Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.6
2.9
Journals
Medicina
Special Issues
Updates on Allergies and Immunodeficiencies
share announcement

Updates on Allergies and Immunodeficiencies

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Hematology and Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2026 | Viewed by 4348

Editors

Prof. Dr. Carmen Panaitescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
2. Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, 156 Liviu Rebreanu Bd., 300723 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: molecular allergology; asthma; food allergy; recombinant allergens; allergen immunotherapy; immunology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Maria Roxana Buzan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Center of Immuno‐Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
Interests: molecular allergology; allergenic proteins; recombinant allergens; allergen immunotherapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Allergic diseases and immunodeficiencies are becoming a major health issue, affecting patients’ quality of life and placing a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The pathogenesis of these conditions is driven by multiple factors including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and intricate immune system dynamics. Over the last decades, advances in molecular diagnostics, component-resolved allergy testing, and targeted therapies have improved the understanding and management of allergic diseases. However, important gaps remain in identifying new allergens and allergen sources, understanding the immune mechanisms, developing reliable biomarkers, and translating research findings into clinical practice. Additionally, immunodeficiencies, whether primary or acquired, are often underdiagnosed or recognized late, leading to severe complications. Early detection and effective management are critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.

This Special Issue aims to present a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the fields of allergy and immunodeficiency. Therefore we invite researchers to contribute with original research articles and review papers that advance knowledge and promote progress within the diagnosis and management of these disorders.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Molecular and cellular mechanisms of allergic and immunodeficiency disorders;
  • Identification and structural characterization of novel allergens;
  • Clinical significance of allergen cross-reactivity;
  • Development of precision immunotherapies and novel treatment strategies;
  • Influence of environmental agents on immune response.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Carmen Panaitescu
Guest Editor

Dr. Maria Roxana Buzan
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • allergy
  • immunodeficiency
  • allergens
  • cross-reactivity
  • molecular allergy diagnostics
  • immunotherapy
  • precision medicine
  • exposome

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

26 pages, 4386 KB  
Article
Combined Exposure to Ragweed and House Dust Mite Exacerbates Airway Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction: A Multimodal Approach
by Elena-Larisa Zimbru, Răzvan-Ionuț Zimbru, Manuela Grijincu, Florina-Maria Bojin, Maria-Roxana Buzan, Sorin Dan Chiriac, Gabriela Tănasie, Laura Haidar, Crenguta Livia Calma and Carmen Panaitescu
Medicina 2026, 62(5), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050980 - 17 May 2026
Viewed by 482
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dysfunction of the airway epithelial barrier is increasingly recognized as an early pathogenic mechanism in allergic respiratory diseases. Although individual aeroallergens such as ragweed (RW) pollen and house dust mite (HDM) are known to impair epithelial integrity, the effects of [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Dysfunction of the airway epithelial barrier is increasingly recognized as an early pathogenic mechanism in allergic respiratory diseases. Although individual aeroallergens such as ragweed (RW) pollen and house dust mite (HDM) are known to impair epithelial integrity, the effects of combined exposure, more reflective of real-world conditions, remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of single versus combined allergen exposure on airway epithelial barrier function using a multimodal experimental approach. Materials and Methods: Differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were exposed to RW (100 µg/mL), HDM (100 µg/mL), or a combined extract (RW + HDM; total 100 µg/mL). Barrier function under air–liquid interface conditions was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), while real-time cellular responses were evaluated using xCELLigence impedance monitoring. Structural alterations were examined by occludin-based immunofluorescence imaging, and transcriptional changes associated with epithelial stress and inflammation were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Results: Allergen exposure induced time- and concentration-dependent impairment of epithelial barrier function. Combined exposure resulted in the most pronounced and sustained reduction in TEER and impedance measurements. These functional changes were accompanied by disruption of tight junction organization and coordinated transcriptional modulation of genes involved in inflammatory and stress responses. Conclusions: Combined exposure to RW and HDM extracts induced more severe and persistent epithelial barrier dysfunction than individual allergens. These findings support the role of the airway epithelium as a central regulator of allergic airway disease and highlight barrier disruption as an early pathogenic event. The multimodal framework applied in this study provides an integrated platform for investigating epithelial responses to complex environmental exposures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Allergies and Immunodeficiencies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1478 KB  
Article
Quality of Life and Socioeconomic Situation of Patients with Hereditary Angioedema in Slovakia
by Martina Ondrušová, Martin Suchanský, Soňa Vándor Svidová, Katarína Hrubišková, Jana Zelníková, Karolína Vorčáková and Miloš Jeseňák
Medicina 2026, 62(4), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62040705 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 650
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) represents a specific form of life-threatening inborn errors of immunity. Current guidelines recommend regular assessment of the disease burden, disease control and quality of life. This study describes the profile of HAE patients in Slovakia, disease [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) represents a specific form of life-threatening inborn errors of immunity. Current guidelines recommend regular assessment of the disease burden, disease control and quality of life. This study describes the profile of HAE patients in Slovakia, disease control, quality of life, states of anxiety and depression, and socioeconomic situation. Materials and Methods: We used a set of standardized questionnaires—AE-QoL, AECT, HADS and Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire, and a non-standardized questionnaire—to describe the characteristics of the population. Results: We collected data on 56.44% (57 out of 101) of HAE adult patients registered in Slovakia. Moderate to severe HAE was present in 61.40% of patients; 73.68% were on long-term prophylactic treatment; and 19.30% received rescue treatment due to an acute HAE attack during the last 4 weeks. Most patients achieved lower AE-QoL scores, indicating a good quality of life. The AECT score indicated well-controlled disease in 91.23% of patients. Anxiety and/or depression scores were higher than normal in 17.54% of patients. Patients with HAE earned less than the average population, but most of them were economically active with relatively low rates of presenteeism and absenteeism. Only a minority of patients used social system benefits. Patients were exclusively cared for by relatives. Conclusions: The QoL scores achieved in all three standardized questionnaires indicate a good quality of life of HAE patients in Slovakia, which is associated with a high and specialized standard of care. Anxiety and/or depression were present in 17.54% of patients. Direct patients costs and social care costs are low, but there is an indirect socioeconomic burden on patients and their families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Allergies and Immunodeficiencies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

