An EAACI Task Force Scoping Review: Human Monocytes and Macrophages in
Allergy – Implications for AllergoOncology
Abstract
AllergoOncology explores the intersection of allergic diseases and
cancer, focusing on shared immune mechanisms mediated by monocytes and
macrophages. These cells exhibit high heterogeneity, plasticity, and
functional diversity across tissues and disease progression, yet their
roles in allergic disorders remain unclear. This scoping review
systematically analyzed 138 articles, identifying 451 molecules
associated with monocyte and macrophage responses in allergic diseases,
including Allergic Asthma, Atopic Dermatitis, and Allergic Rhinitis. Our
findings revealed a research bias toward blood-derived samples,
underrepresentation of tissue-resident macrophages and limited inclusion
of non-coding RNAs. Semantic similarity and pathway enrichment analyses
identified shared molecular signatures across major allergic disorders,
highlighting interleukin signaling and immune activation pathways.
Less-studied conditions, such as Allergic Alveolitis and Food Allergy,
displayed distinct molecular profiles, emphasizing the need for broader
investigations. To enhance data accessibility, we developed
[ALO•HA](https://rebollidorioslab.shinyapps.io/aloha/), a web
application for interactive analysis.
[ALO•HA](https://rebollidorioslab.shinyapps.io/aloha/) fosters
reproducibility and translational potential for both researchers and
clinicians. Our findings highlight the need for integrative approaches,
combining omics technologies and human-based studies, to better
characterize monocyte and macrophage phenotypes in allergy. This work
advances the understanding of allergy-immunity interactions, bridges
allergy and oncology, addresses critical gaps and opens new
opportunities for therapeutic development.