MSC therapy exhibited sustained effects in mitigating rectal temperature decrease and mortality rates while reducing the levels of IgE, IL-6 and proportion of IgE+ cells; it also elevated TGF-β levels. Furthermore, hUC-MSC therapy attenuated pathological injury in both current and long-term FA mouse models. Transcriptome sequencing showed that upregulated differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in neural activation-ligand interaction, the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G signalling pathway and the TGF-β signalling pathway. The hUC-MSC therapy holds promise for alleviating both immediate and persistent FA conditions; targeting TGF-β and IL-10 secreted by hUC-MSCs may be a potential approach for treating FA.

Metabolomics in Children Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: Possible Contribution from a System Biology Approach?

One of the most frequent triggers of food anaphylaxis in pediatric age but also among the most common, early, and complex causes of childhood food allergy is cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). The diagnostic course and management of this allergy is defined in a complex clinical picture due to several factors. First of all, the epidemiological data are not uniform, mainly as a consequence of the diagnostic methodology used in the various studies and the different age ranges covered. In addition, there is the complexity of terminology, since although CMPA traditionally refers to immune-mediated reactions to cow's milk, it is a term encompassing numerous clinical features with different symptoms and the requirement for specific treatments. Moreover, the differential diagnosis with other very frequent diseases, especially in the first year of life, such as gastro-esophageal reflux disease or colic, is still complex. This can result in misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment, with harmful health consequences and significant economic repercussions. In this context, the combination of several omics sciences together, which have already proved useful in clarifying the allergenicity of cow's milk proteins with greater precision, could improve the diagnostic tests currently in use through the identification of new, more specific, and precise biomarkers that make it possible to improve diagnostic accuracy and predict the patient's response to the various available treatments for the recovery of tolerance.

Vaccine Strategies to Elicit Mucosal Immunity

Vaccines are essential tools to prevent infection and control transmission of infectious diseases that threaten public health. Most infectious agents enter their hosts across mucosal surfaces, which make up key first lines of host defense against pathogens. Mucosal immune responses play critical roles in host immune defense to provide durable and better recall responses. Substantial attention has been focused on developing effective mucosal vaccines to elicit robust localized and systemic immune responses by administration via mucosal routes. Mucosal vaccines that elicit effective immune responses yield protection superior to parenterally delivered vaccines. Beyond their valuable immunogenicity, mucosal vaccines can be less expensive and easier to administer without a need for injection materials and more highly trained personnel. However, developing effective mucosal vaccines faces many challenges, and much effort has been directed at their development. In this article, we review the history of mucosal vaccine development and present an overview of mucosal compartment biology and the roles that mucosal immunity plays in defending against infection, knowledge that has helped inform mucosal vaccine development. We explore new progress in mucosal vaccine design and optimization and novel approaches created to improve the efficacy and safety of mucosal vaccines.

Oral immunotherapy in alpha-gal red meat allergy: Could specific IgE be a potential biomarker in monitoring management?

BACKGROUND

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising treatment for food allergies. Our aim was to establish the long-term safety and efficacy of a novel red meat (RM) OIT in galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) allergy in adults.

METHODS

Out of 20 patients with confirmed RM allergy, five (41.66%) underwent an early OIT, seven (58.33%) underwent a delayed protocol and eight patients who were not desensitized formed the patient control group. 15 and 27 day RM OIT for early-onset and delayed-onset alpha-gal allergy were administered, respectively. Desensitized patients were recommended to continue eating at least 100 g RM every day for 6 months and every other day in the following 6 months. After a year, the consumption was recommended 2/3 times in a week. Patients were followed up with skin tests with commercial beef and lamb extracts, fresh raw/cooked beef and lamb and cetuximab and also with serum alpha-gal specific Immunoglobulin-E (sIgE) in the first and fifth years.

