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Fuertes E, Jarvis D, Lam H, Davies B, Fecht D, Candeias J, Schmidt-Weber CB, Douiri A, Slovick A, Scala E, Smith TEL, Shamji M, Buters JTM, Cecchi L, Till SJ. Phl p 5 levels more strongly associated than grass pollen counts with allergic respiratory health. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:844-851. [PMID: 37995860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have linked daily pollen counts to respiratory allergic health outcomes, but few have considered allergen levels. OBJECTIVE We sought to assess associations of grass pollen counts and grass allergen levels (Phl p 5) with respiratory allergic health symptoms in a panel of 93 adults with moderate-severe allergic rhinitis and daily asthma hospital admissions in London, United Kingdom. METHODS Daily symptom and medication scores were collected from adult participants in an allergy clinical trial. Daily counts of asthma hospital admissions in the London general population were obtained from Hospital Episode Statistics data. Daily grass pollen counts were measured using a volumetric air sampler, and novel Phl p 5 levels were measured using a ChemVol High Volume Cascade Impactor and ELISA analyses (May through August). Associations between the 2 pollen variables and daily health scores (dichotomized based on within-person 75th percentiles) were assessed using generalized estimating equation logistic models and with asthma hospital admissions using Poisson regression models. RESULTS Daily pollen counts and Phl p 5 levels were each positively associated with reporting a high combined symptom and medication health score in separate models. However, in mutually adjusted models including terms for both pollen counts and Phl p 5 levels, associations remained for Phl p 5 levels (odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.18 [1.12, 1.24]), but were heavily attenuated for pollen counts (odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.00 [0.93, 1.07]). Similar trends were not observed for asthma hospital admissions in London. CONCLUSIONS Grass allergen (Phl p 5) levels are more consistently associated with allergic respiratory symptoms than grass pollen counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Fuertes
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Debbie Jarvis
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Lam
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bethan Davies
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Small Area Health Statistics Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Fecht
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Small Area Health Statistics Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical Radiation Threats and Hazards, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Candeias
- Center of Allergy and Environment, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten B Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Abdel Douiri
- School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Slovick
- King's Centre for Lung Health, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Scala
- Clinical and Laboratory Molecular Allergy Unit, IDI IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas E L Smith
- Department of Geography and Environment, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Shamji
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeroen T M Buters
- Center of Allergy and Environment, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; SOS Allergy and Clinical Immunology, USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
| | - Stephen J Till
- King's Centre for Lung Health, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Allergy, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Zuberbier T, Stevanovic K, Ansotegui IJ, Anto JM, Bergmann KC, D'Amato G, Grüntuch-Ernst A, Haahtela T, Maurer M, Pietikäinen S, Christou D, Bousquet J. Green Roof Gardens - Selecting Allergy-Friendly Vegetation: A Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network (GA²LEN) Position Paper. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:347-354. [PMID: 37863318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Green roof gardens are important for planetary health by mitigating the effects of urbanization. Because of the nature of green roof gardens, only particular plants can be used. The allergologic impact of these plants remains ill-characterized and guidance on building allergy-friendly green roof gardens is missing. To address this gap, we investigated the plant spectrum of several German green roof companies and categorized plants based on their primary pollination mechanism. Except for grasses, most plants were insect-pollinated and of low allergenicity. In addition, we conducted a review on the allergologic impact of plants used for green roof gardens. Our aim was to provide landscape architects with guidance on how to develop allergy-friendly green roof gardens. We highlight the need for universally accepted standards for assessing the allergenicity of roof top plants. Also, we recommend the joint development, by green roof producers and allergists, of criteria for allergy-friendly roof gardens. Their implementation may help to reduce the risk of allergen sensitization and allergy exacerbation, such as by avoiding the use of wind-pollinated plants of proven allergenicity including grasses. Green infrastructure, such as green roofs, should benefit planetary health without increasing the prevalence and burden of allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Zuberbier
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Katarina Stevanovic
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ignacio J Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quironsalud Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Josep M Anto
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; UGA (Management and Administration Unit) of Medicine and Life Sciences - MELIS, Universitat Pompeu Farbra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, High Specialty Hospital A. Cardarelli, Naples, Italy; School of Specialization in Respiratory Disease, University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Almut Grüntuch-Ernst
- IDAS Institute for Design and Architectural Strategies, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Tari Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Demetrios Christou
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean Bousquet
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA), Montpellier, France
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3
