Current Research on Pediatric Allergy and Immunodeficiency

Dear Colleagues,

Immunodeficiency, a simple impairment of immunity in a narrow sense, is characterized by severe and chronic/repetitive infection. However, it can also cause allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, as well as autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. The concept of immunodeficiency can be expanded to all types of immune dysregulation. Actually, the 2019 updated IUIS classification has defined primary immunodeficiencies as human inborn errors of immunity, including 1) immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity, 2) combined immunodeficiencies with associated or syndromic features, 3) predominantly antibody deficiencies, 4) diseases of immune dysregulation, 5) congenital defects of phagocyte number or function, 6) defects in intrinsic and innate immunity, 7) autoinflammatory disorders, 8) complement deficiencies, and 9) bone marrow failure. Furthermore, inborn errors include not only genetic abnormalities, but also developmental abnormalities caused by environmental factors during pregnancy. In this context, allergy is considered as a subtype of immunodeficiency and characterized by type 2-deviated immune responses. Various genetic and environmental factors are associated with the development of allergies. The mechanism of action includes the impairment of skin barriers, abnormal cytoskeletal remodelling, altered cytokine or T cell signalling, restriction of T cell repertoire, failure of immune tolerance, dysregulation of mast cell activation, and so on.

In this issue, current research topics on various aspects of allergy and immunodeficiency in children are welcome, in order to discuss what has been achieved, what is now going on, and what remains to be clarified in the field of pediatric allergy and immunodeficiency.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Nobuo Kanazawa
Guest Editor

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