Concentrations of major grass group 5 allergens in pollen grains and atmospheric particles: implications for hay fever and allergic asthma sufferers sensitized to grass pollen allergens

Abstract

Here we present, for the first time, an estimation of the total group 5 allergen content in respirable and nonrespirable particles in the atmosphere of Melbourne. These results highlight the different environmental risk factors for hay fever and allergic asthma in patients, as on days of rainfall following high grass pollen count, the risk for asthma sufferers is far greater than on days of high pollen count with no associated rainfall. Moreover, rainfall may also contribute to the release of allergens from fungal spores and, along with the release of free allergen molecules from pollen grains, may be able to interact with other particles such as pollutants (i.e. diesel exhaust carbon particles) to trigger allergic asthma.

A new electrodynamic balance (EDB) design for low-temperature studies: application to immersion freezing of pollen extract bioaerosols

“…Within liquid water, such as in rain droplets, pollen grains are observed to burst, thereby releasing smaller material -such as sugars, macromolecules, and allergens -into solution (Yttri et al, 2007;Schäppi et al, 1999;Pummer et al, 2012;Augustin et al, 2013).…”

Harboring of Particulate Allergens within Secretory Compartments by Mast Cells following IgE/FcεRI-Lipid Raft-Mediated Phagocytosis

“…Therefore, we examined the intracellular fate of a natural particulate allergen, PSG, following phagocytosis by murine primary MCs. PSGs are well-known activators of MCs, triggering bronchial constriction immediately following inhalation in atopic asthma patients (18). These allergens are 0.6-to 2.5-m-sized particles naturally released from the cytoplasm of various pollen grains following osmotic shock, typically after light rainfall (18,24).…”

“…PSGs are well-known activators of MCs, triggering bronchial constriction immediately following inhalation in atopic asthma patients (18). These allergens are 0.6-to 2.5-m-sized particles naturally released from the cytoplasm of various pollen grains following osmotic shock, typically after light rainfall (18,24). We isolated PSGs from rye grass pollen grains following hydration-induced disruption of the pollens (Fig.…”

“…To date, most studies investigating Fc RI-mediated activation of MCs have used soluble proteins as the Ag. However, several allergens, especially those implicated in asthma, are not soluble but are particles of respirable size (17,18). These particles include pollen, animal dander, and house dust mite fecal pellets (17).…”

“…When airborne, they are of a size that allows them to reach deep into the airways following inhalation. Upon reaching these sites, they can interact with local airway cells, including MCs (18). Because of their polyvalency, these particles are likely to elicit powerful responses from inflammatory cells, including a phagocytic response.…”