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Molecular Crosstalk in Allergy, Barrier Dysfunction, and Asthma

Special Issue Editor

Clinical Immunology Unit, Maggiore Hospital, Bologna, Italy
Interests: allergy; barrier dysfunction; asthma; hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Allergic diseases and asthma represent relevant pathologies of the third millennium in terms of prevalence, costs, and mortality. Despite prevention, efficient screening, and early-treatment programs, allergy and asthma are seeing an increasing impact on the paediatric and adult population.  

The Special Issue entitled, “Molecular Crosstalk in Allergy, Barrier Dysfunction, and Asthma,” wants to focus on both basic science and translational studies as well as clinical evidence, in order to explore the integrated molecular and cellular pathways that connect allergic inflammation, asthma pathogenesis, and barrier dysfunction.

This Special Issue focuses on recent studies that aimed to investigate barrier dysfunction and the cellular pathways involved.

Current research in this area emphasizes innate immune signaling and immune crosstalk, epigenetic and transcriptomic regulation of allergic inflammation, and environmental and exposomic influences on molecular mechanisms.

The theme also encompasses multi-omics approaches to define endotypes of asthma and allergy.

Dr. Elisa Boni
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • barrier dysfunction
  • asthma
  • allergy
  • molecular pathways
  • molecular crosstalks

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 2050 KB  
Article
Plant Microfungi Tranzschelia pruni-spinosae and Phragmidium rubi-idaei Demonstrate Allergenic Capabilities in Mouse Models of Asthma
by Piotr Wlaź, Katarzyna Socała, Magdalena Krasowska-Kunach, Marta Palusińska-Szysz, Urszula Świderska, Dominika Szczypior and Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031507 - 3 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 558
Abstract
Allergic conditions have surged to unprecedented levels globally, affecting approximately 30% of the global population. Fungi are among the most significant sources of allergens, accounting for approximately 6% of respiratory issues in the general population. However, identifying the precise cause of respiratory allergies [...] Read more.
Allergic conditions have surged to unprecedented levels globally, affecting approximately 30% of the global population. Fungi are among the most significant sources of allergens, accounting for approximately 6% of respiratory issues in the general population. However, identifying the precise cause of respiratory allergies remains challenging. We investigated the potential of two rust species, Tranzschelia pruni-spinosae and Phragmidium rubi-idaei, which infect common fruit plants, to induce inflammatory and asthmatic responses in mouse models of both acute and chronic asthma. Mice were sensitized and administered intranasal challenges with extracts from T. pruni-spinosae and P. rubi-idaei. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, and TGF-β) were measured via ELISA. Additionally, specific IgE production was assessed via ELISA and lung histology was examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Both fungal extracts induced significant increases in all tested cytokines, elevated specific IgE levels, and histological changes characteristic of acute and chronic asthma progression in the lungs. The microfungi T. pruni-spinosae and P. rubi-idaei possess strong proinflammatory and asthma-inducing capabilities, suggesting their potential as previously unrecognized fungal allergens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Crosstalk in Allergy, Barrier Dysfunction, and Asthma)
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