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Grewling Ł, Ribeiro H, Antunes C, Apangu GP, Çelenk S, Costa A, Eguiluz-Gracia I, Galveias A, Gonzalez Roldan N, Lika M, Magyar D, Martinez-Bracero M, Ørby P, O'Connor D, Penha AM, Pereira S, Pérez-Badia R, Rodinkova V, Xhetani M, Šauliene I, Skjøth CA. Outdoor airborne allergens: Characterization, behavior and monitoring in Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167042. [PMID: 37709071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Aeroallergens or inhalant allergens, are proteins dispersed through the air and have the potential to induce allergic conditions such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Outdoor aeroallergens are found predominantly in pollen grains and fungal spores, which are allergen carriers. Aeroallergens from pollen and fungi have seasonal emission patterns that correlate with plant pollination and fungal sporulation and are strongly associated with atmospheric weather conditions. They are released when allergen carriers come in contact with the respiratory system, e.g. the nasal mucosa. In addition, due to the rupture of allergen carriers, airborne allergen molecules may be released directly into the air in the form of micronic and submicronic particles (cytoplasmic debris, cell wall fragments, droplets etc.) or adhered onto other airborne particulate matter. Therefore, aeroallergen detection strategies must consider, in addition to the allergen carriers, the allergen molecules themselves. This review article aims to present the current knowledge on inhalant allergens in the outdoor environment, their structure, localization, and factors affecting their production, transformation, release or degradation. In addition, methods for collecting and quantifying aeroallergens are listed and thoroughly discussed. Finally, the knowledge gaps, challenges and implications associated with aeroallergen analysis are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grewling
- Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Helena Ribeiro
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Celia Antunes
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Sevcan Çelenk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ana Costa
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Ibon Eguiluz-Gracia
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Ana Galveias
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nestor Gonzalez Roldan
- Group of Biofunctional Metabolites and Structures, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Borstel, Germany; Pollen Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mirela Lika
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Donát Magyar
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Pia Ørby
- Department of Environmental Science, Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA) Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin D09 E432, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Marchã Penha
- Water Laboratory, School of Sciences and Technology, ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora. 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Sónia Pereira
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Rosa Pérez-Badia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Merita Xhetani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
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4
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Fröhlich-Nowoisky J, Bothen N, Backes AT, Weller MG, Pöschl U. Oligomerization and tyrosine nitration enhance the allergenic potential of the birch and grass pollen allergens Bet v 1 and Phl p 5. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1303943. [PMID: 38125293 PMCID: PMC10732249 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1303943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein modifications such as oligomerization and tyrosine nitration alter the immune response to allergens and may contribute to the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases. In this mini-review, we summarize and discuss relevant findings for the major birch and grass pollen allergens Bet v 1 and Phl p 5 modified with tetranitromethane (laboratory studies), peroxynitrite (physiological processes), and ozone and nitrogen dioxide (environmental conditions). We focus on tyrosine nitration and the formation of protein dimers and higher oligomers via dityrosine cross-linking and the immunological effects studied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadine Bothen
- Multiphase Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anna T. Backes
- Multiphase Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael G. Weller
- Division 1.5 - Protein Analysis, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Pöschl
- Multiphase Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany
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5
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Moten D, Batsalova T, Apostolova D, Mladenova T, Dzhambazov B, Teneva I. In Silico Design of a New Epitope-Based Vaccine against Grass Group 1 Allergens. Adv Respir Med 2023; 91:486-503. [PMID: 37987298 PMCID: PMC10660545 DOI: 10.3390/arm91060036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Allergic diseases are a global public health problem that affects up to 30% of the population in industrialized societies. More than 40% of allergic patients suffer from grass pollen allergy. Grass pollen allergens of group 1 and group 5 are the major allergens, since they induce allergic reactions in patients at high rates. In this study, we used immunoinformatic approaches to design an effective epitope-based vaccine against the grass group 1 allergens. After the alignment of all known pollen T-cell and B-cell epitopes from pollen allergens available in the public databases, the epitope GTKSEVEDVIPEGWKADTSY was identified as the most suitable for further analyses. The target sequence was subjected to immunoinformatics analyses to predict antigenic T-cell and B-cell epitopes. Population coverage analysis was performed for CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell epitopes. The selected T-cell epitopes (VEDVIPEGW and TKSEVEDVIPEGWKA) covered 78.87% and 98.20% of the global population and 84.57% and 99.86% of the population of Europe. Selected CD8+, CD4+ T-cell and B-cell epitopes have been validated by molecular docking analysis. CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell epitopes showed a very strong binding affinity to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC I) molecules and MHC class II (MHC II) molecules with global energy scores of -72.1 kcal/mol and -89.59 kcal/mol, respectively. The human IgE-Fc (PDB ID 4J4P) showed a lower affinity with B-cell epitope (ΔG = -34.4 kcal/mol), while the Phl p 2-specific human IgE Fab (PDB ID 2VXQ) had the lowest binding with the B-cell epitope (ΔG = -29.9 kcal/mol). Our immunoinformatics results demonstrated that the peptide GTKSEVEDVIPEGWKADTSY could stimulate the immune system and we performed ex vivo tests showed that the investigated epitope activates T cells isolated from patients with grass pollen allergy, but it is not recognized by IgE antibodies specific for grass pollen allergens. This confirms the importance of such studies to establish universal epitopes to serve as a basis for developing an effective vaccine against a particular group of allergens. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of such a vaccine against grass pollen allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzhemal Moten
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, 24 Tsar Assen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (D.M.); (T.B.); (D.A.); (B.D.)
