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Immunology and Allergy

Immune system disorders and allergic diseases, including autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, allergic rhinitis, asthma, anaphylaxis, and immunotherapy approaches

10 papers

Papers

Detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mucosal IgA in clinical saliva samples after a dose of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine

This study, funded by Novavax and not yet peer-reviewed, suggests that Novavax's COVID-19 vaccines (monovalent and bivalent) significantly increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA levels in the saliva of previously vaccinated adolescents. The researchers also observed cross-reactivity against other variants, highlighting the potential of mucosal IgA for vaccine development, though clinical significance is yet to be formally established due to study limitations.

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Immunology and Allergy Oct 22, 06:09 PM

HERV activation segregates ME/CFS from fibromyalgia while defining a novel nosologic entity

This preliminary study, limited to 43 female patients and healthy controls, found that distinct human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) activation patterns in immune cells can differentiate between Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Fibromyalgia (FM), and co-diagnosed conditions. These HERV profiles correlated with specific immune cell changes and patient symptom severity, suggesting HERVs as potential biomarkers. The co-diagnosed group notably presented HERV profiles closer to healthy controls, potentially indicating a new disease entity.

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Immunology and Allergy Sep 29, 07:13 PM

Heightened innate immunity may trigger chronic inflammation, fatigue and post-exertional malaise in ME/CFS

This study found evidence of immune system differences and abnormal energy metabolism in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls, particularly after exercise. However, this is a correlation, and the cause-and-effect relationship isn't fully clear. Many measured abnormalities got worse after exercise and were linked to fatigue severity.

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Immunology and Allergy Sep 04, 05:15 PM

Persistent Immune Dysregulation during Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 is Manifested in Antibodies Targeting Envelope and Nucleocapsid Proteins

This study of 30 individuals found that people with Long COVID (PASC) had persistently elevated antibodies against certain SARS-CoV-2 proteins, along with increased levels of specific immune cells and inflammatory markers, compared to people who recovered fully. However, the small sample size and the use of blood samples (rather than tissue samples) are major limitations, and the study cannot prove whether viral persistence is the cause of this dysregulation.

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Immunology and Allergy Sep 03, 03:58 PM

SMPDL3B a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in myalgic encephalomyelitis

This study found that people with ME have lower levels of a protein called SMPDL3B on the outside of their immune cells, and this is linked to more severe symptoms. They suggest this could be because another protein, PI-PLC, breaks down membrane-bound SMPDL3B. Two drugs, vildagliptin and saxagliptin, seemed to help restore membrane-bound SMPDL3B levels in cells, suggesting a potential new treatment avenue.

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Immunology and Allergy Aug 30, 05:48 PM

Mitigating the risks of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) with intranasal chlorpheniramine: perspectives from the ACCROS studies

This small study investigated whether an intranasal chlorpheniramine spray, typically used for allergies, could help prevent or mitigate post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as "long COVID." The study involved a small number of participants from two previous clinical trials and found that those who received the spray reported significantly fewer long-COVID symptoms. However, it is important to note the small sample size and the lack of standardized treatment protocols limit the reliability of the findings.

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Immunology and Allergy Aug 26, 05:22 PM

Understanding mechanisms of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia with adenoviral SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: a comprehensive synopsis

This study investigated the mechanisms underlying blood clots with low platelets (VITT) after adenovirus COVID-19 vaccines. They found that it's primarily an immune reaction to a protein called PF4, involving the formation of immune complexes and neutrophil extracellular traps, and not due to pre-existing antibodies or genetic susceptibility. While the genomic analyses were limited by the rarity of VITT and reliance on hospital data, the study identified several potential therapeutic targets and highlighted the need for better data linkages for rare disease detection.

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Immunology and Allergy Aug 25, 07:32 PM

International expert consensus on the management of allergic rhinitis (AR) aggravated by air pollutants: Impact of air pollution on patients with AR: Current knowledge and future strategies

Air pollution worsens allergic rhinitis symptoms through complex interactions involving oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. Managing AR aggravated by air pollution requires a multi-pronged approach, including standard AR treatment, reducing exposure to pollutants, and potentially using antioxidants, though more research is needed on specific therapies for this combined condition.

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Immunology and Allergy Jul 14, 10:53 AM

Integrin-specific hydrogels modulate transplanted human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell survival, engraftment, and reparative activities

This study shows that hydrogels presenting specific peptides that bind to integrins on the surface of stem cells can improve bone repair. The hydrogel with the GFOGER peptide, which targets a specific integrin, enhanced stem cell survival, engraftment, and bone formation in a mouse model compared to other hydrogels and controls.

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Immunology and Allergy Jul 14, 10:53 AM