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Trends in Allergy and Autoimmunity: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Treatment
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Trends in Allergy and Autoimmunity: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Treatment

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 8392

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ilaria Mormile

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: immunology; autoimmunity; allergic and inflammatory diseases; autoimmune diseases; allergen immunotherapy; biological therapies; bronchial asthma; fibroblasts; hereditary angioedema; bradykinin; VEGF
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Allergy and autoimmunity result from the dysregulation of the immune system and sometimes intersect. Many molecular and cellular actors have been reported to participate in both allergic inflammation and autoimmune disorders, revisiting the old-fashioned concept that Th1- and Th2-related diseases could not coexist. In addition, in recent years, the application of new technologies such as “omics”, machine learning, and artificial intelligence have led to immense progress in understanding the pathogenesis and identification of therapeutic targets for allergic and autoimmune diseases. However, despite the significant advances in diagnosis and treatment in recent decades, some challenges still exist. This broad research theme aims to explore the possible molecular connection between allergy and autoimmunity as two faces of the same coin and collect the most recent advances in targeted therapies. This collection will also promote personalized medicine, in which diseases are prevented and treated according to individual variability in genes, phenotypical features, environment, and lifestyle for each group of patients. This Special Issue will include original research, meta-analyses, and review articles focusing on inflammatory cell biology, characterization of their subtypes, novel biomarkers of activation, and evaluation of gene expression and protein levels of inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators. We also welcome articles on the recent applications of routine laboratory parameters and instrumental techniques for assessing disease severity and organ involvement in allergic and autoimmune diseases. Finally, we encourage the submission of manuscripts exploring treat-to-target therapy, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecules for immune-mediated disorders.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Ilaria Mormile
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • allergy
  • autoimmunity
  • autoimmune diseases
  • asthma
  • allergic rhinitis
  • urticaria
  • inflammation
  • molecular pathway
  • biomarkers
  • target therapy

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3067 KiB  
Article
Genetic and Immunological Insights into Tick-Bite Hypersensitivity and Alpha-Gal Syndrome: A Case Study Approach
by Pavle Banović, Dejan Jakimovski, Dragana Mijatović, Ivana Bogdan, Verica Simin, Jasmina Grujić, Svetlana Vojvodić, Nada Vučković, Kinga Lis, Eleftherios Meletis, Polychronis Kostoulas, Marija Cvetkova Mladenovska, Angélique Foucault-Simonin, Sara Moutailler, Lourdes Mateos-Hernández and Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020680 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 3225
Abstract
Tick-bite hypersensitivity encompasses a range of clinical manifestations, from localized allergic reactions to systemic conditions like alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an IgE-mediated allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). This study investigated the clinical, molecular, immunological, and genetic features of two hypersensitivity cases. Two cases were analyzed: [...] Read more.
Tick-bite hypersensitivity encompasses a range of clinical manifestations, from localized allergic reactions to systemic conditions like alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an IgE-mediated allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). This study investigated the clinical, molecular, immunological, and genetic features of two hypersensitivity cases. Two cases were analyzed: a 30-year-old woman with fixed drug reaction (FDR)-like hypersensitivity and a 10-year-old girl with AGS exhibiting borderline α-Gal-specific IgE. Diagnostic methods included allergen-specific IgE quantification, HLA genotyping, histopathological examination, and the molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens using microfluidic PCR. Case I demonstrated histopathological features of chronic lymphocytic inflammation and eosinophilic infiltrates, with HLA-B13 and DRB113 alleles indicating genetic susceptibility to hypersensitivity, while histological findings suggested a localized FDR-like reaction. Case II exhibited borderline α-Gal-specific IgE, resolving completely with a mammalian-free diet. The presence of HLA-DRB101 and DQB1*05 in the second patient indicated a genetic predisposition to AGS and other atopic conditions. No infectious etiology was identified in either case. These findings emphasize the heterogeneity of tick-related hypersensitivity and the importance of HLA genotypes in susceptibility. Comprehensive molecular, immunological, and genetic profiling offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of hypersensitivity, supporting personalized approaches for the diagnosis and management of tick-induced allergic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Allergy and Autoimmunity: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Treatment)
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19 pages, 7750 KiB  
Article
MicroRNAs in Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
by Elena Grueso-Navarro, Leticia Rodríguez-Alcolado, Laura Arias-González, Ana M. Aransay, Juan-José Lozano, Julia Sidorova, Rocío Juárez-Tosina, Jesús González-Cervera, Alfredo J. Lucendo and Emilio J. Laserna-Mendieta
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020639 - 14 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1303
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory esophageal disorder. The lack of non-invasive biomarkers currently results in dependency on endoscopy with biopsies for its diagnosis and monitoring. We aimed to identify potential non-invasive biomarkers using microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs). This [...] Read more.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory esophageal disorder. The lack of non-invasive biomarkers currently results in dependency on endoscopy with biopsies for its diagnosis and monitoring. We aimed to identify potential non-invasive biomarkers using microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs). This was a prospective single-center observational study of a discovery cohort of EoE patients (n = 26) with active disease (EoE.Basal) and after anti-inflammatory treatment (EoE.Post.tx) and control subjects (n = 16). Small-RNA-seq was performed to identify differentially regulated small RNAs (sRNAs). Candidate miRNAs were validated in an independent cohort (EoE patients, n = 33; controls, n = 14). The pEVs-sRNA cargo differed among conditions. Compared with controls, Ser_Comb_22, Leu_Comb_5, miR-10b-5p, and miR-125a-5p were upregulated in EoE.Basal, and miR-224-5p, miR-221-3p, let-7d-5p, and miR-191-5p were downregulated. The combination of miR-221-3p and miR-10b-5p showed the best diagnostic performance. Comparing paired EoE samples, miR-374a-5p and miR-30a-3p were upregulated in EoE.Basal, while miR-15a-5p and let-7d-5p were downregulated. Combined miR-30a-3p and miR-15a-5p showed the best AUC values, and miR-30a-3p alone was best as a monitoring biomarker (p = 0.001). In conclusion, pEVs-sRNA changed upon inflammation in EoE patients, and miR-30a-3p was proposed as a potential biomarker for monitoring the treatment. This study was the first to explore the use of pEVs as a non-invasive biomarker for EoE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Allergy and Autoimmunity: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Treatment)
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21 pages, 2393 KiB  
Article
Differences in Salivary Cytokinome and Pathogen Load Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Disease Patients
by Aleksandra Korzeniowska, Agnieszka Daca, Maria Szarecka, Małgorzata Bykowska, Jacek Witkowski and Ewa Bryl
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010197 - 29 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1455
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease with complex pathogenesis, is characterized by an immune imbalance reflected, e.g., in the disturbed cytokines’ profile. Various viruses and bacteria can cause the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines influencing RA development. In particular, oral cavity dysbiosis, observed in [...] Read more.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease with complex pathogenesis, is characterized by an immune imbalance reflected, e.g., in the disturbed cytokines’ profile. Various viruses and bacteria can cause the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines influencing RA development. In particular, oral cavity dysbiosis, observed in multiple chronic diseases including periodontitis, may be linked to RA. The cytokine profile (IL-1β, IP-10, IL-29, GM-CSF, IFN-α2, IFN-β, TGF-β1, MPC-1, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-12p70, IL-2, and IL-4) of RA patients’ saliva was evaluated using flow cytometry and benchmarked with their levels in saliva of healthy controls and patients with other rheumatic diseases. The levels of IL-1β, IP-10, IL-2, and IL-4 were significantly elevated in RA patients’ saliva compared to other studied groups. To define the potential role of the most suspicious microbial agents (Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus, Parvovirus B19, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Segatella copri) for RA pathogenesis, the amounts of their DNA in the saliva of patients with RA were assessed in all the groups mentioned above. The EBV and P. gingivalis DNA levels measured by qRT-PCR were significantly higher in RA patients’ saliva than in other groups, indicating either the important role of these agents in RA pathogenesis or the higher susceptibility of RA patients for those infectious factors. The comprehension of the association of specific cytokine profiles in RA and the occurrence of specific viral and/or bacterial infections can be a key to a better understanding of RA pathogenesis. These results illustrate the complexity of the immunological profile of RA, show the high diagnostic potential of saliva, and provide insight into how various infections can contribute to RA development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Allergy and Autoimmunity: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Treatment)
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Review

