AllergoOncology – the impact of allergy in oncology: EAACI position paper

Abstract

Th2 immunity and allergic immune surveillance play critical roles in host responses to pathogens, parasites and allergens. Numerous studies have reported significant links between Th2 responses and cancer, including insights into the functions of IgE antibodies and associated effector cells in both anti-tumour immune surveillance and therapy. The interdisciplinary field of AllergoOncology was given Task Force status by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2014. Affiliated expert groups focus on the interface between allergic responses and cancer, applied to immune surveillance, immunomodulation and the functions of IgE-mediated immune responses against cancer, to derive novel insights into more effective treatments. Co-incident with rapid expansion in clinical application of cancer immunotherapies, here we review the current state-of-the-art and future translational opportunities, as well as challenges in this relatively new field. Recent developments include improved understanding of Th2 antibodies, intra-tumoural innate allergy effector cells and mediators, IgE-mediated tumour antigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells, as well as immunotherapeutic strategies such as vaccines and recombinant antibodies, and finally, the management of allergy in daily clinical oncology. Shedding light on the cross-talk between allergic response and cancer is paving the way for new avenues of treatment.

Janus-faced Acrolein prevents allergy but accelerates tumor growth by promoting immunoregulatory Foxp3+ cells: Mouse model for passive respiratory exposure

“…The inverse correlation of smoking to allergic sensitization and cancer risk is striking and suggests that smoking may be causative in the aberrant immune regulation of both diseases. This is in line with AllergoOncology studies showing a negative correlation of allergy or atopy, and the risk for specific cancer types19.…”

Are Mast Cells MASTers in Cancer?

“…Interestingly, epidemiological (20, 21) and experimental studies (22) indicate an inverse association between IgE-mediated allergies and cancer, implying tumor-protective effect of IgE.…”

Comparing biologicals and small molecule drug therapies for chronic respiratory diseases: An EAACI Taskforce on Immunopharmacology position paper

“…The off‐target or indirect effects of omalizumab have been also successfully exploited for treating other immunological diseases, such as chronic spontaneous/chronic idiopathic urticaria, through mechanisms not yet fully understood . On a cautionary note, recent studies demonstrate that total IgE levels are inversely associated with the risk of multiple myeloma, B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia . Moreover, IgE plays a role in the rejection of tumors in murine models .…”