RESULTS

All patients who underwent OIT became tolerant to RM. During the 5 year follow-up, the median alpha-gal sIgE concentration gradually decreased in nine patients who consumed RM uneventfully while remained unchanged in the control group (p = .016). In two patients, rare tick bites acted as inducers of hypersensitivity reactions with concomitant elevation of alpha-gal sIgE concentrations whereas one patient with low follow-up alpha-gal sIgE concentrations consumed RM uneventfully after frequent tick bites.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed the long-term safety and efficacy of alpha-gal OIT. Additionally, alpha-gal sIgE seems to be a potential biomarker to monitor OIT.

Palforzia for Peanut Allergy: A Narrative Review and Update on a Novel Immunotherapy

With Palforzia appearing as the first oral immunotherapy for patients with peanut allergy, the present investigation aims to summarize recent clinical trials, the mechanism of dosing, and the real-world usage of this novel therapy. Palforzia offers a new avenue for treating the human allergic response in previous immune modulation refractory patients or patients who have undergone immune environment sensitivity testing, which allows for more specialized treatment. Current studies are focusing on certain age groups that have been shown to be more receptive to treatment. Further, studies are tailoring oral immunotherapy treatment alongside other immune modulators to elicit greater targeted immune tolerance. With an increasing prevalence of patient allergies, many questions remain surrounding the optimization of therapies in reaching therapeutic goals. Overall, Palforzia offers a hopeful treatment for peanut-allergic patients to attenuate their immune response while furthering research in related therapies.

A, Hussain SM, Viswanad V, Nasr MH, Sahu RK, Khan J. Modulation of immune response by nanoparticle-based immunotherapy against food allergens

The increasing prevalence of food allergies worldwide and the subsequent life-threatening anaphylactic reactions often have sparse treatment options, providing only symptomatic relief. Great strides have been made in research and in clinics in recent years to offer novel therapies for the treatment of allergic disorders. However, current allergen immunotherapy has its own shortcomings in terms of long-term efficacy and safety, due to the local side effects and the possibility of anaphylaxis. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is an established therapy in treating allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis. It acts through the downregulation of T cell, and IgE-mediated reactions, as well as desensitization, a process of food tolerance without any allergic events. This would result in a protective reaction that lasts for approximately 3 years, even after the withdrawal of therapy. Furthermore, allergen-specific immunotherapy also exploits several routes such as oral, sublingual, and epicutaneous immunotherapy. As the safety and efficacy of allergen immunotherapy are still under research, the exploration of newer routes such as intra-lymphatic immunotherapy would address unfulfilled needs. In addition, the existence of nanoparticles can be exploited immensely in allergen immunotherapy, which would lead to safer and efficacious therapy. This manuscript highlights a novel drug delivery method for allergen-specific immunotherapy that involves the administration of specific allergens to the patients in gradual increasing doses, to induce desensitization and tolerance, as well as emphasizing different routes of administration, mechanism, and the application of nanoparticles in allergen-specific immunotherapy.

‘Early Introduction’ of Cow’s Milk for Children with IgE-Mediated Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy: A Review of Current and Emerging Approaches for CMPA Management

IgE-mediated cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most prevalent food allergies in early childhood. Though the cornerstone of management involves the strict avoidance of milk products while awaiting natural tolerance, research increasingly shows that the rates of resolution are slowing down. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative pathways to promote tolerance to cow’s milk in pediatric populations. This review aims to combine and appraise the scientific literature regarding the three CMPA management methods: avoidance, the milk ladder, and oral immunotherapy (OIT) and their outcomes in terms of efficacy, safety, and immunological effects. Cow’s milk (CM) avoidance virtually protects against allergic reaction until natural tolerance occurs, with hypoallergenic substitutes available in the market, but accidental ingestion represents the main issue for this strategy. Introduction to baked milk using the milk ladder was designed, with most CMPA patients successfully completing the ladder. Similar to baked milk treatment, many OIT protocols also demonstrated decreased IgE and increased IgG4 levels post protocol, as well as a reduction in wheal size diameter. Though these strategies are shown to be safe and effective in CMPA, future clinical trials should compare the safety and effectiveness of these three management strategies.

