ISSN: 1323-8930Editor's Choice
Editor’s comment: Dupilumab, an anti-IL-4 receptor alfa antibody, is highly effective against the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, in some patients with AD, facial dermatitis takes longer to improve. Kido-Nakahara et al. determined whether cytokine/chemokine profiles differed between facial and other skin lesions in AD. The authors collected stratum corneum samples by tape stripping from lesions of the forehead and abdomen of AD patients and the control subjects. Then expression profiles of various cytokine/chemokines were measured by a multiplex assay and immunohistochemistry. The authors found dissimilar cytokine/chemokine profiles in the stratum corneum in the facial and abdominal lesions of AD, which may explain the different responsiveness of these lesions to dupilumab in AD.
Editor’s comment: Basophils, rare granulocytes, play an important role in the development of type 2 immune response and are involved in the pathophysiology of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and other allergic diseases. Thus, targeting of basophil activation can be expected to be beneficial in controlling allergic diseases. Ito et al. revealed a novel regulatory mechanism of basophil activation. The authors showed that tristetraprolin (TTP), an RNA-binding protein, controlled activation of basophils through the degradation of mRNAs encoding pro-inflammatory molecules. Their findings may have broad implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting basophils.
Editor’s comment: Non-esophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (non-EoE EGIDs) are allergic conditions where type 2 immune response causes symptoms related to gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. Due to its rarity, the epidemiology of non-EoE EGIDs has not been as thoroughly studied as that of eosinophilic esophagitis. Sawada et al. report the first study based on the general population in Japan to examine the incidence of non-EoE EGIDs and identify its risk factors. The authors found a marked increase in the incidence and prevalence of non-EoE EGIDs in Japan over the past two decades.
Review Series: The immune network across organs
The immune system functions as an intricate and dynamic network spanning multiple organs. The players include immune cells, neural circuits, and microbial communities. This issue of Allergology International presents three review articles that highlight the growing understanding of interorgan immune communication and the implications for immune-mediated disorders, including allergic diseases. These three reviews provide crucial insights into how immune pathways are regulated across different systems, suggesting potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
Tamari et al. describe in depth the mechanisms of neuroimmune crosstalk in type 2 inflammation, emphasizing how sensory neurons actively modulate immune responses in barrier tissues such as the skin as well as in the lungs. Understanding the neural regulation of immune responses presents an exciting opportunity in allergy and immunology, as targeted neuroimmune modulations could potentially offer more precise therapeutic options for inflammatory conditions.
Kim et al. offer an overview of the intricate interplay between commensal bacteria and immune responses, focusing on the regulatory role of microbial-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), indole derivatives, and secondary bile acids. These strategies may lead to personalized treatments that modify gut microbial composition to enhance immune tolerance and prevent inflammatory diseases.
Fukasawa et al. comprehensively review gut-organ interaction, especially focusing on the gut-brain axis. They include the clinical aspects of gut-brain interactions, focusing not only on intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome, but also on neurologic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Gut-targeted interventions to improve systemic immune-related condition may be a promising avenue for future research and clinical applications.
