Research Progress in Chronic Autoimmune Urticaria

    November 2019 in “ International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology ”
    Shan Zhang, Xu Yao, Xueyuan Yang
    TLDR Chronic autoimmune urticaria can be managed with specific therapies and requires improved diagnosis and treatment methods.
    The document discussed chronic autoimmune urticaria (CAU), a subtype of chronic spontaneous urticaria characterized by histamine-releasing IgG autoantibodies. It highlighted the role of the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) gene in CAU pathogenesis, where silencing the OSMR gene reduced inflammation by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Psychological stress was found to exacerbate CAU by affecting the HPA axis and increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and IL-18. Diagnosis involved bioassays and immunoassays for specific autoantibodies. Omalizumab, an anti-IgE therapy, was effective for antihistamine-resistant CAU by reducing IgE levels and mast cell activation. The document emphasized the need for immunosuppressive agents, such as low-dose cyclosporine, azathioprine, and sulfasalazine, due to CAU's autoimmune nature. Cyclosporine had T-cell-mediated action but potential side effects, azathioprine showed lasting symptom suppression, and sulfasalazine was safe but required careful monitoring. Improved diagnostic methods and treatment optimization were needed due to CAU's complexity.
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