Editor’s Pick: Allergen Challenge Testing in Atopic Asthma Pharmaceutical Research: Past, Present, and Future Directions

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Editor’s Pick: Allergen Challenge Testing in Atopic Asthma Pharmaceutical Research: Past, Present, and Future Directions

Over the years, the study of the pathophysiology and pharmacology of allergen-induced asthma has been based on several allergen inhalation challenge models, which have specific benefits and disadvantages. In this issue of the journal, an interesting review provided by Blais et al. covers the utility of different allergen models in tailoring a clinical approach for treating allergic asthma, as well as a look at future directions for allergen challenge testing. Dr Antonio Rossi

Christianne M. Blais,1 Donald W. Cockcroft,2 *Beth E. Davis2

1. Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
2. Division of Respirology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
*Correspondence to beth.davis@usask.ca

Disclosure: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Received: 28.07.17 Accepted: 14.09.17
Citation: EMJ Respir. 2017;5[1]:70-77.

Abstract

Over the years, various allergen inhalation challenge models have been developed to study the pathophysiology and pharmacology of allergen-induced asthma. Each allergen challenge method possesses unique benefits and disadvantages. The classic allergen challenge model is useful for assessing the efficacy of new treatments but does not reflect real-world repeated exposure and excludes approximately 50% of allergic asthmatics (i.e. those who do not exhibit a late asthmatic response). The early response model, while also artificial, is less time-consuming and allows for the generation of dose-response data but does not assess the late response or related sequelae. The repeated low-dose allergen model was developed with the purpose of mimicking natural exposure for induction of airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. However, this method does not consistently produce airway inflammation and is less practical to perform due to the number of study visits required. The segmental allergen model is the only one to allow direct sampling of airway secretions for airway inflammation studies, but it is highly invasive and requires special training and equipment. Attempts have been made to establish a repeated high-dose allergen model for the assessment of drug effects on symptoms and rescue medication use, but participant safety remains a concern and it is also less practical than the classic method. The most difficult allergen model to perform is the natural exposure method, for which standardisation may not be possible given the number of environmental factors that must be controlled or measured. Modifications to these allergen models could improve their clinical relevance and identify their specific, tailored applications in pharmaceutical research of allergic asthma.

This article is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 License.

The post Editor’s Pick: Allergen Challenge Testing in Atopic Asthma Pharmaceutical Research: Past, Present, and Future Directions appeared first on European Medical Journal.

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