A Comprehensive Analysis of Middle-European Molecular Sensitization Profiles to Pollen Allergens

Abstract

Molecular diagnosis of allergy and microarray technology have opened a completely new avenue of insight into sensitization profiles from both the clinical and the epidemiological point of view. We used this innovative tool in the description of sensitization patterns in pollen-sensitized patients in Middle Europe. Immunoglobulin E detection using 112 different allergenic molecules was carried out employing the ImmunoCAP ISAC microarray system. Sera from 826 patients sensitized to at least one pollen-derived molecule were subjected to analysis. The highest observed sensitization rate was 81.0% to grass-specific molecules (the most frequent being Phl p 1; 69.6%). The second most frequent sensitization was 54.8% to Betulaceae-specific molecules (Bet v 1; 54.2%). Together, grasses and Betulaceae components (and their cosensitizations with other components) comprised the vast majority of pollen sensitizations. Unexpectedly frequently observed sensitizations were those to Cupressaceae-specific molecules (14.1%), Oleaceae-specific molecules (10.8%), and the plane tree-derived molecule Pla a 2 (15.5%). The sensitization rates for all other molecules were within the expected range (Art v 1, 13.6%; Pla l 1, 9.6%; Che a 1, 8.4%; Par j 2, 0.9%; Amb a 1, 0.8%, and Sal k 1, 0.5%). Cross-reacting molecule sensitization rates were found to be 12.4% for profilins, 5.0% for polcalcins, and 6.4% for lipid transfer proteins. Molecular diagnosis of allergy gives a more precise and comprehensive insight into pollen sensitization patterns than extract-based testing, allowing a better understanding of the sensitization process and regional differences. The data presented here may help to improve the diagnostic and allergen-specific treatment procedures in the respective region.

Looking for Sensitization Profiles In Different Populations by Recombinant Allergens

“…In an article recently published in International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, Panzner et al [8] report the results of the detection of IgE to 112 allergenic molecules by ImmunoCAP ISAC in 826 patients, living in the area of Plzen in the Czech Republic, who were sensitized to at least one pollen-derived molecule. Along with some rather predictable findings, such as that grass pollen represents the main seasonal air-borne allergenic source (with Phl p 1 sensitizing 85% of the subjects) followed by birch pollen (with Bet v 1 sensitizing virtually all sensitized patients), and that these two sources together cause the vast majority of sensitizations, we find some surprises.…”

Performance evaluation of ImmunoCAP® ISAC 112: a multi-site study

“…The ISAC 112 platform provides a minimally invasive, rapid and efficient means of testing IgE sensitizations to a broad panel of allergen components [3], and has been used as an aid in the diagnosis and risk assessment of allergic patients [20][21][22][23][24][25], to predict allergic symptoms as well as for prescription and monitoring of immunotherapy [26][27][28][29][30], sensitization profiling [31][32][33][34], and for the study of allergic diseases [16,[35][36][37].…”

Molecular Approach to Optimal Choice of Specific Immunotherapy for Patients with Sensitization to Weed Pollen Allergens

“…A large number of them spread uncontrollably, depriving cultivated plants of space, light and nutrients. Thus, the term "weed" does not belong to any taxonomic group of plants (1) . Moreover, due to growth where they are not needed, weeds can pose a threat to human health, both as a secondary consequence -through the use of herbicides to fight them, and directlyas a source of allergens (2) .…”