{"title":"Toll-like receptor 9 is involved in the induction of galectin-9 protein by dietary anti-allergic compound fucoidan","authors":"G. Ezan, M. Mizuno","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2023002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2023002","url":null,"abstract":"Dietary intervention of fucoidan extracted from Saccharina japonica brown seaweed has been ascertained to favor an increase of galectin-9 protein in the intestine of allergic mice, resulting in the attenuation of the food allergy symptoms. The molecular mechanism underpinning that galectin-9 secretion remains unclear. Recently, some evidence has suggested an implication of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in galectin-9 secretion. However, no investigation has been done. For this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between galectin-9 production and fucoidan intake, which will improve the therapeutic use of fucoidan in allergy treatment. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were cultured in solid or transwell plates and apically exposed to fucoidan solutions and/or synthetic TLR9 agonist (CpG-ODN). The transcriptional response of the cells to galectin-9 (lgals9) and the TLR9 gene was evaluated by using q-RTPCR, and the protein expression of galectin-9 was analyzed by conducting an ELISA test. Knockdown of TLR9 in IECs was performed by targeting TLR9 siRNA, and its effect on galectin-9 release was assessed. We found that the interaction of fucoidan and IECs resulted in the upregulation of galectin-9 released in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The increase was further potentiated in combination with the TLR9 agonist. Fucoidan exposure to IECs tended to increase the mRNA expression of TLR9 in a way similar to that of the TLR9 agonist effect, and knockdown of TLR9 in IECs resulted in a decreased tendency of fucoidan-induced galectin-9 protein. TLR9 activation is therefore involved in the increased release of galectin-9 protein observed in IECs upon fucoidan exposure.","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70184381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Aging and immunity: Unraveling the complex relationship","authors":"Arosh S. Perera Molligoda Arachchige","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2023015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2023015","url":null,"abstract":"<abstract> <p>The process of aging is an inherent facet of human existence, entailing various changes within the body, notably in the immune system. This article explores the profound impact of aging on immunity, elucidating its implications for healthcare, disease vulnerability and overall quality of life. Drawing inspiration from the “Aging and Immunity” special issue of <italic>AIMS Allergy and Immunology</italic>, this commentary provides a comprehensive perspective on the intricate interplay between aging and immunity. The immune system, a complex shield against pathogens, undergoes a decline in efficacy as individuals age, known as <italic>immunosenescence</italic>. This decline encompasses reduced immune cell production and communication, rendering older individuals more susceptible to infections and less responsive to vaccines. Additionally, chronic low-grade inflammation, termed <italic>inflammaging</italic>, emerges as a hallmark of aging and immune system alteration, contributing to age-related diseases. Recent research underscores the connection between the gut microbiota and immune aging, raising the prospect of interventions targeting gut health to enhance immunity in older individuals. Strategies for fortifying immunity in aging populations encompass optimized vaccination approaches, lifestyle modifications, anti-inflammatory interventions, targeted therapies and microbiota-based interventions. Addressing the challenges of aging and immunity necessitates collaborative efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers and communities, emphasizing healthy aging promotion, evidence-based interventions and equitable healthcare access. By delving into the multifaceted relationship between aging and immunity, this discourse envisions a future where research-driven advancements and holistic public health measures converge to enhance the well-being and resilience of older adults worldwide.</p> </abstract>","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136137213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zinia Pervin, Anika Tasnim, Hasib Ahamed, Md Al Hasibuzzaman
{"title":"Epigenetic regulation of the COVID-19 pathogenesis: its impact on the host immune response and disease progression","authors":"Zinia Pervin, Anika Tasnim, Hasib Ahamed, Md Al Hasibuzzaman","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2023005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2023005","url":null,"abstract":"Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly infectious and may induce epigenetic alteration of the host immune system. Understanding the role of epigenetic mechanisms in COVID-19 infection is a clinical need to minimize critical illness and widespread transmission. The susceptibility to infection and progression of COVID-19 varies from person to person; pathophysiology substantially depends on epigenetic changes in the immune system and preexisting health conditions. Recent experimental and epidemiological studies have revealed the method of transmission and clinical presentation related to COVID-19 pathogenesis, however, the underlying pathology of variation in the severity of infection remains questionable. Epigenetic changes may also be responsible factors for multisystem association and deadly systemic complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients. Commonly, epigenetic changes are evoked by alteration of the host's immune response, stress, preexisting condition, oxidative stress response, external behavioral or environmental factors, and age. In addition, the viral infection itself might manipulate the host immune responses associated with inflammation by reprogramming epigenetic processes which are the susceptible factor for disease severity and death. As a result, epigenetic events such as histone modification and DNA methylation are implicated in regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines production by remodeling macrophage and T-cell activity towards inflammation, consequently, may also affect tissue repair and injury resolution process. This review aims to discuss the comprehensive understanding of the epigenetic landscape of COVID-19 disease progression that varies from person to person with supporting interdisciplinary prognosis protocol to overcome systemic impairment.","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70183921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel Danladi Gaiya, Jonathan Danladi Gaiya, Richard Auta, Aliyu Muhammad, Bege Jonathan, Stella Kuyet Udu, Ekpa Emmanuel, Amina Shehu Bature
