ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

Impact of allergen sensitization on phenotypes of T2-low asthma: a post-hoc analysis of a nationwide cohort study, NHOM Asthma
Imoto S, Nagase H, Suzukawa M, Fukutomi Y, Kobayashi N, Taniguchi M and Ohta K
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Type 2 (T2)-high asthma has been extensively studied; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms of T2-low asthma remain unclear.
Identification of Amb t 18 as a novel allergen from Ambrosia trifida pollen
Xu YF, Li K, Zhu LX, Cheng YL, Yang YS, Xu ZQ, Sun JL and Wei JF
Ambrosia (ragweed) pollen is a major allergenic source, but Ambrosia trifida allergens remain understudied. Triosephosphate isomerase, a conserved pan-allergen in plants, has not been reported in weed pollen.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of corticosteroid nasal sprays for allergic rhinitis in Japan
Nakagawa N, Kashiwabara M and Egawa K
Inflammation of the nasal lining, resulting in rhinorrhea and sneezing, leads to productivity losses.
Environmental pollutants and allergic sensitization: A systematic literature review
Lopez-Retana E, Gomez-Mendoza Z, Guerrero-Quezada J, Galvan-Coeto C, Tellez-Garcia M, Luna-Lopez I, Hernandez-Zarate L, Martinez-Tenopala R, Gomez-Nunez C and González-Uribe V
Exposure to environmental pollutants has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory and allergic diseases.
Relationship between meteorological variability and pollen sensitization over the past 10 years
Akkuş FA, Çölkesen F, Gerek ME, Önalan T, Evcen R, Aykan FS, Kilinç M and Arslan Ş
Meteorological changes can influence the type and concentration of allergenic pollen in the atmosphere.
Evaluation of patients with suspected vaccine allergies in Singapore
Chai ZT, Goh JY, Choo KJL, Ong KY, Tan V, Chong CJ, Naing CS and Lee HY
Hypersensitivity reaction to vaccines has been reported to occur in 5 per 100,000 doses. Although hypersensitivity reactions can occur to either the active vaccine component or other components such as excipients, outcome data from skin testing and provocation remains limited.
Clinical practice guideline for H1 antihistamine-resistant Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Chen Q, Cai T, Ge L, Geng S, Hao F, Ji J, Jin Z, Kang X, Ke D, Li J, Li D, Li J, Li W, Long H, Su H, Tang H, Wang H, Xiao T, Xie Z, Yao X, Zhang F, Zhang L, Zhang L, Wen-Hung C, Zhou P, Zhu H, Wang G, Gao X and Song Z
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), characterized by recurrent wheals and/or angioedema persisting for more than 6 weeks, represents a substantial clinical challenge. Although international guidelines endorse second-generation H1-antihistamines (sgAHs) as first-line therapy, up to 50% of patients remain refractory even at quadruple doses, significantly compromising quality of life and mental well-being. Notably, standardized guidelines for managing H1 antihistamine-resistant CSU are currently lacking. To address this gap, we aimed to develop an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, assessment, and step-wise treatment of H1 antihistamine-resistant CSU. A multidisciplinary panel conducted a systematic literature review and through multiple rounds of group discussions, both offline and online, to draft recommendations. Evidence was graded using the Oxford CEBM 2011 system and recommendations assigned GRADE strengths. This guideline provides a standardized, personalized treatment algorithm for H1 antihistamine-resistant CSU, aiming to improve clinical efficacy, reduce socioeconomic burden, and direct future research toward validating novel agents such as JAK inhibitors and optimizing long-term outcomes.
Pathophysiological insights into delayed pressure urticaria: A comprehensive review
Kulthanan K, Nanchaipruek Y, Munprom K, Sittiwanaruk S, Wattanasillawat P, Sadakorn P and Chularojanamontri L
Delayed pressure urticaria (DPU) is a chronic inducible subtype of urticaria, characterized by painful erythematous swelling triggered by sustained mechanical pressure. After pressure stimuli, lesions often appear within 4 to 6 hours, peak around 6 hours later, and persist for 8 hours to 3 days. More than half of patients may have associated symptoms, most often malaise and fatigue. The diagnosis of DPU is based on clinical history and confirmation through provocation testing. Dermographic tester and weighted rod testing are recommended as diagnostic tools by several current guidelines due to their reproducibility and capability to determine individual trigger thresholds. Although the exact pathogenesis remains unclear, mast cell activation, histamine release, eosinophil infiltration, and multiple mediators have been implicated. These mechanisms likely interact synergistically, contributing to the clinical manifestations of DPU. This article reviews the pathogenesis, histopathological findings, effector cells, inflammatory mediators, neuropeptides, adhesion molecules, and unmet clinical needs associated with DPU. A deeper understanding of these complex processes may facilitate the development of more effective targeted immunomodulators and biological therapies for severe and treatment-resistant cases of DPU.
Managing atopic dermatitis with antioxidant treatment emollients: A narrative review and consensus statements
Ho MHK, Chan Y, Chong PCY, Chow PY, Luk DCK and Ho KM
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition that can profoundly impact patients' quality of life. In Asia, AD is highly prevalent, and misperceptions of AD among the public and phobias of topical corticosteroid (TCS) treatments and the region's humid climate pose challenges to adherence. Emollients - moisturizing agents that hydrate the skin and improve its barrier function - are a core component of therapy for AD. This manuscript summarizes expert consensus from a group of Hong Kong experts on clinical management of AD, focusing on the role of emollients, and discusses if the term "treatment emollients" - emollients formulated with active non-drug disease-targeting ingredients such as antioxidants - could be helpful for communication and clinical practice. Summary statements, based on a literature review, were developed at an expert meeting and evaluated using a Delphi process. Treatment emollients have antioxidant or other disease-targeting ingredients that may provide additional therapeutic benefit in beyond moisturization alone. Emerging clinical data suggest that a treatment emollient containing the antioxidant furfuryl palmitate could improve AD symptoms and patients' quality of life. Such an agent has a potential role at various stages in the AD disease journey and may complement other therapies, such as TCSs or systemic therapies. The definition of the treatment emollient may evolve as additional examples with other therapeutic benefits (e.g., anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial effects) are developed. Treatment emollients represent a valuable additional option for AD patients, and they may be particularly useful where steroid phobia is prevalent.
A practical guide to biologic treatments for psoriasis in resource-limited areas
Chularojanamontri L, Pongcharoen P, Rattanakaemakorn P and Asawanonda P
Biologic therapies have transformed the management of moderate to severe psoriasis, providing targeted and effective interventions against key inflammatory pathways. Due to their action specifications compared to conventional therapies, they generally provide better efficacy-safety profiles, especially the second-generation of biologics for psoriasis. Furthermore, the broader aspects of patients' quality of life can improve dramatically. This review overviews the efficacy, safety, and real-world application of biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, interleukin (IL)-12/23 inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors and IL-23 inhibitors. Their effectiveness in difficult-to-treat areas such as the scalp, nails, palmoplantar region, and genital area, where conventional treatments often fail is also highlighted. Immunogenicity differences between biologics, along with variations in binding affinity and half-life, may influence treatment response and drug persistence. Intra-class and inter-class biologic switching have been utilized to optimize treatment outcomes in patients experiencing inadequate response or adverse effects. Long-term data suggest that biologics are well-tolerated, with a favorable safety profile. As biologic options continue to expand, individualized treatment selection such as patients' comorbidities, prior treatment history, and real-world drug survival are essential for optimizing patient outcomes in psoriasis management.
Recurrent chronic spontaneous urticaria in a tropical country: Clinical characteristics and associated factors
Limphoka P, Jiamton S, Chularojanamontri L, Kulthanan K and Tuchinda P
Limited data exist regarding recurrent chronic spontaneous urticaria (RCSU) following complete disease remission.
Diagnostic performance and methodological concordance of the autologous sweat skin test for sweat allergy in a tropical setting: A pilot cross-sectional study
Paringkarn T, Limphoka P, Tuchinda P, Chularojanamontri L, Kanistanon D, Phongtanthakun W, Yenyuwadee S, Saengthong-Aram P, Ketyungyoenwong A, Julraksa M, Srinoulprasert Y and Kulthanan K
Sweat allergy is frequently observed in patients with cholinergic urticaria (CholU) and atopic dermatitis (AD), yet data from high-sweating, tropical regions are scarce. The autologous sweat skin test (ASwST) is considered the reference diagnostic assay, but protocols differ.
Sensitization profiles of aeroallergens among allergic rhinitis patients in central China: A six-year real-world study
Le L, Chunhua L, Hao C, Yin W, Jin L, Qingxiu X and Rongfei Z
Environmental changes have led to shifts in allergen sensitization patterns globally.
