The efficacy and safety of preventive allergen immunotherapy (pAIT) in children are currently under investigation. Here, we provide an overview of pAIT with respiratory allergens concerning the prevention of new sensitizations, allergic disease onset and progression as well as further immunomodulatory effects. Three databases were searched for clinical pAIT studies in children.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The impact of children on the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains uncertain. This study provides an insight into distinct patterns of SARS-CoV-2 household transmission in case of pediatric and adult index cases as well as age-dependent susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods: Immune analysis, medical interviewing, and contact tracing of 26 families with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection cases have been conducted.
SARS-CoV-2 infection is effectively controlled by humoral and cellular immune responses. However, the durability of immunity in children as well as the ability to neutralize variants of concern are unclear. Here, we assessed T cell and antibody responses in a longitudinal cohort of children after asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 over a 12-month period.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: While children usually experience a mild course of COVID-19, and a severe disease is more common in adults, the features, specificities, and functionality of the SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody response in the pediatric population are of interest.
Methods: We performed a detailed analysis of IgG antibodies specific for SARS-CoV-2-derived antigens S and RBD by ELISA in 26 SARS-CoV-2 seropositive schoolchildren with mild or asymptomatic disease course, and in an equally sized, age- and gender-matched control group. Furthermore, a detailed mapping of IgG reactivity to a panel of microarrayed SARS-CoV-2 proteins and S-derived peptides was performed by microarray technology.
Drug desensitization can be achieved successfully by gradual drug dose increases in different protocols. Most protocols are designed to obtain temporal tolerance. The data on long-term maintenance of drug tolerance is scarce.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Children are discussed as hidden SARS-CoV-2 virus reservoir because of predominantly mild or even asymptomatic course of disease. The objective of this cross-sectional study in May-July 2020 was to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and virus RNA in schoolchildren, consistent with previous infection by contact tracing.
Methods: School authorities approached parents for voluntary participation.