Clinical and Experimental Allergy - Prof Mo Shamji and Dr Boyle

mshamji

Summary This conversation highlights the significant contributions of the Clinical and Experimental Allergy (CEA) journal to the field of allergy research and clinical practice. The hosts and Editors-In-Chief discuss the journal’s achievements, including advancements in allergy diagnosis, innovative treatments, and a focus on patient-centric research. They also outline future directions for the journal, emphasising collaboration and accessibility in allergy research. Takeaways - CEA is a leading publication in allergy and immunology. - The journal publishes groundbreaking research on allergy mechanisms. - Innovative diagnostic methods are a focus of CEA’s contributions. - Promising new treatments, including biologics, are showcased. - Food allergy research informs better management practices. - Environmental factors influencing allergies are examined. - Patient-reported outcomes are prioritised in research. - The journal’s Impact Factor has reached a record high. - Future plans include enhancing author support and engagement. - Collaboration with patient organisations is a key focus for CEA.

Episodes

  1. SEP 1

    Clinical and Experimental Allergy Special Issue 2025 - Allergy in China

    The Clinical & Experimental Allergy Journal presents a special podcast episode celebrating the August 2025 issue, dedicated to “Allergy in China.” Hosted by Professor Mo Shamji, a leading immunologist and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal, this episode features three distinguished authors whose groundbreaking research sheds light on allergy trends, challenges, and innovations across China. Featured Guests & Discussion Highlights: Professor Gary Wong A renowned expert in paediatric allergy and respiratory medicine, Professor Wong discusses his paper “Early Origins of Asthma and Allergies: Clues from Studies in China.” He elaborates on why early-life longitudinal studies are vital for unraveling how urbanization, pollution, diet, and genetics influence asthma and allergy development. The discussion highlights actionable advice for parents and public health officials to reduce early childhood risks and points to urgent research needs amid China’s rapid environmental changes. Dr Agnes Sze-Yin Leung Specialising in paediatric immunology and allergy, Dr Leung shares insights from “Food Allergy in Children in China.” She explains regional differences in allergy rates, development of common allergens by age, and how diet and genetics may shape these trends. Dr Leung underscores critical gaps in diagnosis, access to care, and emergency preparedness, alongside promising public health initiatives improving food labelling, awareness, and family support. Dr Philip Li Focusing on drug allergy and immunological disorders, Dr Li reflects on “Hereditary Angioedema in China: Advancing Awareness, Access, Advocacy and Alliances from the Greater Bay Area to the Global HAE Community.” He details the success of the innovative “4As” strategy—awareness, access, advocacy, and alliances—and the positive impact of education and outreach programs in raising HAE diagnosis and care standards. The conversation also explores ongoing diagnostic challenges and the growing role of cross-border collaborations in driving progress. Podcast takeaways: This special podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of allergy science and clinical care in China, capturing the dynamic interplay between increasing urbanization, diverse environmental exposures, genetic factors, and evolving healthcare systems. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on both the population-level epidemiology and individual patient experiences shaping China’s allergy landscape. The discussions emphasize critical needs: timely diagnosis, improved access to specialized care, enhanced public education, and multisectoral collaboration to advance prevention and management strategies. This episode offers practical insights useful for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and families dedicated to improving allergic disease outcomes in rapidly changing settings. Tune in to hear expert perspectives on the latest allergy research and the future of care in China’s diverse communities.

    1h 9m
  2. Diagnosis and Management of Lipid Transfer Protein Allergy—A BSACI Clinical Practice Statement

    APR 7

    Diagnosis and Management of Lipid Transfer Protein Allergy—A BSACI Clinical Practice Statement

    Keywords Allergy, lipid transfer protein, food allergy, pollen food syndrome, diagnosis, management, diet, adrenaline, co-factors, clinical research     Summary In this episode of the Clinical and Experimental Allergy podcast, hosts Mo Shamji and Robert Boyle engage with Dr. Isabel Skypala, a consultant allergy dietician, to discuss the increasing recognition of lipid transfer protein (LTP) allergy in the UK. Dr. Skypala shares insights into the challenges of diagnosing LTP allergy, particularly due to its overlap with pollen food syndrome, and emphasizes the importance of a thorough clinical history. The conversation also covers management strategies for patients with LTP allergy, including the role of co-factors, the creation of safe diets, and considerations for the use of adrenaline auto-injectors. Dr. Skypala highlights the need for individualized approaches in allergy management, ensuring that patients can maintain a balanced diet while avoiding triggers.   Takeaways LTP allergy is increasingly recognized in the UK. Diagnosis requires careful clinical history taking. Symptoms of LTP allergy can vary significantly. Cofactors like exercise and alcohol can trigger reactions. Individualized dietary plans are essential for patients. Food challenges can help identify safe foods. Different varieties of fruits may be tolerated differently. Adrenaline auto-injectors may be necessary for high-risk patients. Management strategies must consider lifestyle factors. Collaboration among clinicians is vital for effective allergy management. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to the speakers 01:17 Understanding Lipid Transfer Protein Allergy 02:54 Challenges in Diagnosing LTP Allergy 04:22 Management Strategies for LTP Allergy with co-factors 05:32 Dietary Considerations and Food Challenges 07:21 Adrenaline Auto-Injectors and Risk Assessment 08:41 Closing the podcast

    9 min
  3. Adherence to Treatment in Allergic Rhinitis During the Pollen Season in Europe: A MASK-air Study

    MAR 31

    Adherence to Treatment in Allergic Rhinitis During the Pollen Season in Europe: A MASK-air Study

    Keywords: Allergic Rhinitis, Treatment Adherence, Mobile Health, Clinical Guidelines, Patient-Centered Care, Research Study, Asthma, Medication Patterns, Visual Analog Scales, Health Technology   Summary:  In this podcast episode, Mo Shamji interviews Bernardo Sousa Pinto about his recent study on treatment adherence in allergic rhinitis during the pollen season in Europe. The discussion covers the rationale behind the study, the use of mobile health apps for data collection, unexpected findings regarding medication adherence, and the implications for future clinical guidelines. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding patient behavior and tailoring recommendations to improve treatment outcomes.   Takeaways The study focuses on adherence to treatment in allergic rhinitis. Patients often do not adhere to their medication regimens. Mobile health apps can provide valuable data on patient behavior. Adherence patterns vary by medication type. Unexpectedly, partially adherent patients had better symptom control with fixed combinations. The findings may influence future guidelines for allergic rhinitis treatment. A patient-centered approach is essential in developing recommendations. Observational data can inform clinical practice despite limitations. Future studies should explore intervention strategies for non-adherent patients. The integration of mobile health data can enhance understanding of treatment adherence. Titles Exploring Treatment Adherence in Allergic Rhinitis The Role of Mobile Health in Allergy Management   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:31 Understanding the Study's Rationale and Hypotheses 04:58 Exploring the MassCare App and Its Methodology 07:35 Unexpected Findings and Their Implications 10:29 Impact on Future Guidelines and Research Directions

    11 min
  4. NLRP1 Is a Prominent Inflammasome Sensor Found in Bronchial Epithelial Cells in Asthma and Can Be Activated by Rhinovirus A16

    MAR 31

    NLRP1 Is a Prominent Inflammasome Sensor Found in Bronchial Epithelial Cells in Asthma and Can Be Activated by Rhinovirus A16

    Keywords: Asthma, inflammasome, NLRP1, rhinovirus, bronchial epithelial cells, chronic inflammatory diseases, microRNA, asthma exacerbations, therapeutic approaches, clinical research   Summary:   In this podcast episode, Professor Ana Rebane discusses her recent research on the NLRP1 inflammasome sensor in bronchial epithelial cells and its implications for asthma pathogenesis. She shares insights into her research background, the significance of NLRP1 in asthma exacerbations, and the surprising results from her in vitro studies. The conversation also touches on future research directions, potential therapeutic approaches for asthma, and the experience of publishing in Clinical and Experimental Allergy.   Takeaways NLRP1 is a prominent inflammasome sensor in asthma. Research focuses on RNA-mediated regulations in chronic inflammatory diseases. NLRP1 is a main target of rhinovirus during infections. The study highlights the complexity of inflammatory sensors in asthma. In vitro studies revealed unexpected results regarding NLRP1 activation. Targeting inflammasome pathways may be crucial for asthma treatment. The research utilized bronchial brushing specimens for accurate modeling. Surprising findings suggest other viruses may activate different pathways. Future research should explore various viruses and their inflammasome impacts. Publishing in Clinical and Experimental Allergy was a positive experience. Titles Exploring NLRP1: A Key Player in Asthma The Role of Inflammasomes in Asthma Pathogenesis   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:59 Professor Anna Rebane's Research Background 02:46 Understanding NLRP1 in Asthma Pathogenesis 05:21 Methodology and In Vitro Studies 07:39 Surprising Findings in Inflammasome Pathways 08:39 Implications for Future Research and Therapeutics 10:23 Publishing Experience and Conclusion

    12 min

About

Summary This conversation highlights the significant contributions of the Clinical and Experimental Allergy (CEA) journal to the field of allergy research and clinical practice. The hosts and Editors-In-Chief discuss the journal’s achievements, including advancements in allergy diagnosis, innovative treatments, and a focus on patient-centric research. They also outline future directions for the journal, emphasising collaboration and accessibility in allergy research. Takeaways - CEA is a leading publication in allergy and immunology. - The journal publishes groundbreaking research on allergy mechanisms. - Innovative diagnostic methods are a focus of CEA’s contributions. - Promising new treatments, including biologics, are showcased. - Food allergy research informs better management practices. - Environmental factors influencing allergies are examined. - Patient-reported outcomes are prioritised in research. - The journal’s Impact Factor has reached a record high. - Future plans include enhancing author support and engagement. - Collaboration with patient organisations is a key focus for CEA.