Oral immunotherapy for food allergy: Translation from studies to clinical practice?

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is now recognized as an alternative active treatment to strict food avoidance in certain patients with IgE-mediated food allergy. Studies have confirmed the efficacy of OIT to desensitize children with allergy to cow's milk, eggs, and peanuts. The benefits, risks, and constraints of OIT are becoming increasingly well understood. However, there is no consensual criteria to select patients to whom OIT could be proposed, and many issues remain to address including the definitions of desensitization and long-term efficacy, the assessment of patient's experience in real life, the optimization of buildup and maintenance protocols, and the utility of multiple food OIT. The recent authorization by medical agency concerning the first medicine for peanut OIT is a step forward towards higher standardization in the practice of OIT. This article summarizes in comprehensive narrative format data on efficacy, tolerance, impact on quality of life and adverse effects of OIT and discuss elements to consider in clinical practice before starting OIT.

An overview of the current state of food desensitization

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight the current evidence on food desensitization in children with food allergy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Food Allergen Specific Immunotherapy (FA-AIT) is currently recognised as a treatment option for treating children with allergy at least to the main common foods (i.e. milk, egg and peanut). The oral route of administration has been proven to be the most effective in achieving desensitisation. Efforts are devoted to overcome the current unmet needs mainly related to safety issues and long-term efficacy, as well as adherence to the treatment and improvement of health-related quality of life. In this perspective, alternative routes of administration and adjunctive treatments are under investigation.

SUMMARY

The future of food allergy management is a personalised approach based on a shared decision-making that takes into account the needs of patients and families. Health professionals will be able to offer multiple treatment options, including FA-AIT with adjunctive or alternative therapies. Thus, patients should be correctly identified, using validated predictive factors, in order to select appropriate candidates for these therapies.

Life-threatening anaphylaxis in children with cow's milk allergy during oral immunotherapy and after treatment failure

BACKGROUND

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising therapeutic approach for children with persistent IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) but data are still limited.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the prevalence of life-threatening anaphylaxis in children with persistent CMA undergoing OIT and to evaluate potential risk factors.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study among children with persistent CMA undergoing OIT over a 20-year period, following a specific Oral Tolerance Induction protocol. Adverse reactions during the whole period and data on long-term outcome were registered. Descriptive and nondescriptive statistics were used to describe data.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-two children were evaluated. During OIT, 12 children (3.5%) presented severe anaphylactic reactions that needed an adrenaline injection. None required intubation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, or showed a fatal outcome. Five of them abandoned OIT, five reached unrestricted diet and the others are still undergoing OIT. As far as outcome is concerned, 51.2% reached an unrestricted diet; 13.5% are at the build-up stage; and 28.0% (97 patients) stopped the OIT. Among these 96 children, 6.3% experienced a severe reaction induced by accidental ingestion of milk with two fatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of life-threatening reactions was nearly two times lower (3.5% vs. 6.3%) among patients assuming milk during OIT than in those who stopped the protocol. A trend in favor of more severe reactions, requiring ICU admission, or fatal, was shown in patients who stopped OIT.

Clinical experience with sesame oral immunotherapy and a quality-of-life assessment

Background

Allergic reactions to sesame have increased in prevalence in the United States. Sesame oral immunotherapy (OIT) is an emerging management strategy. Few reports assessed the benefits and risks of sesame OIT in children with sesame allergy.

Objective

To study the adverse events and quality of life (QoL) on sesame OIT in a U.S. population.

Methods

Twenty-three patient charts were retrospectively reviewed from 2017 to 2020. The patients received a validated Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire and a survey on adverse reactions during maintenance therapy. Patients who were 8.5 ± 4.7 years of age (30% girls and 70% boys) with a documented history of sesame allergy and who had undergone sesame OIT were reviewed.

Results

The buildup phase was 293.7 ± 87.1 days. Twenty-one of the 23 patients (91.3%) reached maintenance therapy. Twenty-one patients (91.3%) had at least one gastrointestinal reaction; 18 (78.3%) had at least one cutaneous reaction; 6 (26%) had at least one respiratory reaction. Age raised the odds of gastrointestinal reactions more than fivefold (odds ratio [OR] 5.653 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.409 - 13.269); p = 0.0009). Asthma boosted the odds of respiratory reactions of more than ninefold (OR 9.206 [95% CI, 1.535 - 55.211]; p = 0.0187). Female gender increased the odds of having a respiratory reaction by more than sevenfold (OR 7.545 [95% CI, 1.207 - 47.153]; p = 0.0330). Asthma amplified the odds of cutaneous reactions (OR 11.725 [95% CI, 2.390 - 57.517]; p = 0.0053). Three patients ultimately discontinued therapy. Food-related anxiety (-0.773) and social/dietary limitation (-0.687) improved significantly in QoL.

Conclusion

Sesame OIT may be safe and easily adaptable to private practice and significantly improves QoL. Further prospective studies would be helpful to fully assess these relationships.

Oral Immunotherapy in Children: Clinical Considerations and Practical Management

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) in pediatric patients provides an alternative option to the current standard of care in food allergy, which is allergen avoidance and reactive treatment. Because patients are exposed to one or more food allergens during treatment, OIT is associated with adverse events and can be a cumbersome process for children, their caregivers, and clinicians. However, there have been an overwhelming number of studies that show high efficacy in both single- and multi-allergen OIT, and that quality of life is greatly improved for both patients and their families after undergoing immunotherapy. This review discusses clinical considerations for OIT in pediatrics, including efficacy and safety, practical management, and future directions of treatment.

Latest Developments in the Management of Nut Allergies

Purpose of review

In this review, we sought to describe the most recent advances in the dietary and medical management of peanut and tree nut allergy, including selective introduction and immunotherapy.

Recent findings

Dietary updates include changes to labeling laws, improved information sources, and new apps for buying foods in shops and overseas to better protect individuals with nut allergies. There are still issues in the management of nut allergies in schools, such as parents having to resort to packed lunches instead of school meals and patients experiencing bullying. Air travel also poses concern, but additional resources are now available to travelers, and recent evidence suggest limited airborne exposure to nuts. The medical management of anaphylaxis is use of epinephrine; however, this remains underutilized. Needle length and administration devices have been recently debated considering the risk of bone penetration vs subcutaneous administration, and autoinjectors seem to deliver higher peak concentrations than syringes. Selective nut introduction has gained momentum in the last 5 years, demonstrating improved quality of life but with the need for motivated parents for continued consumption and available resources for challenges. Immunotherapy to nuts is also a rapidly developing field, with the balance of efficacy and safety being important considerations in the differing modes of administration.

Summary

The management of nut allergies is a rapidly developing field, and dietary and medical management have progressed significantly in the last 5 years. Future research directions include improving safety and efficacy of food immunotherapy and examining patients’ goals for therapy and treatment outcomes.

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy as a Model of Food Allergies

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in infants, and its prevalence has increased over recent years. In the present paper, we focus on CMA as a model of food allergies in children. Understanding the diagnostic features of CMA is essential in order to manage patients with this disorder, guide the use of an elimination diet, and find the best moment to start an oral food challenge (OFC) and liberalize the diet. To date, no shared tolerance markers for the diagnosis of food allergy have been identified, and OFC remains the gold standard. Recently, oral immunotherapy (OIT) has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy and has changed the natural history of CMA. Before this, patients had to strictly avoid the food allergen, resulting in a decline in quality of life and subsequent nutritional, social, and psychological impairments. Thanks to the introduction of OIT, the passive approach involving rigid exclusion has changed to a proactive one. Both the heterogeneity in the diagnostic process among the studies and the variability of OIT data limit the comprehension of the real epidemiology of CMA, and, consequentially, its natural history. Therefore, well-planned randomized controlled trials are needed to standardize CMA diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies.