Search

Background: The success of early dexamethasone therapy for hospitalised COVID-19 cases in treatment of Sars-CoV-2 infection may predominantly reflect its anti-inflammatory action against a hyperinflammation (HI) response. It is likely that there is substantial heterogeneity in HI responses in COVID-19. Methods: Blood CRP, ferritin, neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet counts were scored to assess HI (HI5) and combined with a validated measure of generalised medical deterioration (NEWS2) before day 2. Our primary outcome was 28 day mortality from early treatment with dexamethasone stratified by HI5-NEWS2 status. Findings: Of 1265 patients, high risk of HI (high HI5-NEWS2) (n = 367, 29.0%) conferred a strikingly increased mortality (36.0% vs 7.8%; Age adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 5.9; 95% CI 3.6–9.8, p<0.001) compared to the low risk group (n = 455, 36.0%). An intermediate risk group (n = 443, 35.0%) also showed significantly higher mortality than the low risk group (17.6% vs 7.8%), aHR 2.2, p = 0.005). Early dexamethasone treatment conferred a 50.0% reduction in mortality in the high risk group (36.0% to 18.0%, aHR 0.56, p = 0.007). The intermediate risk group showed a trend to reduction in mortality (17.8% to 10.3%, aHR 0.82, p = 0.46) which was not observed in the low risk group (7.8% to 9.2%, aHR 1.4, p = 0.31). Interpretation: Higher HI5-NEWS2 scores measured at COVID-19 diagnosis, strongly associate with increased mortality at 28 days. Significant reduction in mortality with early dexamethasone treatment was only observed in the high risk group. Therefore, the HI5-NEWS2 score could be utilised to stratify randomised clinical trials to test whether intensified anti-inflammatory therapy would further benefit high risk patients and whether alternative approaches would benefit low risk groups. Considering its recognised morbidity, we suggest that early dexamethasone should not be routinely prescribed for HI5-NEWS2 low risk individuals with COVID-19 and clinicians should cautiously assess the risk benefit of this intervention in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Standards of Care Committee of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) and a committee of experts and key stakeholders have developed this guideline for the evaluation and testing of patients with an unsubstantiated label of penicillin allergy. The guideline is intended for UK clinicians who are not trained in allergy or immunology, but who wish to develop a penicillin allergy de‐labelling service for their patients. It is intended to supplement the BSACI 2015 guideline "Management of allergy to penicillin and other beta‐lactams" and therefore does not detail the epidemiology or aetiology of penicillin allergy, as this is covered extensively in the 2015 guideline (1). The guideline is intended for use only in patients with a label of penicillin allergy and does not apply to other beta‐lactam allergies. The recommendations include a checklist to identify patients at low risk of allergy and a framework for the conduct of drug provocation testing by non‐allergists. There are separate sections for adults and paediatrics within the guideline, in recognition of the common differences in reported allergy history and likelihood of true allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aims In atopic dermatitis (AD), induction of inflammatory responses regulated by cytokines such as of thymic stromal lymphopoietin exacerbate the disrupted integrity of the skin barrier. Cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 and IL-22, present in the skin milieu, bind to their corresponding receptors on the cell surface of keratinocytes, activating multiple signal transduction pathways that lead to changes in the gene expression profile of keratinocytes, in part, by modulating chromatin structure. Understanding the intricate interplay between cytokine-mediated signalling pathways in keratinocytes and the resulting epigenetic changes is essential for elucidating the pathogenesis of AD. In this study, we utilized high-throughput technology to examine the effects of cytokines on modulation of the epigenetic landscape at the keratinocyte single-cell level, and subsequent effects on the gene expression. Methods We utilized the reconstructed human epidermis model, an in vitro three-dimensional human epidermis model consisting of a polycarbonate membrane and keratinocytes mimicking the structure of native human epidermis. Following exposure to AD cytokine(s), the model gene expression and chromatin accessibility of target cells were analysed using single-cell multiomics approaches. Results Our preliminary data show that IL-4, IL-13 and IL-22 reduce the expression levels of the barrier-related gene filaggrin in keratinocytes. Conclusions Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic alterations are dynamic and can be restored to their normal state, which has major implications for the development of therapeutics for various diseases. This study will provide valuable insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying AD and present potential targets for epigenetic-related therapeutic interventions. These interventions can be used in combination with available compounds to reduce the recurrence of AD and improve the treatment efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background The efficacy of monotherapy lebrikizumab to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) has been established in phase 3 studies. Disease characteristics and efficacy outcomes may vary among racial and ethnic subgroups. Objectives: To report the week 16 efficacy results of lebrikizumab-treated patients by racial and ethnic subgroups from ADvocate1 (NCT04146363) and ADvocate2 (NCT04178967). Methods: Eligible patients were randomized 2:1 to receive lebrikizumab or placebo every 2 weeks. Other AD treatments during this induction period were prohibited. The week 16 efficacy endpoints reported here include Investigator's Global Assessment 0 or 1 with =2-point improvement from baseline (IGA 0/1), =75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index from baseline (EASI 75), =90% improvement in EASI from baseline (EASI 90), and =4-point Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) improvement from baseline. Race and ethnicity were self-reported. Data were collected globally. Data were pooled from ADvocate1 (Intent to Treat [ITT]) and ADvocate2 (modified ITT). Subsequent data from patients who received topical or systemic rescue medication or discontinued treatment due to lack of efficacy were imputed as nonresponders. Subsequent data from patients who discontinued treatment for other reasons were set to missing. Missing data were handled with multiple imputation. Logistic regression tested the interaction between the treatment by subgroup. P>0.1 indicated consistent treatment effect of lebrikizumab versus placebo across subgroups. For each outcome, the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method evaluated treatment effect within each subgroup after adjusting for stratification factors. Results: Most patients (818/851 [96.1%]) were Asian (192 [22.6%]), Black/African American (84 [9.9%]), or White (542 [63.7%]). Due to the low proportion of patients identifying as another racial category (33/851 [3.9%]) including American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, multiple, other, and not reported, only results of Asian, Black/African American, and White subgroups are reported. In patients with completed ethnicity data (N=839), 10.8% (91/839) identified as Hispanic/Latino and 89.2% (748/839) identified as not Hispanic/Latino. At baseline, Asian patients reported a numerically earlier mean age of AD onset (8.3 years) compared to White (16.5 years) and Black/African American (16.9 years) patients. A numerically greater proportion of Asian patients presented with severe (IGA 4) disease at baseline (49.5%) and prior use of systemic treatment for AD (75.5%) compared with White (35.1% and 51.1%, respectively) and Black/African American (33.3% and 36.9%, respectively) patients. At week 16, no significant treatment differences were observed for the proportion of patients achieving or reporting IGA 0/1, EASI 75, EASI 90, or ≥4-point Pruritus NRS improvement across racial or ethnic subgroups (p>0.1). In Asian patients, a higher proportion treated with lebrikizumab vs placebo (p<0.001) achieved or reported IGA 0/1 (25.1%, 4.1%), EASI 75 (45.5%, 8.5%), EASI 90 (26.5%, 4.3%), and Pruritus NRS ≥4-point improvement (36.4%, 5.7%). In Black/African American patients, a greater proportion treated with lebrikizumab versus placebo achieved or reported IGA 0/1 (33.2%, 13.2%) EASI 75 (51.7%, 18.8%), EASI 90 (26.9%, 13.2%), and ≥4-point Pruritus NRS improvement (41.7%, 17.4%). No statistical comparisons were performed due to limited sample size. In White patients treated with lebrikizumab, statistical significance was observed versus placebo (p<0.001) for IGA 0/1 (43.3%, 14.1%), EASI 75 (59.7%, 20.4%), EASI 90 (38.3%, 10.9%), and Pruritus NRS ≥4-point improvement (45.9%, 14.8%). Significant and similar differences with lebrikizumab-treatment versus placebo were observed among IGA 0/1, EASI 75, and ≥4-point Pruritus NRS improvement in Hispanic/Latino (p<0.05) and non-Hispanic/Latino (p<0.001) patients. The proportion of lebrikizumab-treated patients achieving EASI 90 versus placebo was numerically greater in Hispanic/Latino patients (p=0.057) but only reached statistical significance in non-Hispanic/Latino patients (p<0.001). Conclusions: In ADvocate1 and ADvocate2, lebrikizumab was effective across racial and ethnic subgroups for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD after 16 weeks of monotherapy treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients show evidence of hyperinflammation (HI), of which secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is the most severe manifestation and diagnosed with HScore. Using a COVID-relevant modification of the HScore (%HScore), we set out to determine the prevalence of sHLH in 567 COVID-19 inpatient cases. The overall incidence of individuals with an 80% probability of sHLH in our COVID-19 cohort was 1.59% on admission and only rose to 4.05% if calculated at any time during admission. This small cohort as defined by %HScore showed no excess mortality compared with the whole cohort. Overall, %HScores were lower in older patients (p<0.0001) and did not reliably predict outcome at any cut-off value (AUROC 0.533, p=0.211, odds ratio 0.99). Our study demonstrates that a modified version (%HScore) of the conventional sHLH scoring system (HScore) does not enable risk stratification in people hospitalised with COVID. We propose further work is needed to develop novel approaches to predict HI and improve trial stratification for HI directed therapy in people with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterised by itch and is responsible for significant reduction in quality of life. While AD primarily arises in those under the age of 2 years, it is frequently persistent into adulthood. Recognition of AD is important for the general physician, especially to distinguish causes of acute flares that may present in any medical setting, such as eczema herpeticum and associated allergic reactions. While, to date, treatments have largely focused on broad spectrum immunomodulation with corticosteroids or systemic therapies (such as ciclosporin and methotrexate), increased knowledge in the pathophysiology of the disease has recently led to the expansion of treatment options available for those suffering with AD, and the new drugs on the horizon promise a previously unimagined potential for effective and safe treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(b) Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scores for 15 patients for whom the dupilumab dose was lowered, including their pre-treatment (baseline), standard dose and lowered dose scores. Https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljad011 Dear Editor, Dupilumab, an interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 signalling inhibitor,[1] has shown impressive success in treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).[2] Following a health economic analysis, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD after failure, intolerance or contraindication of one classical immunosuppressive systemic therapy and demanded that treatment continuation was justified only in those achieving an Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) 50 and a 4-point reduction in the Dermatology Life Quality Index.[1] The health economic analysis of the treatment is closely dependent on the dosing, which affects the cost of therapy. Graph: Figure 1 (a) Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores for 13 patients for whom the dupilumab dose was lowered, including their pre-treatment (baseline), standard dose and lowered dose scores. [Extracted from the article]

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are common, and the skin is by far the most frequently involved organ with a broad spectrum of reaction types. The diagnosis of cutaneous DHRs (CDHR) may be difficult because of multiple differential diagnoses. A correct classification is important for the correct diagnosis and management. With these guidelines, we aim to give precise definitions and provide the background needed for doctors to correctly classify CDHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with chronic urticaria (CU) in the UK could be referred to health care professionals (HCPs) with diverse specialties using different guidelines. The aims of the present study were to determine which CU guidelines HCPs in the UK use, which tests they use for the diagnosis of CU, and how they manage CU. Methods: In this UK-wide survey, we designed a questionnaire covering the diagnosis and management of CU based on current guidelines. The link to the questionnaire was sent to the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI), the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), the British Society of Immunology (BSI), and the Food Allergy and Intolerance Specialist Group (FAISG) of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), who distributed the link to their members. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 55 allergists/immunologists, 64 dermatologists, and 43 dietitians. More dermatologists used the BAD guidelines in comparison with allergists and immunologists (93.6 vs. 12.5%; p < 0.001). On the other hand, the BSACI guidelines (83.3 vs. 14.9%; p < 0.001) and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)/Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN)/European Dermatology Forum (EDF)/World Allergy Organization (WAO) guidelines (2013) (52.1 vs. 10.6%; p < 0.001) were used by more allergists and immunologists compared to dermatologists. Differences were found between allergists/immunologists and dermatologists with regard to guidelines used, investigations performed, preference of first-line antihistamine, and prescription of alternative treatment methods. Conclusion: In conclusion, differences in the diagnosis and management of CU between HCPs of diverse specialties were identified, which reflected differences among the guidelines used. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in Great Britain on drug allergy. Topics covered include penicillin allergy, the measurement of serum tryptase after suspected anaphylaxis, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Also mentioned are the allergic patterns of suspected drug allergy, local anaesthesia, and general anaesthesia. INSETS: Signs and allergic patterns of suspected drug allergy with...;FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE GUIDANCE.

It is possible that the tape-stripped PT on the second occasion resulted in increased drug exposure, but it is notable that the previous IDT with ranitidine did not result in DRESS recurrence and would deliver greater drug exposure. Skin testing is most widely performed,2 with patch testing (PT) considered to be low risk.3 Guidance on performing drug PT has been published.2,4 However, the safety of re-exposure to the culprit drug in patients with SCAR remains uncertain. Keywords: Drug patch test; Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) EN Drug patch test Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) 278 279 2 03/22/21 20210401 NES 210401 Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe cutaneous adverse drug reaction (SCAR), with a mortality of 2% to 6%.1 Ascertaining the causative drug can be challenging and reported sensitivity of various in vivo and ex vivo tests is variable. [Extracted from the article]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin disorders, affecting nearly one-fifth of children and adolescents worldwide, and currently, the only method of monitoring the condition is through an in-person visual examination by a clinician. This method of assessment poses an inherent risk of subjectivity and can be restrictive to patients who do not have access to or cannot visit hospitals. Advances in digital sensing technologies can serve as a foundation for the development of a new generation of e-health devices that provide accurate and empirical evaluation of the condition to patients worldwide. The goal of this review is to study the past, present, and future of AD monitoring. First, current medical practices such as biopsy, tape stripping and blood serum are discussed with their merits and demerits. Then, alternative digital methods of medical evaluation are highlighted with the focus on non-invasive monitoring using biomarkers of AD—TEWL, skin permittivity, elasticity, and pruritus. Finally, possible future technologies are showcased such as radio frequency reflectometry and optical spectroscopy along with a short discussion to provoke research into improving the current techniques and employing the new ones to develop an AD monitoring device, which could eventually facilitate medical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions range from mild to severe and from those localized only to skin to those associated with systemic disease. It is important to distinguish features of cutaneous drug reactions which help classify the underlying mechanism and likely prognosis as both of these influence management decisions, some of which necessarily have to be taken rapidly. Severe cutaneous reactions are generally T cell-mediated, yet this immunological process is frequently poorly understood and principles for identification of the culprit drug are different to those of IgE mediated allergic reactions. Furthermore, intervention in severe skin manifestations of drug allergy is frequently necessary. However, a substantial literature reports on success or otherwise of glucocorticoids, cyclophsphamide, ciclosporin, intravenous immunoglobulin and anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy for the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis without clear consensus. As well as reviewing the recommended supportive measures and evidence base for interventions, this review aims to provide a mechanistic overview relating to a proposed clinical classification to assist the assessment and management of these complex patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although clinical and laboratory evidence support roles for both staphylococcal infection and environmental allergens in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, human studies have largely considered these variables independently. We sought to test the hypothesis that staphylococcal superantigen influences the allergen-specific T cell response. We first mapped a Der p 1 epitope and used HLA DRB1*1501 class II tetramer-based cell sorted populations to show that specific CD4+ T cells were able to recognize the peptide presented by HLA DR-matched keratinocytes. We observed that staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) enhanced the lL-4 Der p 1-specific T cell response. This response was mediated by two synergistic mechanisms: first, SEB-induced IFN-γ promoted class II and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression by presenting keratinocytes; and second, SEB-induced IL-4 directly amplified allergen-specific CD4+ T cell production of many cytokines. We propose that handling of staphylococcal infection is a critical step in the amplification of the allergen-specific T cell response, linking two common disease associations and with implications for the prevention and treatment of atopic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in atopic dermatitis (AD) disease course and manifestation with age may extend to treatment response. To evaluate response maintenance with continuous-/reduced-dose abrocitinib or withdrawal and response to treatment reintroduction after flare in adolescent and adult participants in JADE REGIMEN (NCT03627767). Adolescents (12–17 years) and adults with moderate-to-severe AD responding to abrocitinib 200-mg induction were randomly assigned to 40-week maintenance with abrocitinib (200 mg/100 mg) or placebo. Patients who experienced flare during maintenance received rescue treatment. Of 246 adolescents and 981 adults, 145/246 (58.9%) and 655/981 (66.8%), respectively, responded to induction. Similar proportions of adolescents and adults experienced flare during maintenance with abrocitinib 200 mg (14.9%/16.9%), 100 mg (42.9%/38.9%), and placebo (75.5%/78.0%). From the abrocitinib 200-mg, 100-mg, and placebo arms, respectively, Eczema Area and Severity Index response was recaptured by 28.6%, 25.0%, and 52.9% of adolescents and 34.3%, 33.7%, and 58.0% of adults; Investigator's Global Assessment response, by 42.9%, 50.0%, and 73.5% of adolescents and 34.3%, 50.6%, and 74.1% of adults. Abrocitinib had a similar safety profile regardless of age; nausea incidence was higher in adolescents. Adolescents represented 20% of the trial population. Abrocitinib was effective in preventing flare in adolescents and adults.Clinicaltrials.gov listing: NCT03627767. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study regarding a new approach for molecular classification and characterisation of psoriasis endotypes such as the atopic dermatitis (AD). It mentions that the approach involves the analysis of both molecular and clinical phenotypes of the disease's pathogenesis wherein certain studies found that defective skin barrier contributes to the initiation of the condition.

Background: Vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic used for Gram‐positive bacterial infections, has been linked with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) in HLA‐A*32:01‐expressing individuals. This is associated with activation of T lymphocytes, for which glycolysis has been isolated as a fuel pathway following antigenic stimulation. However, the metabolic processes that underpin drug‐reactive T‐cell activation are currently undefined and may shed light on the energetic conditions needed for the elicitation of drug hypersensitivity or tolerogenic pathways. Here, we sought to characterise the immunological and metabolic pathways involved in drug‐specific T‐cell activation within the context of DRESS pathogenesis using vancomycin as model compound and drug‐reactive T‐cell clones (TCCs) generated from healthy donors and vancomycin‐hypersensitive patients. Methods: CD4+ and CD8+ vancomycin‐responsive TCCs were generated by serial dilution. The Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer was used to measure the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) as an indicator of glycolytic function. Additionally, T‐cell proliferation and cytokine release (IFN‐γ) assay were utilised to correlate the bioenergetic characteristics of T‐cell activation with in vitro assays. Results: Model T‐cell stimulants induced non‐specific T‐cell activation, characterised by immediate augmentation of ECAR and rate of ATP production (JATPglyc). There was a dose‐dependent and drug‐specific glycolytic shift when vancomycin‐reactive TCCs were exposed to the drug. Vancomycin‐reactive TCCs did not exhibit T‐cell cross‐reactivity with structurally similar compounds within proliferative and cytokine readouts. However, cross‐reactivity was observed when analysing energetic responses; TCCs with prior specificity for vancomycin were also found to exhibit glycolytic switching after exposure to teicoplanin. Glycolytic activation of TCC was HLA restricted, as exposure to HLA blockade attenuated the glycolytic induction. Conclusion: These studies describe the glycolytic shift of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells following vancomycin exposure. Since similar glycolytic switching is observed with teicoplanin, which did not activate T cells, it is possible the master switch for T‐cell activation is located upstream of metabolic signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adalimumab, the first fully humanised monoclonal antibody against tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), has played a leading role in the revolution brought about by the introduction of biologics, and has received the widest range of indications among TNF-α inhibitors. Post-registration, observational and registry studies of real-life use have largely supported the outcomes seen in registrational clinical trials. With the recent loss of exclusivity for the originator medicinal product in Europe, a number of biosimilar adalimumab molecules have been licensed for use in the same indications as the originator molecule across rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology and ophthalmology. Clinicians in these areas first gained experience with biosimilar infliximab, followed by etanercept and rituximab. However, adalimumab is likely to present unique challenges given the numbers of patients treated and the range of biosimilar adalimumab products available. The biosimilar approval pathway has an emphasis on the pre-clinical analytic data in combination with clinical studies conducted to confirm therapeutic equivalence. To date, several adalimumab biosimilars have entered the EU market following successful marketing authorisation applications and recent expiration of originator patent protection. This overview covers the extent of use of adalimumab and summarises the regulatory process involved in the development of biosimilars as well as their use in clinical practice. The authors also discuss clinical data available so far on adalimumab biosimilars and their envisaged impact in the field of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition. While other chronic inflammatory conditions are associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), associations between AD and VTE have not been established. Objectives We examined whether AD is associated with an increased risk of VTE in a population-based study. Methods Electronic health records were extracted from UK general practices contributing to the Optimum Patient Care Research Database (1 January 2010 to 1 January 2020). All adults with AD were identified (n = 150 975) and age- and sex-matched with unaffected controls (n = 603 770). The risk of VTE, consisting of pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), was compared in people with AD vs. controls using Cox proportional hazard models. PE and DVT were examined separately as secondary outcomes. Results We identified 150 975 adults with active AD and matched them with 603 770 unaffected controls. During the study, 2576 of those with active AD and 7563 of the matched controls developed VTE. Individuals with AD had a higher risk of VTE than controls [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–1.22]. When assessing VTE components, AD was associated with a higher risk of DVT (aHR 1.30, 95% CI 1.23–1.37) but not PE (aHR 0.94, 95% CI 0.87–1.02). The VTE risk was greater in older people with AD (≥ 65 years: aHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.15–1.29; 45–65 years: aHR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05–1.26; < 45 years: aHR 1.07, 95% CI 0.97–1.19) and those with obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30: aHR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12–1.39; BMI < 30: aHR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15). Risk was broadly consistent across mild, moderate or severe AD. Conclusions AD is associated with a small increase in risk of VTE and DVT, with no increase in risk of PE. The magnitude of this risk increase is modest in younger people, and those without obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Acute cutaneous inflammation causes microbiome alterations as well as ultrastructural changes in epidermis stratification. However, the interactions between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation status and the skin microbiome have not been fully explored. Objectives Hypothesizing that the skin microbiome contributes to regulation of keratinocyte differentiation and can modify antimicrobial responses, we examined the effect of exposure to commensal (Staphylococcus epidermidis , SE) or pathogenic (Staphylococcus aureus , SA) challenge on epidermal models. Methods Explant biopsies were taken to investigate species-specific antimicrobial effects of host factors. Further investigations were performed in reconstituted epidermal models by bulk transcriptomic analysis alongside secreted protein profiling. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis was performed to explore the keratinocyte populations responsible for SA inflammation. A dataset of 6391 keratinocytes from control (2044 cells), SE challenge (2028 cells) and SA challenge (2319 cells) was generated from reconstituted epidermal models. Results Bacterial lawns of SA, not SE, were inhibited by human skin explant samples, and microarray analysis of three-dimensional epidermis models showed that host antimicrobial peptide expression was induced by SE but not SA. Protein analysis of bacterial cocultured models showed that SA exposure induced inflammatory mediator expression, indicating keratinocyte activation of other epidermal immune populations. Single-cell DropSeq analysis of unchallenged naive, SE-challenged and SA-challenged epidermis models was undertaken to distinguish cells from basal, spinous and granular layers, and to interrogate them in relation to model exposure. In contrast to SE, SA specifically induced a subpopulation of spinous cells that highly expressed transcripts related to epidermal inflammation and antimicrobial response. Furthermore, SA, but not SE, specifically induced a basal population that highly expressed interleukin-1 alarmins. Conclusions These findings suggest that SA-associated remodelling of the epidermis is compartmentalized to different keratinocyte populations. Elucidating the mechanisms regulating bacterial sensing-triggered inflammatory responses within tissues will enable further understanding of microbiome dysbiosis and inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic eczema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article on mortality rates among patients with bullous pemphigoid in the January 31, 2002 issue.

One of the most severe forms of cutaneous adverse drug reactions is "drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms" (DRESS), hence subsequent avoidance of the causal drug is imperative. However, attribution of drug culpability in DRESS is challenging and standard skin allergy tests are not recommended due to patient safety reasons. Whilst incidence of DRESS is relatively low, between 1:1000 and 1:10 000 drug exposures, antibiotics are a commoner cause of DRESS and absence of confirmatory diagnostic test can result in unnecessary avoidance of efficacious treatment. We therefore sought to identify potential biomarkers for development of a diagnostic test in antibiotic-associated DRESS. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a "discovery" cohort (n  = 5) challenged to causative antibiotic or control were analyzed for transcriptomic profile. A panel of genes was then tested in a validation cohort (n  = 6) and compared with tolerant controls and other inflammatory conditions which can clinically mimic DRESS. A scoring system to identify presence of drug hypersensitivity was developed based on gene expression alterations of this panel. The DRESS transcriptomic panel identified antibiotic-DRESS cases in a validation cohort but was not altered in other inflammatory conditions. Machine learning or differential expression selection of a biomarker panel consisting of 6 genes (STAC, GPR183, CD40, CISH, CD4, and CCL8) showed high sensitivity and specificity (100% and 85.7%–100%, respectively) for identification of the culprit drug in these cohorts of antibiotic-associated DRESS. Further work is required to determine whether the same panel can be repeated for larger cohorts, different medications, and other T-cell-mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There are few studies that have investigated T cell mediated lysis of adherent cells. We have developed a novel, rapid and sensitive fluorescent dye-swap assay that allows efficient detection of adherent target cell lysis. The assay allows simultaneous use of multiple differentially sensitised targets and facilitates concomitant surface or intracellular effector cell phenotypic analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previous reports have suggested a possible role for vitamin D in the etiology of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU); however, little information is available regarding the role of other micronutrients. We, therefore, analyzed vitamin D, vitamin B12, and ferritin levels in CSU patients (𝑛 = 282) from a preexisting database at Southampton General Hospital. Data were compared against mean micronutrient levels of the general population of the UK, obtained from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Vitamin D levels of CSU patients were found to be higher than those of the general UK population (𝑃 = 0.001). B12 levels were lower in patients with CSU (𝑃 < 0.001) than in the general population. Ferritin levels were found to be lower in male CSU patients than in the general male population (𝑃 = 0.009). This association between low B12 and iron levels and CSU might indicate a causal link, with micronutrient replacement as a potential therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin sensitization following the covalent modification of proteins by low molecular weight chemicals (haptenation) is mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) recognition of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules presented on the surface of almost all nucleated cells. There exist 3 nonmutually exclusive hypotheses for how haptens mediate CTL recognition: direct stimulation by haptenated peptides, hapten modification of HLA leading to an altered HLA-peptide repertoire, or a hapten altered proteome leading to an altered HLA-peptide repertoire. To shed light on the mechanism underpinning skin sensitization, we set out to utilize proteomic analysis of keratinocyte presented antigens following exposure to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). We show that the following DNCB exposure, cultured keratinocytes present cysteine haptenated (dinitrophenylated) peptides in multiple HLA molecules. In addition, we find that one of the DNCB modified peptides derives from the active site of cytosolic glutathione-S transferase- ω ⁠. These results support the current view that a key mechanism of skin sensitization is stimulation of CTLs by haptenated peptides. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021373. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited understanding on patterns of systemic treatment in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in the UK. Objective: To characterize treatment patterns in adult AD patients prescribed immunosuppressants (IMMs) in the primary care setting. Results: Six hundred and fifty-six patients with AD (6.6%) were prescribed IMM in the analysis (mean age 52.1 years; 59.1% female; age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index 1.4). Most prevalent (>5%) conditions at baseline were depression (10.8%), contact dermatitis (10.7%), rheumatological disease (7.9%), skin/subcutaneous tissue disorders (6.4%), upper respiratory disease (5.8%), and psoriasis (5.2%). At baseline, up to 50% of patients were prescribed ≥1 IMM. During follow-up, 42.7% of patients were prescribed oral corticosteroids (OCSs), increasing in line with IMM exposure. The most commonly prescribed IMM was methotrexate (43.3%). Ciclosporin, the only approved IMM for AD, was prescribed to 16.9% of patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of comorbidities and high rate of IMM prescriptions demonstrate the impact of AD on quality of life. The frequency of OCS prescribing in AD patients treated with IMMs suggests a lack of disease control with existing therapies, and an unmet need for safe and effective targeted agents for long-term disease control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are potentially life-threatening, immune-mediated adverse reactions characterized by widespread erythema, epidermal necrosis, and detachment of skin and mucosa. Efforts to grow and develop functional international collaborations and a multidisciplinary interactive network focusing on SJS/TEN as an uncommon but high burden disease will be necessary to improve efforts in prevention, early diagnosis and improved acute and long-term management. SJS/TEN 2019: From Science to Translation was a 1.5-day scientific program held April 26–27, 2019, in Vancouver, Canada. The meeting successfully engaged clinicians, researchers, and patients and conducted many productive discussions on research and patient care needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Electromagnetic Sensing Techniques for Monitoring Atopic Dermatitis—Current Practices and Possible Advancements: A Review." The correction states that an author, Mahmoud Wagih, was not included in the original publication and provides an additional affiliation for the authors. The corrected author contributions statement is also provided. The authors assure that the scientific conclusions of the article are unaffected by this correction. [Extracted from the article]

Summary Monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs that stimulate antitumor immunity are transforming cancer treatment but require optimization for maximum clinical impact. Here, we show that, unlike other immunoglobulin isotypes, human IgG2 (h2) imparts FcγR-independent agonistic activity to immune-stimulatory mAbs such as anti-CD40, -4-1BB, and -CD28. Activity is provided by a subfraction of h2, h2B, that is structurally constrained due its unique arrangement of hinge region disulfide bonds. Agonistic activity can be transferred from h2 to h1 by swapping their hinge and CH1 domains, and substitution of key hinge and CH1 cysteines generates homogenous h2 variants with distinct agonistic properties. This provides the exciting opportunity to engineer clinical reagents with defined therapeutic activity regardless of FcγR expression levels in the local microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Langerhans cells (LCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) residing in the epidermis. Despite their high potential to activate T lymphocytes, current understanding of human LC biology is limited. Genome-wide comparison of the transcriptional profiles of human skin migratory CD1a+ LCs and CD11c+ dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) demonstrated significant differences between these 'dendritic cell (DC)' types, including preferential expression of 625 genes (P<0.05) in LC and 914 genes (P<0.05) in DDC. Analysis of the temporal regulation of molecular networks activated after stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) confirmed the unique molecular signature of LCs. Although LCs conformed to the phenotype of professional APC, inflammatory signaling activated primarily genes associated with cellular metabolism and mitochondrial activation (e.g., CYB561 and MRPS35), cell membrane re-organization, and antigen acquisition and degradation (CAV1 and PSMD14; P<0.05-P<0.0001). Conversely, TNF-α induced classical activation in DDCs with early downregulation of surface receptors (mannose receptor-1 (MRC1) and C-type lectins), and subsequent upregulation of cytokines, chemokines (IL1a, IL1b, and CCL18), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP1, MMP3, and MMP9; P<0.05-P<0.0001). Functional interference of caveolin abrogated LCs superior ability to cross-present antigens to CD8+ T lymphocytes, highlighting the importance of these networks to biological function. Taken together, these observations support the idea of distinct biological roles of cutaneous DC types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergen-specific responses in atopic dermatitis (AD) are skewed toward a Th2 profile. However, individuals with AD have been shown to make effective virus-specific Th1 responses, raising the possibility that the skin itself contributes to driving the AD Th2 immunophenotype. Therefore, to explore the programming of immunological sensitization by the skin, we examined the outcome of sensitization through non-lesional skin of individuals with AD and healthy controls. Volunteers (controls, AD individuals with filaggrin gene (FLG) mutations (ADFM), and AD individuals without FLG mutations (ADWT)) were sensitized by cutaneous application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), a small, highly lipophilic chemical sensitizer. At the doses tested, DNCB showed equal penetration into skin of all groups. Clinical reactions to DNCB were significantly reduced in AD. Although both controls and AD made systemic DNCB-specific Th1 responses, these were reduced in AD and associated with significantly Th2-skewed DNCB-specific T-cell responses. Th2 skewing was seen in both ADFM and ADWT, with no difference between these groups. After 3 months, DNCB-specific Th2 responses were persistent in individuals with AD, and Th1 responses persisted in controls. These data provide evidence that when antigen penetration is not limiting, AD skin has a specific propensity to Th2 programming, suggesting the existence of altered skin immune signaling that is AD-specific and independent of FLG status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cutaneous dendritic cells (DCs) from epidermal and dermal compartments exhibit functional differences in their induction of CD4+ T-cell and humoral immune responses; however, differences in the regulation of memory CD8+ T-cell responses by human skin DCs remain poorly characterized. We tested the capacity of human Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) to induce antigen-specific cytokine production and proliferation of memory CD8+ cells. Although tumor necrosis factor-α-matured human DCs from both epidermal and dermal compartments showed efficient potential to activate CD8+ cells, LCs were constitutively more efficient than DDCs in cross-presenting CD8+ epitopes, as well as direct presentation of viral antigen to Epstein-Barr virus-specific CD8+ T cells. LCs showed greater expression of CD70, and blockade of CD70-CD27 signaling demonstrated that superiority of CD8+ activation by epidermal LC is CD70 dependent. This CD70-related activation of CD8+ cells by LCs denotes a central role of LCs in CD8+ immunity in skin, and suggests that regulation of LC CD70 expression is important in enhancing immunity against cutaneous epithelial pathogens and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses a study on the role of basement membrane (BM) pores in the migration of immunocytes across the BM in skin.