{"title":"The journey so far with SARS-CoV-2 variants: Pathogenesis, immunity and treatments","authors":"Daniel Danladi Gaiya, Jonathan Danladi Gaiya, Richard Auta, Aliyu Muhammad, Bege Jonathan, Stella Kuyet Udu, Ekpa Emmanuel, Amina Shehu Bature","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2023016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2023016","url":null,"abstract":"<abstract> <p>The recruitment of therapeutics and most importantly COVID-19 vaccines has seen a measurable reduction in transmission, re-infection, severity, hospitalization and mortality associated with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The development and approval of some vaccines and therapeutics undoubtedly signaled renewed hope for public health personnel, the government, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the entire world population. At present, most countries have progressed beyond administering first and second doses to administering COVID-19 vaccine updated boosters to prevent transmission and provide protection. Notably, a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer–BioNTech and Moderna, also called an “updated” COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, is a formulation that houses the original virus strain and omicron BA.1, which provides broad immunity against COVID-19 including the omicron variant (BA.1) and the Paxlovid drug (Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency. This current review outlines the variant of concern (VOC), viral cell entry and pathogenesis, host immunity and viral immune evasion. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic and vaccine treatment approach, WHO and FDA authorization, vaccine storage and vaccine efficacy. In conclusion, bearing in mind the trend of continued mutations as observed on the spike (S) glycoprotein and receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, which lead to more immune-evasive strains such as BQ.1, BQ.1.1, BF.7, XBB and XBB.1, researcher and clinician attention should be tailored toward the design and development of variant-specific vaccines for future interventions.</p> </abstract>","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"66 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135550892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Formulating preservatives to enhance stability of crude extracts of food allergens used for food allergy management and immunotherapy","authors":"Rabia F Khan, Sheharbano Bhatti, Z. Abbas","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2023004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2023004","url":null,"abstract":"<abstract> <p>Due to rapid degradation of food allergenic extracts, devising some optimal conditions is mandatory to boost shelf life of extracts for appropriate diagnosis of allergy and immunotherapy. In the current study, food extracts of <italic>Bos domesticus</italic> (cow) milk, <italic>Gallus domesticus</italic> (chicken) egg, <italic>Trititcum aestivum</italic> (wheat), <italic>Gallus domesticus</italic> (chicken) meat and <italic>Arachis hypogaea</italic> (peanut) were prepared and their protein estimation was evaluated by bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method. Stability of food extracts was evaluated under two groups of preservatives; storage with coca's solution (mixture of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO<sub>3</sub>)) and stabilizing buffer (sucrose and ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA)). Effect of cocktail of protease inhibitors ((phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and dithiothreitol (DTT)) and glycerol was checked on food extracts under both groups of preservatives. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) was performed for food protein extracts after 1, 3 and 6 months under both conditions. Size of obtained protein bands were compared with allergen database (<ext-link ext-link-type=\"uri\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\" xlink:href=\"http://www.allergen.org\">http://www.allergen.org</ext-link>) in order to check their potential allergenicity. Extracts stored with coca's solution remained more potent as compared to stabilizing buffer for up to 3 months except <italic>Gallus domesticus</italic> egg, whose proteins remained more potent in stabilizing buffer as compared to coca's solution. Most of the proteins deteriorated at 6 months of storage. Glycerol had shown better results under both conditions. A formulation containing a combination of coca's solution along with cocktail of protease inhibitors and glycerol improved the shelf life of food extracts for up to 3 months, showing better potential for stabilization of allergenic food extracts and their use for immunotherapy.</p> </abstract>","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70184390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Arachidonic acid metabolism and its use in the diagnosis of mastocytosis","authors":"P. Jandus","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2023006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2023006","url":null,"abstract":"Mast cells and basophils degranulate upon activation, releasing preformed mediators from intracellular granules into the extracellular environment, of which tryptase and histamine are the two most common and best characterized mediators. Despite the large number of mediators synthesized by mast cells, the non-tryptase biomarkers used to evaluate systemic mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome do not include the metabolites of the prestored amine histamine and the de novo synthesized phospholipids prostaglandin D2 and leukotriene C4. Currently, these markers are not used as criteria for the diagnosis of mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome. However, consensus groups foster the use of increases in measured baseline levels of these metabolites as potential diagnostic criteria. Metabolites of arachidonic acid such as prostaglandin D2 or leukotriene C4 play a role in the development of symptoms in systemic mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome. In this review, the metabolites of arachidonic acid and the detection of the metabolites of leukotrienes and prostaglandins in mastocytosis are highlighted. Measurement of these metabolites remains a major challenge because they are not widely available in daily clinical practice. However, new insights have been gained in recent years, and their application in the clinic has progressed.","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70184017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mansur Aliyu, A. Saboor-Yaraghi, S. Khodavaisy, Behrouz Robat-Jazi, Muhammad Ibrahim Getso
