As the leaves fall and the weather gets colder, autumn is in full swing. This month’s Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology explores the relationship between the immune and nervous systems, with a focus on neuroimmunology. The reviews in this issue examine the concepts of neuropathic and neurogenic itch, the role that neuroimmune pathways may play in food allergy symptoms, and an update on PANDAS – pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with Streptococcus – focused on what you, as an allergist, should know. The CME review in this month’s issue covers the neuroimmune pathways that are important in regulating airway inflammation, providing important education and information on potential therapeutic approaches in the future.
Perspectives this month explore what happens when nutrition trends and food allergies collide, the potential promise and risk of education in food allergy prevention, and an easy to digest overview of neuroimmune pathways and allergic disease. And, of course, the Marginal Zone’s Cartootorial will give you a chuckle as you learn about TLR3 and microglia.
Original articles this month cover novel research in anaphylaxis, asthma, drug allergy, and food allergy. There is a study of re-exposure to neuromuscular blocking agents in those who have had anaphylaxis, which may impact your evaluation and treatment of these reactions. In terms of asthma studies, this month there are studies looking at the efficacy of Tezepelumab (the NAVIGATOR study), as well as a real-world comparison of biologics (the CHRONICLE study).
The relationship between medication cost and nonadherence is examined in another article, as well as the preference (or lack thereof) for telehealth asthma visits amongst Black and Latinx adults. What do you know about drug allergy in older adults? An original article examines this topic by using the United States Drug Allergy Registry. In terms of food allergy, articles this month examine the prevalence and burden of coconut allergy, as well as the outcome and predictors of outcome in oral food challenges conducted in a real-world setting.
Additional studies outlined in our Letters section include studies focusing on allergen immunotherapy, asthma and COVID-19, the effect of dupilumab on airway oscillometry, the risk of diabetes in those with allergic rhinitis and asthma, and the potential use of melatonin as a therapy for inflammatory diseases, amongst other topics. We also have several insightful editorials, including one celebrating Annals 80th anniversary by exploring Dr. Arthur Coca’s reports on “non-reaginic” food allergies from 80 years ago.
These are only some of the outstanding manuscripts included in this month’s Annals. So, after you have raked leaves, grab a warm cup of tea or coffee and curl up on the couch to read this issue — it will increase your knowledge and improve the care you provide to your patients. And, as always, if you have any comments, please consider sending a correspondence to Annals (email us at annals@ACAAI.org). I am always excited to hear how Annals has helped you improve the lives of your patients!
Mitchell Grayson, MD, FACAAI
Editor-in-Chief
