Anaphylaxis, Dermatology & Drug Allergy (ADDA)

We welcome you to join the Anaphylaxis Dermatology and Drug Allergy (ADDA) interest section.  We cover so much of clinical allergy and immunology: anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and drug allergy. 
 
In this ADDA Interest Section talk, Dr. Melanie Dispenza from Johns Hopkins discusses how BTK Inhibitors – a drug that blocks the activity of the BTK protein, involved in the development and maturation of B cells, and used to treat cancers caused by defective B cells – could be used to treat anaphylaxis.  
 
We would also be happy to have you join one of our ADDA committees: Anaphylaxis Committee (Chair: Ruchi Gupta;  Vice Chair: Joel Brooks ), Allergic Skin Diseases (Chair: Marcella Aquino; Vice Chair: Anne Marie Singh), and Adverse Reactions to Drug Biologicals and Latex (Chair:  Amy Dowden; Vice Chair: Anna Wolfson)
Thanks for tuning in and look for more great ADDA content in AAAAI 2025 in San Diego, CA.

Asthma Diagnosis & Treatment (ADT)

In these videos, Dr. Alan Baptist and Dr. Karla Adams discuss two important topics. In the first, Dr. Baptist discusses implementation challenges around inhaler therapy – including SMART and AIR therapy. In the second, Dr. Adams discusses important work being done in the ADT Interest section

Basic and Clinical Immunology (BCI)

Welcome to the Basic and Clinical Immunology (BCI) Interest Section! This interest section’s focus are the mechanisms of Immunology, immune mediated disease and practical clinical applications.

We invited you to listen to Dr. Liana Falcone talk about the immune pathogenesis that occurs in post-acute COVID. Additionally, Dr. Falcone discusses the involvement of the gut microbiome in this post-viral syndrome and its role in abnormal immune function as well as the clinical implications of COVID induced immune dysregulation and symptom manifestation.

Dr. Falcone's presentation focuses on many important areas of interest in BCI regarding immune dysregulation and impacts on immune competence leading immunodeficiency, autoinflammatory and autoimmune conditions. This work importantly highlights the immunopathology and the role if disease prevention through vaccination.

The BCI’s exciting work and professional growth opportunities happen in our committees! Join one of our committees: Autoimmunity and Altered Immune Response (Chair: Jolan Walter), Genetics, Molecular Biology and Epidemiology (Chair: Sarah Henrickson), Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (Chair: Jennifer Heimall), and Vaccines (Chair: Karla Adams).

Food Allergy & Eosinophilic Disorders (FAED)

Dear members of the Food Allergy and Eosinophilic Diseases (FAED) Interest Section,

We are thrilled to be in the final stages of preparation for the 2025 AAAAI Annual Scientific Meeting in a time when we have two FDA-approved treatments for food allergy; two FDA-approved treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis; and a new FDA-approved route of epinephrine administration to complement the growing market of epinephrine autoinjectors available to our patients.  These novel therapies could never have made it to market without the heroic efforts of stakeholders across the country, including numerous members of FAED.  As we look toward a future when a full complement of treatment options is available to our patients for food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis, we should take a moment to appreciate the work that so many AAAAI members done to make a reality what once seemed like an impossibility.

In this video, past Chair of the Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee and an internationally recognized leader in the development of novel therapies for IgE mediated food allergy, Dr. David Fleischer explains how two immunotherapies, oral immunotherapy and biologic therapy, can be integrated into the care that we provide our patients with food allergy.  Through a review of the scientific literature, he proposes methods to balance safety, efficacy, and practicality in the treatment choices we make in partnership with those we treat.  He considers populations that may benefit the most from immunotherapy, and those for whom one or more method of immunotherapy is contraindicated.  Finally, Dr. Fleischer outlines key considerations as we look toward the next generation of food immunotherapy.

Whether you are new a new member thinking about getting involved or a long-standing Fellow of the Academy, we invite you to join us at the annual meeting at one of the many FAED offerings, including:

The Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee on 3/1/2025 at 6:30 – 8:00am
The Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders Committee on 3/1/2025 at 12:30 – 1:30pm
The FAED poster sessions from 2:45 – 3:45pm on Friday and 9:45 - 10:45am Saturday, and Sunday
The FAED oral abstract sessions from 2:00 – 3:15pm on Saturday, Sunday and 12:45 – 2:00pm on Monday
Any one of the numerous Symposia, Workshops, Seminars, and Courses created by your colleagues

Still not sure how to get involved?  Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions.  We look forward to seeing you in sunny San Diego in 2025.

Health, Equity, Technology & Quality (HETQ)

Please join us to learn more about the Health, Equity, Technology & Quality (HETQ) Interest Section and watch our new video on the innovative activities of the School-Based Allergy, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management Program (SAMPRO).
 
Pediatric health disparities in asthma and food allergy are pervasive and can be addressed through school partnerships as an extension of traditional healthcare settings. Through this featured video, Dr. Andrea Pappalardo (Past Chair of the SAMPRO Committee) discusses the important role of schools in helping to reduce asthma and allergy-related disparities among children. This video describes how SAMPRO offers schools and clinicians important resources including stock inhalers, stock epinephrine, and other guideline-based toolkits.
The HETQ Interest Section is the community for AAAAI members interested in multidisciplinary topics and functions through committees that focus on the following: health informatics, technology, and education; quality, adherence, and outcomes; women’s health; integrative medicine; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the school-based management of asthma. HETQ offers opportunities for networking, educational opportunities (e.g. webinars), contributing to collaborative workgroup report publications, and discussing cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence. We look forward to your involvement with HETQ.

Immunotherapy, Rhinitis, Sinusitis and Ocular Disease (IRSO)

Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) are the most common treatments routinely used in clinical care to treat allergic rhinitis and improve many associated co-morbid conditions. This short video focuses on current knowledge about SCIT and SLIT dosing for aeroallergen, accelerated schedules for build-up, and adjustment for gaps in treatment.

Mechanisms of Asthma and Allergic Inflammation (MAAI)

Wildfire smoke exposure is becoming an increasing public health concern, especially for individuals with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. We invited Professor Kari Nadeau on behalf of the Mechanisms of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Interest Section membership to talk about the mechanisms by which wildfire smoke exacerbates allergic responses and worsens respiratory health. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), and other toxic pollutants in wildfire smoke can trigger inflammation, disrupt the epithelial barrier, and activate immune pathways involved in allergic sensitization. Exposure to these pollutants has been linked to increased asthma exacerbations, reduced lung function, and enhanced allergic airway inflammation. Professor Nadeau highlights the latest findings on how wildfire smoke affects immune responses, including the role of epigenetics, oxidative stress and altered cytokine profiles, which can worsen pre-existing allergic conditions. 

Part of the mission of MAAI is to promote a deeper understanding of how environmental factors (such as wildfire smoke) contribute to allergic disease pathogenesis, particularly in vulnerable populations. Our goal with this insightful lecture by Professor Nadeau was to underscore the importance of environmental triggers in allergic diseases and inspire future strategies for research, mitigation and protection.