{"title":"Glucuronoxylomannan: the salient polysaccharide in cryptococcal immunity","authors":"Mansur Aliyu, A. Saboor-Yaraghi, S. Khodavaisy, Behrouz Robat-Jazi, Muhammad Ibrahim Getso","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2022008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2022008","url":null,"abstract":"Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a dominant cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complex. The complex is composed of closely related members, yet with diverse epidemiology, pathogenesis, and drug-resistant pattern. Cell-mediated immunity is the strongest pillar in immunity to cryptococcosis, further worsening HIV/AIDS patients' scenario. Antifungal resistance and immune evasion again tilt the host-parasite balance in favor of the fungal pathogen. In this regard, researchers are actively challenged to discover immunotherapy and vaccine for CM, to produce specific treatment and prevention that will address CM conventional therapeutics failure. As the major capsular polysaccharide of the Cryptococcus, which is tightly linked to pathogenicity, immunogenicity, and immune evasion, the glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) is cardinally targeted for vaccine and immunotherapy development. Further, the amount of GXM shed in body fluids correlates with the disease severity. Herein, we reviewed the literature with the journey so far in line with GXM as the salient immunological target on cryptococcosis.","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70184061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The backfiring effect of fairness salience in health messages regarding food allergies and diabetes","authors":"Melissa M Foster","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2022010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2022010","url":null,"abstract":"Social media posts intended to increase empathy thereby garnering support for public policy that improves the health and well-being of vulnerable populations can make salient the fact that vulnerable populations' experiences are unfair. For example, children with food allergies or diabetes often do not have access to emergency medication and can be isolated and treated poorly by peers. Raising awareness of this disparity, especially when paired with an image of an afflicted child, was expected to increase empathy which could then drive improvements in healthcare policy. However, data from two experimental studies suggest that making injustice salient in such a persuasive appeal can backfire, having the opposite effect as intended. When injustice salience was paired with an image of a patient with food allergies or diabetes, participants, especially those who self-identify as politically conservative, felt less empathy and were less supportive of protective policies. This study seeks to understand the counterintuitive responses people have when presented with clear examples of disparities in conjunction with patient images.","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70184132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"IL-17 signaling is regulated through intrinsic stability control of mRNA during inflammation","authors":"R. Muromoto, K. Oritani, T. Matsuda","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2022014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2022014","url":null,"abstract":"Interleukin (IL)-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine mainly produced by immune cells, especially activated T-helper 17 cells, which contribute to chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases including psoriasis. Although the molecular mechanisms of transcription in IL-17-mediated signaling pathways are well established, post-transcriptional control remains to be elucidated. Notably, IL-17 regulates post-transcriptional modifications, which induce elevated levels of target inflammatory mRNAs. Regnase-1, an endoribonuclease and deubiquitinase, post-transcriptionally downregulates various IL-17-driven signaling pathways, including mRNA stability. The ACT1-TBK1/IKKϵ pathway and ARID5A were induced and activated by IL-17-stimulation, leading to the inhibition of inflammatory mRNA degradation by Regnase-1. In this review, we focus on IL-17-mediated mRNA stabilization of psoriasis-related IκB-ζ and provide novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Th17-mediated inflammation and autoimmunity.","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70184250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antibodies and infected monocytes and macrophages in COVID-19 patients","authors":"D. Ricke","doi":"10.3934/allergy.2022007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/allergy.2022007","url":null,"abstract":"The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes the COVID-19 disease associated with over 6.2 million deaths globally. Multiple early indicators raised the potential risk of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infecting monocytes and macrophages via Fc-receptor antibody binding based on closely related beta coronaviruses. Antibody Fc-receptor infection of phagocytic monocytes and macrophages is one type of antibody dependent enhancement of disease. Increased COVID-19 severity correlated with early high antibody responses on initial infection for unvaccinated adults. Clinical evidence suggests that for moderate antibody titer levels, antibodies binding to SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to viral spread, cytokine dysregulation, and enhanced COVID-19 disease severity. Primary immune responses appear to have too low of antibody titer to significantly contribute to Fc-receptor uptake by monocytes and macrophages for COVID-19 patients. Very high antibody titers created by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines also appear to inhibit Fc-receptor uptake and infection of monocytes and macrophages; this inhibition appears to decrease as antibody titer levels decrease. Cross reactive antibodies to other coronaviruses or moderate levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies may be contributing to antibody dependent enhancement of disease in critical COVID-19 patients.","PeriodicalId":40916,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Allergy and Immunology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70183988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}