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13 pages, 282 KiB  
Review
Current State of Celery Allergy: Is Discovering Api g 7 a Milestone in Diagnosing Celeriac-Allergic Patients?
by Bernadetta Kosztulska, Zbigniew Bartuzi and Natalia Ukleja-Sokołowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5840; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125840 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
Celery allergy is a common food allergy, particularly among the European population. Currently, several diagnostic methods are available, including multiplex assays, which are useful for identifying celery-allergic patients. However, all of these methods have certain limitations. Api g 7 is a newly identified [...] Read more.
Celery allergy is a common food allergy, particularly among the European population. Currently, several diagnostic methods are available, including multiplex assays, which are useful for identifying celery-allergic patients. However, all of these methods have certain limitations. Api g 7 is a newly identified celeriac allergen belonging to the defensin protein family. Its clinical relevance lies in the high risk of severe systemic reactions among patients sensitized to this molecule. Patients sensitized to Api g 7 are often co-sensitized to Art v 1, the major mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) allergen, due to structural similarity between these two molecules. This molecular homology plays a key role in the pathogenesis of celery–mugwort syndrome. Although Api g 7may be a major celery allergen, none of the currently available commercial diagnostic tests are capable of detecting sIgE against it. This highlights the need for the development of new, commercially available diagnostic tools in allergology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Allergy and Autoimmunity: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Treatment)
18 pages, 1845 KiB  
Review
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Patients with Down Syndrome—Review
by Weronika Szybiak-Skora, Wojciech Cyna and Katarzyna Lacka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010029 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1663
Abstract
Down syndrome develops due to the presence of supernumerary chromosome 21. This diagnosis is made in approximately 1:800 live births. The tendency to develop autoimmune disorders like idiopathic arthritis, celiac disease, diabetes mellitus type 1, vitiligo and autoimmune thyroid disease is strongly expressed [...] Read more.
Down syndrome develops due to the presence of supernumerary chromosome 21. This diagnosis is made in approximately 1:800 live births. The tendency to develop autoimmune disorders like idiopathic arthritis, celiac disease, diabetes mellitus type 1, vitiligo and autoimmune thyroid disease is strongly expressed in patients with Down syndrome. Autoimmune thyroid diseases consisting of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are specifically prevalent in patients with Down syndrome. The aim of our study is to collect available data connecting the pathogenesis and clinical course of autoimmune thyroid diseases in patients with Down syndrome of different ages and compare them to control groups. According to published data, the incidence ratio of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diagnosis in patients with Down syndrome is elevated compared to in age-matched controls without this chromosomal aberration, similarly to Graves’ disease risk, which is also increased in a group of patients with Down syndrome. What is more, both Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are diagnosed at an earlier age than in the healthy population and are not correlated with gender or a family history of autoimmune diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Allergy and Autoimmunity: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Treatment)
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