| | - Tsvetelina Batsalova
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, 24 Tsar Assen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (D.M.); (T.B.); (D.A.); (B.D.)
| | - Desislava Apostolova
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, 24 Tsar Assen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (D.M.); (T.B.); (D.A.); (B.D.)
| | - Tsvetelina Mladenova
- Department of Botany and Biological Education, Faculty of Biology, Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, 24 Tsar Assen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Balik Dzhambazov
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, 24 Tsar Assen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (D.M.); (T.B.); (D.A.); (B.D.)
| | - Ivanka Teneva
- Department of Botany and Biological Education, Faculty of Biology, Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, 24 Tsar Assen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
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6
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Aagaard JB, Fischer M, Lober J, Neumann FB, Allahverdi D, Sivelle C, Miehe M, Spillner E. Extract-Shaped Immune Repertoires as Source for Nanobody-Based Human IgE in Grass Pollen Allergy. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:1518-1527. [PMID: 36696011 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00664-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The presence of allergen-specific IgE in serum is a biomarker for allergic disease. Specific IgE antibodies for research and diagnostics, however, remain scarce. In contrast to prototypic antibodies, camelid species have evolved single domains as moiety for antigen recognition. These so-called nanobodies represent a versatile platform for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In this study, we aimed for generating nanobodies and derived IgE formats from an extract-shaped immune repertoire. Timothy grass pollen represents a complex, but well-defined mixture of individual allergens. Therefore, a repertoire library from a timothy grass pollen extract immunised llama was established. The selection by phage display yielded 3 nanobodies with immunoreactivity to the extract. IgE-like nanobody-based human IgE (nb-hIgE) antibodies were produced in mammalian cells and assessed in different immunoassays and commercial platforms. Immunoblotting and diagnostic ImmunoCap analysis of single timothy grass pollen allergens identified the major allergens Phl p 6 and Phl p 4 as targets. Assessment of immunoreactivity further documented significant molecular cross-reactivity with pollen extract of different grass species and variant presence of allergens within extracts of Pooideae grasses. In summary, our study shows that extract-based immunisation enables the generation of allergen-specific nanobodies and derived nb-hIgE formats linking nanobody technologies with allergological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Baunvig Aagaard
- Immunological Biotechnology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Michaela Fischer
- Immunological Biotechnology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Julia Lober
- Immunological Biotechnology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Frederikke Bolbro Neumann
- Immunological Biotechnology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Dena Allahverdi
- Immunological Biotechnology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Coline Sivelle
- Immunological Biotechnology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Michaela Miehe
- Immunological Biotechnology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Edzard Spillner
- Immunological Biotechnology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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7
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Frisk CA, Apangu GP, Petch GM, Creer S, Hanson M, Adams-Groom B, Skjøth CA. Microscale pollen release and dispersal patterns in flowering grass populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163345. [PMID: 37028666 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing pollen release and dispersion processes is fundamental for knowledge advancement in ecological, agricultural and public health disciplines. Understanding pollen dispersion from grass communities is especially relevant due to their high species-specific allergenicity and heterogeneously distributed source areas. Here, we aimed to address questions concerning fine level heterogeneity in grass pollen release and dispersion processes, with a focus on characterizing the taxonomic composition of airborne grass pollen over the grass flowering season using eDNA and molecular ecology methods. High resolution grass pollen concentrations were compared between three microscale sites (<300 m apart) in a rural area in Worcestershire, UK. The grass pollen was modelled with local meteorology in a MANOVA (Multivariate ANOVA) approach to investigate factors relevant to pollen release and dispersion. Simultaneously, airborne pollen was sequenced using Illumina MySeq for metabarcoding, analysed against a reference database with all UK grasses using the R packages DADA2 and phyloseq to calculate Shannon's Diversity Index (α-diversity). The flowering phenology of a local Festuca rubra population was observed. We found that grass pollen concentrations varied on a microscale level, likely attributed to local topography and the dispersion distance of pollen from flowering grasses in local source areas. Six genera (Agrostis, Alopecurus, Arrhenatherum, Holcus, Lolium and Poa) dominated the pollen season, comprising on average 77 % of the relative abundance of grass species reads. Temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, turbulence and wind speeds were found to be relevant for grass pollen release and dispersion processes. An isolated flowering Festuca rubra population contributed almost 40 % of the relative pollen abundance adjacent to the nearby sampler, but only contributed 1 % to samplers situated 300 m away. This suggests that most emitted grass pollen has limited dispersion distance and our results show substantial variation in airborne grass species composition over short geographical scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A Frisk
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ Worcester, UK.
| | - Godfrey P Apangu
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ Worcester, UK
| | - Geoffrey M Petch
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ Worcester, UK
| | - Simon Creer
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, LL57 2UW Bangor, UK
| | - Mary Hanson
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ Worcester, UK
| | - Beverley Adams-Groom
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ Worcester, UK
| | - Carsten A Skjøth
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ Worcester, UK
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8
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Krinitsina AA, Omelchenko DO, Kasianov AS, Karaseva VS, Selezneva YM, Chesnokova OV, Shirobokov VA, Polevova SV, Severova EE. Aerobiological Monitoring and Metabarcoding of Grass Pollen. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2351. [PMID: 37375978 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Grass pollen is one of the leading causes of pollinosis, affecting 10-30% of the world's population. The allergenicity of pollen from different Poaceae species is not the same and is estimated from moderate to high. Aerobiological monitoring is a standard method that allows one to track and predict the dynamics of allergen concentration in the air. Poaceae is a stenopalynous family, and thus grass pollen can usually be identified only at the family level with optical microscopy. Molecular methods, in particular the DNA barcoding technique, can be used to conduct a more accurate analysis of aerobiological samples containing the DNA of various plant species. This study aimed to test the possibility of using the ITS1 and ITS2 nuclear loci for determining the presence of grass pollen from air samples via metabarcoding and to compare the analysis results with the results of phenological observations. Based on the high-throughput sequencing data, we analyzed the changes in the composition of aerobiological samples taken in the Moscow and Ryazan regions for three years during the period of active flowering of grasses. Ten genera of the Poaceae family were detected in airborne pollen samples. The representation for most of them for ITS1 and ITS2 barcodes was similar. At the same time, in some samples, the presence of specific genera was characterized by only one sequence: either ITS1 or ITS2. Based on the analysis of the abundance of both barcode reads in the samples, the following order could describe the change with time in the dominant species in the air: Poa, Alopecurus, and Arrhenatherum in early mid-June, Lolium, Bromus, Dactylis, and Briza in mid-late June, Phleum, Elymus in late June to early July, and Calamagrostis in early mid-July. In most samples, the number of taxa found via metabarcoding analysis was higher compared to that in the phenological observations. The semi-quantitative analysis of high-throughput sequencing data well reflects the abundance of only major grass species at the flowering stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A Krinitsina
- Department of Higher Plants, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis O Omelchenko
- Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute for Information Transmission Problems, 127051 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artem S Kasianov
- Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute for Information Transmission Problems, 127051 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera S Karaseva
- Department of Biology, Institute of Natural Science, S.A. Esenin Ryazan State University, 390000 Ryazan, Russia
| | - Yulia M Selezneva
- Department of Biology, Institute of Natural Science, S.A. Esenin Ryazan State University, 390000 Ryazan, Russia
| | - Olga V Chesnokova
- Department of Higher Plants, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vitaly A Shirobokov
- Department of Higher Plants, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Polevova
- Department of Higher Plants, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena E Severova
- Department of Higher Plants, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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9
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Frisk CA, Adams-Groom B, Smith M. Isolating the species element in grass pollen allergy: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163661. [PMID: 37094678 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Grass pollen is a leading cause of allergy in many countries, particularly Europe. Although many elements of grass pollen production and dispersal are quite well researched, gaps still remain around the grass species that are predominant in the air and which of those are most likely to trigger allergy. In this comprehensive review we isolate the species aspect in grass pollen allergy by exploring the interdisciplinary interdependencies between plant ecology, public health, aerobiology, reproductive phenology and molecular ecology. We further identify current research gaps and provide open ended questions and recommendations for future research in an effort to focus the research community to develop novel strategies to combat grass pollen allergy. We emphasise the role of separating temperate and subtropical grasses, identified through divergence in evolutionary history, climate adaptations and flowering times. However, allergen cross-reactivity and the degree of IgE connectivity in sufferers between the two groups remains an area of active research. The importance of future research to identify allergen homology through biomolecular similarity and the connection to species taxonomy and practical implications of this to allergenicity is further emphasised. We also discuss the relevance of eDNA and molecular ecological techniques (DNA metabarcoding, qPCR and ELISA) as important tools in quantifying the connection between the biosphere with the atmosphere. By gaining more understanding of the connection between species-specific atmospheric eDNA and flowering phenology we will further elucidate the importance of species in releasing grass pollen and allergens to the atmosphere and their individual role in grass pollen allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A Frisk
- Department of Urban Greening and Vegetation Ecology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway.
| | - Beverley Adams-Groom
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Smith
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
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10
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Koch L, Laipold K, Arzt‐Gradwohl L, Sturm EM, Aberer W, Aumayr M, Hemmer W, Čerpes U, Sturm GJ. Molecular allergy diagnosis is sensitive and avoids misdiagnosis in patients sensitized to seasonal allergens. Clin Transl Allergy 2023; 13:e12231. [PMID: 36973961 PMCID: PMC10011670 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The specificity of extract‐based pollen allergy diagnosis is decreased due to cross‐reactivity via cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) or panallergens such as profilins or polcalcins. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of sensitization to seasonal extracts, CCDs, profilin and polcalcin and investigate the sensitivity and specificity of seasonal molecular allergy diagnosis (MAD) using commercially available test methods. Methods 2948 patients were screened for specific immunoglobulin E to ash, birch, mugwort, ragweed and timothy grass pollen extracts and grouped according to the number of positive tests (1–5). 100 patients from each group and a control group were randomly selected to calculate the prevalence of CCD and panallergen sensitization. With 742 patients, sensitivity and specificity of MAD (Alt a 1, Fra/Ole e 1, Bet v 1, Phl p 1, Art v 1, and Amb a 1) was determined. Results 1627 patients (55.2%) were positive to at least one, and 1002 patients (34.0%) were positive to multiple of the five pollen allergens investigated; 18.5% of the pollen‐sensitized patients had sensitization to CCDs or panallergens. Specifically, sensitization to CCDs, profilins, and polcalcins was observed in 8.7%, 10.9%, and 2.9% of these patients, respectively. The sensitivity of MAD was high, with sensitivities between 96.2% and 100% using ImmunoCAP and 91.5% and 100% using ALEX2. Specificity was 100% for both assays. Conclusions Due to cross‐reactivity, about one‐fifth of pollen‐sensitized patients is at risk of misdiagnosis. However, MAD is sensitive, specific and helps to avoid misdiagnosis and select primary allergen sources for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Koch
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Karin Laipold
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Lisa Arzt‐Gradwohl
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Eva Maria Sturm
- Otto‐Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and InflammationDivision of PharmacologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Werner Aberer
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | | | | | - Urban Čerpes
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Gunter J. Sturm
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria,Allergy Outpatient Clinic ReumannplatzViennaAustria
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11
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Lara B, Rojo J, Costa AR, Burgos-Montero AM, Antunes CM, Pérez-Badia R. Atmospheric pollen allergen load and environmental patterns in central and southwestern Iberian Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159630. [PMID: 36280057 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Over one quarter of the population in industrialised countries suffers from some type of allergy and inhaled aeroallergens from pollen are the primary cause of allergic ailments. The networks for monitoring biological air quality measure the airborne pollen concentrations that characterize periods of exposure to major airborne aeroallergens but there are certain discrepancies in relation to the allergen-pollen dynamic. In this paper we analyse the airborne allergens Ole e 1, Phl p 1, Phl p 5 and Pla a 1, and interpreted the adjustments