TNFAIP3 regulates inflammatory arthritis through the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages
Zhang L, Jiang W, Zhang B, Xu T, Zhou S, Cai M, Chen J and Wu M
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease characterized by synovitis. The synovium of RA patients is rich in macrophages, which are differentiated mainly from monocytes. The susceptibility gene of RA, tumor necrosis factor-α inducible protein 3 (tnfaip3), is considered an anti-inflammatory factor. Our previous study revealed the abnormal protein expression of TNFAIP3 in monocytes from patients with RA.
Allergenicity potential of protein extract from freshwater and saltwater fish based on heat stability and antibody-binding frequency
Falihah AH, Azizah Z, Santoso BB, Sari IP and Sahid MN
Saltwater fish are associated with more allergic reactions compared to freshwater fish. However, the factors contributing to this difference remain unclear.
A Delphi consensus on nebulized budesonide for adults with asthma and COPD
Wongsurakiat P, Rattanawongpaibul A, Limsukon A, Chiewchalermsri C, Maneechotesuwan K, Wiwatcharagoses K, Kornthatchapong K, Saiphoklang N, Sanguanwit P, Domthong P, Sewatanon T, Reechaipichitkul W and Kawamatawong T
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) represent an alternative treatment option to systemic corticosteroids (SCS) in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, detailed clinical guidance on the use of nebulized ICS, such as budesonide, in the management of asthma and COPD remains scarce.
Oral immunotherapy directs systemic transcriptomic changes in children with hen's egg allergy
Jang S, Moon JH, Kim H, Jeong S, Shin S, Song J, Lee JH, Choi HS, Joh CS, Lee Y, Kim YH, Lee MH, Kim HJ, Kim J and Ahn K
Hen's egg (HE) is a major food allergen in children. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for hen's egg allergy (HEA), but the precise immunological mechanisms underlying HE-OIT are not fully understood.
Recurrence rate and risk factors of recurrent anaphylaxis: A ten-year retrospective cohort study
Uthaisangsook S, Padsee N and Inkate S
Few studies have investigated the risk factors for recurrent anaphylaxis. Identifying these factors may help patients implement preventive measures.
Enhanced performances of the short-PCR coupled lateral flow assay in the detection of Candida albicans in clinical blood samples
Srichaiyapol O, Saiboonjan B, Ngernpimai S, Ponsue C, Sa-Ingthong N, Thongmee P, Wonglakorn L, Sukkasem C, Kendal RP, Daduang J, Tavichakorntrakool R, Srisrattakarn A, Chanawong A, Wongwattanakul M, Lulitanond A and Tippayawat P
Candida albicans remains the most common fungal pathogen among the species, causing candidemia. Thus, early diagnosis is indispensable in patients with severe underlying infections.
Asthma remission: A path to cure?
Chiewchalermsri C, Kanjanawasee D, Saiphoklang N, Chirakalwasan N, Sriprasart T, Senavonge A, Sanguanwong N, Kamalaporn H, Athipongarporn A, Hachai S, Boonsawat W, Brannan JD, Song WJ, Ruxrungtham K and Poachanukoon O
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by variable respiratory symptoms and reversible airflow limitation. Despite significant advances in pharmacologic and immunotherapeutic treatment, definitive remission or cure remains elusive. Asthma remission is defined as a sustained absence of symptoms, exacerbations, and lung function decline, with or without ongoing therapy. In contrast, an asthma cure implies permanent disease eradication marked by lifelong symptom resolution, no need for maintenance or rescue medication, preserved lung function, and absence of airway inflammation. To date, no intervention has been proven to cure asthma. Consequently, clinical remission has emerged as a more achievable and meaningful goal in asthma management. This review summarizes recent findings on remission rates, key factors influencing asthma remission, and the impact of various therapeutic strategies-including immunotherapy and advanced biologics. We also highlight evidence underscoring the foundational role of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma should be managed within the context of a unified allergic airway disease; thus, systematic identification and treatment of coexisting conditions such as allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps is essential, as they often exacerbate lower airway symptoms. Routine nasal irrigation, environmental control measures, and attention to modifiable lifestyle factors-such as sleep hygiene, physical activity, and weight management-are critical. When consistently implemented, these holistic approaches may significantly improve disease control and support the achievement of clinical remission. Achieving a cure for asthma remains the ultimate goal, necessitating a long-term commitment and strategically designed basic and clinical research to determine its viability.
Immunoglobulin E binding capacity to various types of Korean soy sauces among children sensitized to wheat and soybean
Lee J, Gantulga P, Jeong K, Youm S and Lee S
Soy sauce (SS) is made from soy or a mix of soybean and wheat proteins. With the rise in global consumption of Korean SS, understanding the allergenicity of its different types is essential.