24 pages, 1079 KB  
Review
A Bibliographic Review of Airborne Fungal Allergens from Dominant and Undercharacterized Genera
by Noemi-Teofana Musta and Nicoleta Ianovici
Medicina 2026, 62(6), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62061186 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 164
Abstract
Atmospheric fungi represent an important group of allergens with a major impact on public health, especially among sensitized or immunocompromised individuals. This article reviews the ubiquitous fungal taxa in the atmosphere—Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium—as well as the undercharacterized [...] Read more.
Atmospheric fungi represent an important group of allergens with a major impact on public health, especially among sensitized or immunocompromised individuals. This article reviews the ubiquitous fungal taxa in the atmosphere—Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium—as well as the undercharacterized taxa—Epicoccum, Pithomyces, Torula and Rhodotorula—with an emphasis on the antigenic composition and protein structures involved in type I hypersensitivity reactions. Recent data from the scientific literature (2000–2025) is presented, along with the frequency of spores in the atmosphere and the global distribution of research, highlighted by the analysis of Google Scholar and PubMed results. While Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium are recognized as major contributors to allergic sensitization worldwide, Epicoccum, Torula, Rhodotorula, and Pithomyces remain relatively undercharacterized, but associated with allergic reactions and cross-reactivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Allergies and Immunodeficiencies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

10 pages, 429 KB  
Brief Report
Hereditary Angioedema Prophylaxis Therapy: Berotralstat and Lanadelumab Safety Profile
by Mattia Donadoni, Leyla La Cava, Emanuele Bizzi, Valentina Popescu Janu, Alessia Meschia, Federica Cirigliano, Chiara Cogliati and Antonio Gidaro
Medicina 2025, 61(11), 1897; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61111897 - 23 Oct 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2544
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hereditary angioedema caused by C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE-C1-INH) is a rare genetic condition characterized by recurrent, potentially life-threatening episodes of angioedema. Long-term prophylaxis (LTP) is essential for decreasing the frequency and severity of attacks. This study aims to compare [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Hereditary angioedema caused by C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE-C1-INH) is a rare genetic condition characterized by recurrent, potentially life-threatening episodes of angioedema. Long-term prophylaxis (LTP) is essential for decreasing the frequency and severity of attacks. This study aims to compare the safety profiles of two first-line LTP therapies, both of which inhibit kallikrein: berotralstat (oral) and lanadelumab (subcutaneous), using data from the WHO’s VigiBase pharmacovigilance database. Materials and Methods: The study employed a retrospective quantitative design, utilizing the World Health Organization’s pharmacovigilance database, VigiAccess, which contains individual case safety reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to identify cases of ADRs associated with HAE-C1-INH long-term prophylaxis. Results: A total of 644 reports for berotralstat and 3432 reports for lanadelumab were analyzed. Berotralstat was mainly associated with gastrointestinal adverse events (47.9%), while lanadelumab was linked to injection site reactions (45.9%), infections (23.3%), musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (10%), immune system disorders (5.3%), vascular disorders (4.7%), and metabolic issues (3.9%). Female patients were more frequently affected in both groups. Statistically significant differences were observed, reflecting the differences in administration methods and pharmacological profiles between the two drugs. Limitations include the self-reported nature of the data and the absence of detailed clinical information. Conclusions: The results confirmed the literature’s data on the gastrointestinal adverse effects of berotralstat, as well as site reactions and infections associated with lanadelumab. Notably, musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, immune system disorders, vascular disorders, and metabolic issues occurred more frequently in patients using lanadelumab. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Allergies and Immunodeficiencies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop