Mast Cell Activation Profile and TFH13 Detection Discriminate Between Food Anaphylaxis and Sensitization

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergy Research

Background:

• Food allergy (FA) prevalence is rising, with unpredictable anaphylaxis risk.
• Differentiating sensitized individuals from those at risk of severe reactions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mast cell activation patterns in food anaphylaxis.
• To examine T follicular helper (TFH) 13 cell presence in sensitized and anaphylaxis patients.

Main Methods:

• Lipid transfer protein (LTP) sensitized patients were classified by symptoms.
• Mast cells (MCs) were challenged with Pru p 3 (peach LTP); degranulation and mediator release were measured.
• TFH13 cell populations were analyzed via flow cytometry; LAD2 cells were used for validation.

Main Results:

• Anaphylaxis patients showed higher MC degranulation, PGD2, IL-8, and GM-CSF release compared to sensitized patients.
• Sensitized patients exhibited increased TFG-β and CCL2 secretion.
• Anaphylaxis patients had a larger TFH13 population, suggesting a role for IgE affinity.

Conclusions:

• Distinct mast cell activation profiles differentiate anaphylaxis from sensitized states.
• Pooled sera can dictate MC activation independently of MC origin.
• TFH13 cells are associated with anaphylaxis, highlighting IgE affinity's importance.