Review
Immunology
Sjoerd T. T. Schetters, Martijn J. Schuijs
Summary: Eosinophils play multiple roles in immune responses, including defense against parasites, promoting allergic inflammation, and regulatory functions. They possess both homeostatic and pro-resolving capacity, but their function is influenced by time and space.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhenwei Xia, Wenwei Zhong
Summary: HO-1 plays a crucial immunoregulatory role in asthmatic airway inflammation by regulating various immune cells and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.
Article
Immunology
Guiping Zhu, Hui Cai, Ling Ye, Yuqing Mo, Mengchan Zhu, Yingying Zeng, Xixi Song, Chengyu Yang, Xin Gao, Jian Wang, Meiling Jin
Summary: This study reveals the regulatory role of SPRR3 in allergic airway inflammation and identifies it as a potential novel therapeutic target for asthma.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eva Conde, Romain Bertrand, Bianca Balbino, Jonathan Bonnefoy, Julien Stackowicz, Noemie Caillot, Fabien Colaone, Samir Hamdi, Raissa Houmadi, Alexia Loste, Jasper B. J. Kamphuis, Francois Huetz, Laurent Guilleminault, Nicolas Gaudenzio, Aurelie Mougel, David Hardy, John N. Snouwaert, Beverly H. Koller, Vincent Serra, Pierre Bruhns, Geraldine Grouard-Vogel, Laurent L. Reber
Summary: The study developed vaccines targeting IL-4 and IL-13, demonstrating promising prophylactic and therapeutic effects in mouse models of asthma. Vaccines specific for human IL-4 and IL-13 also showed efficient neutralization of these cytokines in mice, suggesting a potential long-term therapeutic strategy for allergic asthma.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Efthymia Theofani, Georgina Xanthou
Summary: Autophagy is a crucial self-degradative process in cells that plays a key role in cellular renovation, physiology, and homeostasis. It can be triggered by factors such as starvation, pathogens, and stress, and is important in immune response regulation. Dysregulation of autophagy processes, either impaired or overactive, can contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including infections and cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Ning Zhang, Jing Xu, Congshan Jiang, Shemin Lu
Summary: This review explores the neural regulation mechanisms in the occurrence of allergic asthma, covering aspects from immune response, airway remodeling to pulmonary neuroendocrine cells. Although research in this area is still limited, further investigation into neural regulation can help us better understand the mechanism of asthma comprehensively, and find more effective ways to prevent and control asthma.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Alexandra Schroeder, Lars P. Lunding, Ulrich M. Zissler, Christina Vock, Sina Webering, Johanna C. Ehlers, Zane Orinska, Adam Chaker, Carsten B. Schmidt-Weber, Niklas J. Lang, Herbert B. Schiller, Marcus A. Mall, Heinz Fehrenbach, Charles A. Dinarello, Michael Wegmann
Summary: The study found that IL-37 downregulates allergic airway inflammation by counterbalancing the disease-amplifying effects of IL-1 beta and IL-33.
Article
Immunology
Kenta Ikoma, Michihiro Takahama, Atsushi Kimishima, Yixi Pan, Manabu Taura, Akiyoshi Nakayama, Masayoshi Arai, Naoki Takemura, Tatsuya Saitoh
Summary: The study found that oridonin, a diterpenoid extracted from Isodon japonicus HARA, strongly suppressed particulate-induced cell death and the release of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Oridonin also reduced particulate-induced phagolysosomal membrane damage without affecting the phagocytosis of particulates. Furthermore, oridonin treatment markedly suppressed symptoms of silica particle-induced pneumonia by inhibiting the release of IL-1 alpha independently of NLRP3.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Corinne Cayrol
Summary: Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an immune signaling molecule that plays a role in various diseases. It activates different cells to initiate and amplify immune responses and inflammation. IL-33 has multiple regulatory mechanisms to control its activity and function.
Review
Immunology
Paulina Misiukiewicz-Stepien, Magdalena Paplinska-Goryca
Summary: Despite ongoing efforts to reduce air pollutant emissions, environmental pollution continues to increase, particularly impacting respiratory diseases due to exposure to elevated levels of airborne particles. PM10, the largest fraction of air pollutants, contains various harmful components that can disrupt natural airway defense mechanisms and promote respiratory issues. This review highlights the importance of understanding the physical features of PM10 and its impact on airway epithelial cells and obstructive pulmonary diseases.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Andi Alijagic, Alexander Hedbrant, Alexander Persson, Maria Larsson, Magnus Engwall, Eva Sarndahl
Summary: Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants that have not been thoroughly studied for their effects on human innate immunity. This review explores the potential of MNPs to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, an intracellular complex critical for inflammatory responses. The impact of MNPs' source, fate, co-exposure, and complex chemistry on inflammasome activation is also discussed. Developing robust biological sensors is crucial for effectively addressing and mitigating the risks of MNPs to human health.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Vadim Pivniouk, Joao A. Gimenes-Junior, Peace Ezeh, Ashley Michael, Oksana Pivniouk, Seongmin Hahn, Sydney R. VanLinden, Sean P. Malone, Amir Abidov, Dayna Anderson, Justyna Gozdz, Avery DeVries, Fernando D. Martinez, Christian Pasquali, Donata Vercelli
Summary: This study demonstrates that direct administration of OM-85 to the airway compartment can protect against experimental allergic asthma by engaging multiple immune pathways. The efficacy of intranasal OM-85 administration may be due to its direct access to the airway mucosal networks controlling the initiation and development of allergic asthma.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Akhilesh Jha, Ryan S. Thwaites, Tanushree Tunstall, Onn Min Kon, Robin J. Shattock, Trevor T. Hansel, Peter J. M. Openshaw
Summary: Acute respiratory viral infections are a major concern, especially in patients with preexisting lung diseases like asthma. Toll-like receptors play a critical role in early virus detection and activating innate immunity, but measuring respiratory mucosal innate immune responses is challenging. This study found that allergic individuals have increased nasal mucosal IFN and chemokine response to the viral RNA analogue R848, indicating dysregulated innate immune responses in the nasal mucosa may impact viral exposure outcomes.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Guojun Qian, Wenxia Jiang, Donglin Sun, Zhun Sun, Anning Chen, Hongwei Fang, Jingyao Wang, Yongzhong Liu, Zhinan Yin, Haiming Wei, Hao Fang, Xiaoren Zhang
Summary: This study reveals that IL-10 derived from B cells, regulated by Bcl-3, promotes the development of allergic asthma. Inhibition of the Bcl-3/IL-10 axis may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for treating allergic asthma.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Alex Kayongo, Nicole M. Robertson, Trishul Siddharthan, Moses Levi Ntayi, Josephine Caren Ndawula, Obondo J. Sande, Bernard S. Bagaya, Bruce Kirenga, Harriet Mayanja-Kizza, Moses L. Joloba, Sofia K. Forslund
Summary: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major contributor to global mortality, with three million deaths reported annually. The impact is expected to increase, with approximately five million people predicted to die from COPD-related causes each year in the next 40 years. The immune mechanisms driving disease progression, as well as the relationship between airway microbiome changes and immune activation, remain unclear.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioannis-Alexandros Gampierakis, Yassemi Koutmani, Maria Semitekolou, Ioannis Morianos, Alexia Pollisidis, Antonia Katsouda, Ioannis Charalampopoulos, Georgina Xanthou, Achille Gravanis, Katia P. Karalis
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Polyxeni Ntontsi, Andreas Photiades, Eleftherios Zervas, Georgina Xanthou, Konstantinos Samitas
Summary: Asthma, a common respiratory disease worldwide, has been associated with various genes and different phenotypes. Research efforts are now focusing on epigenetics, particularly DNA methylation, in understanding asthma susceptibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Andriana Papaioannou, Myrto Mplizou, Konstantinos Porpodis, Evangelia Fouka, Eleftherios Zervas, Konstantinos Samitas, Miltiadis Markatos, Petros Bakakos, Spyridon Papiris, Mina Gaga, Despoina Papakosta, Stelios Loukides
Summary: This retrospective study in Greece demonstrated that long-term treatment with omalizumab resulted in sustained improvements in asthma exacerbations, asthma control, and lung function in patients, while also reducing the use of steroids and maintaining a good safety profile.
ALLERGY AND ASTHMA PROCEEDINGS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Eleni Skavatsou, Maria Semitekolou, Ioannis Morianos, Theodoros Karampelas, Nikolaos Lougiakis, Georgina Xanthou, Constantin Tamvakopoulos
Summary: The combination of metronomic chemotherapy with immunotherapy shows potential efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, providing new options for patients with reduced toxicities.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Efthymia Theofani, Georgina Xanthou
Summary: Autophagy is a crucial self-degradative process in cells that plays a key role in cellular renovation, physiology, and homeostasis. It can be triggered by factors such as starvation, pathogens, and stress, and is important in immune response regulation. Dysregulation of autophagy processes, either impaired or overactive, can contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including infections and cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Efthymia Theofani, Maria Semitekolou, Konstantinos Samitas, Annie Mais, Ioanna E. Galani, Vasiliki Triantafyllia, Joanna Lama, Ioannis Morianos, Athanasios Stavropoulos, Se-Jin Jeong, Evangelos Andreakos, Babak Razani, Nikoletta Rovina, Georgina Xanthou
Summary: This study investigates the effects of autophagy and its master regulator, transcription factor EB (TFEB), on monocyte responses in asthmatic individuals.
Letter
Allergy
Maria Kallieri, Eleftherios Zervas, Evangelia Fouka, Konstantinos Porpodis, Marija Hadji Mitrova, Eleni Tzortzaki, Michael Makris, Maria Ntakoula, Andriana I. Papaioannou, Panagiotis Lyberopoulos, Katerina Dimakou, Sofia Koukidou, Sevasti Ampelioti, Anastasia Papaporfyriou, Konstantinos Katsoulis, Maria Kipourou, Nikoletta Rovina, Katerina Antoniou, Stylianos Vittorakis, Petros Bakakos, Paschalis Steiropoulos, Katerina Markopoulou, Panteleimon Avarlis, Ilias C. Papanikolaou, Miltiadis Markatos, Eleni Gaki, Konstantinos Samitas, Konstantinos Glynos, Spyros A. Papiris, Despoina Papakosta, Nikolaos Tzanakis, Mina Gaga, Konstantinos Kostikas, Stelios Loukides
Article
Allergy
Andriana I. Papaioannou, Evangelia Fouka, Nikolaos Tzanakis, Katerina Antoniou, Konstantinos Samitas, Eleftherios Zervas, Konstantinos Kostikas, Konstantinos Bartziokas, Konstantinos Porpodis, Despoina Papakosta, Argyris Tzouvelekis, Irini Gerogianni, Ourania Kotsiou, Michael Makris, Nikoletta Rovina, Garyfallia Vlachou, Miltiadis Markatos, Stelios Vittorakis, Konstantinos Katsoulis, Ilias Papanikolaou, Andreas Afthinos, Paraskevi Katsaounou, Paschalis Steiropoulos, Dimitrios Latsios, Katerina Dimakou, Sofia Koukidou, Georgios Hillas, Stavros Tryfon, Maria Kallieri, Athina Georgopoulou, Pantelis Avarlis, Petros Bakakos, Katerina Markopoulou, Eleni Gaki, Asimina Paspala, Zacharoula Kyriakaki, Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis, Spyridon Papiris, Stelios Loukides
Summary: The study found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, severe asthma patients treated with biologics were not at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population, and the use of biologic treatments for severe asthma during the pandemic did not seem to be associated with adverse outcomes from severe COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Stylianos K. Vittorakis, Georgia Giannakopoulou, Konstantinos Samitas, Eleftherios Zervas
Summary: A 26-year-old female with steroid dependent eosinophilic asthma and nasal polyps successfully controlled her symptoms with mepolizumab treatment for 17 months. However, she discontinued the biologic treatment due to pregnancy efforts, which resulted in frequent exacerbations and daily symptoms despite other treatments. After re-initiating mepolizumab, her asthma control improved and she was able to gradually withdraw from steroids within 2 months. The patient became pregnant and had a successful delivery while using mepolizumab during pregnancy.
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE CASE REPORTS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Respiratory System
Evangelia Fouka, Konstantinos Samitas, Petros Bakakos
Review
Respiratory System
Petros Bakakos, Evangelia Fouka, Petros Galanakis, Konstantinos Katsoulis, Konstantinos Kostikas, Stelios Loukides, Nikolas Mathioudakis, Konstantinos Porpodis, Konstantinos Samitas, Paschalis Steiropoulos, Eleftherios Zervas
Summary: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and predictors of Type 2 low severe asthma (SA) in Greece and depict the patient profile, clinical features, treatment patterns, and disease burden. The study will use clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to collect data on asthma symptom control, quality of life, anxiety, depression, work productivity, and activity impairment. The evidence generated by this study will provide insight into the prevalence and disease burden of Type 2 low SA, which can inform healthcare decisionmaking.
Meeting Abstract
Respiratory System
Andriana Papaioannou, Evangelia Fouka, Tzanakis Nikolaos, Katerina Antoniou, Konstantinos Samitas, Eleftherios Zervas, Konstantinos Kostikas, Konstantinos Bartziokas, Konstantinos Porpodis, Despoina Papakosta, Argyris Tzouvelekis, Irini Gerogianni, Ourania Kotsiou, Michael Makris, Nikoletta Povina, Garyfallia Vlachou, Miltiadis Markatos, Stelios Vittorakis, Konstantinos Katsoulis, Ilias Papanikolaou, Paraskevi Katsaounou, Paschalis Steiropoulos, Dimitrios Latsios, Katerina Dimakou, Georgios Hillas, Stavros Tryfon, Athina Georgopoulou, Pantelis Avarlis, Petros Bakakos, Katerina markopooulou, Eleni Gaki, Asimina Paspala, Zacharoula Kyriakaki
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2021)