and mismatches in their concentrations in relation to airborne pollen. The influence of main environmental patterns was considered. The study was conducted in two urban areas of the centre and southwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Toledo in Spain and Évora in Portugal). Monitoring for pollen followed the standard protocol using Hirst volumetric spore traps and allergenic particles were quantified by ELISA assay. The results indicate that the discrepancies in this relationship were affected by the weather conditions up to 6 days prior. Precipitation and humidity above normal values caused a higher concentration of the allergen Pla a 1. This effect occurred in reverse in the case of humidity for the allergens Ole e 1 and Phl p 1. Humidity and precipitation generated the same pattern in the allergen-pollen relationship in both Phl p 1 and Phl p 5. Our findings show consistent results that allow to interpret the rate of discrepancy between allergen and pollen, and it can be used to improve allergy risk prediction models generated from atmospheric pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Lara
- Institute of Environmental Science. University of Castilla-La Mancha. 45071, Toledo, Spain; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Polytechnic University of Cartagena. 30202, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Jesús Rojo
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Botany. Complutense University. 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana R Costa
- Department of Chemistry, ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, School of Sciences and Technology & IIFA. University of Évora. 7000-671, Évora, Portugal
| | - Ana M Burgos-Montero
- Institute of Environmental Science. University of Castilla-La Mancha. 45071, Toledo, Spain; Allergy Department. Hospital General La Mancha Centro. 13600 Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Célia M Antunes
- Department of Chemistry, ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, School of Sciences and Technology & IIFA. University of Évora. 7000-671, Évora, Portugal
| | - Rosa Pérez-Badia
- Institute of Environmental Science. University of Castilla-La Mancha. 45071, Toledo, Spain.
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12
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Abstract
Nineteen U.S. allergen extracts were standardized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1987 and 1998, including of two house-dust mites, short ragweed, cat hair and cat pelt, seven temperate and one southern grass, and six Hymenoptera venom preparations. Relevant literature was reviewed. For each allergen, a "representative" extract was established; the potency of each representative extract was determined by measurement of the total protein content (Hymenoptera venom), radial diffusion measurement of the dominant allergen (short ragweed and cat), or, if there was no dominant allergen, then by quantitative skin testing by using the ID50EAL (intradermal dilution for 50 mm sum of erythema determines the bioequivalent allergy units) method. In vitro tests were developed to allow the manufacturer to demonstrate that each lot of its extract was statistically identical, within defined limits, to the FDA reference extract. These tests included radial immunodiffusion, competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and isoelectric focusing. The standardized extracts offer the advantage of consistent potency from lot to lot for each manufacturer and also from manufacturer to manufacturer, and assure the presence of recognized significant allergens within the extract. Therefore, standardized extracts offer improved safety and efficacy over their nonstandardized predecessors.
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13
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Abstract
Knowledge of patterns of pollen cross-reactivity is crucial for formulation of immunotherapy vaccines. As phylogenetic relationships have become better clarified through the use of tools such as gene sequencing, it is apparent that cross-reactivity reflects taxonomy in the vast majority of cases. Contradictory observations of unexpected cross-reactivity between distantly related plants require explanation. There are many proteins, presumably performing vital functions, tightly preserved throughout the evolutionary tree from plants to animals. Examples are profilins, lipid transfer proteins, and pathogenesis-related proteins. These may function as panallergens. The small differences that exist between these ubiquitous proteins may explain why these are frequently minor allergens, not reacting in the majority of allergic sera. This article summarizes cross-reactivity from older studies using crude pollen extracts as well as newer research of purified or recombinant allergenic proteins. The patterns of cross-allergenicity that emerge should be helpful in guiding therapeutic decisions.
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14
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Impact of Local Grasslands on Wild Grass Pollen Emission in Bavaria, Germany. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11020306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Meteorological conditions and the distribution of pollen sources are the two most decisive factors influencing the concentration of airborne grass pollen. However, knowledge about land-use types, their potential pollen emission, and the importance of local sources remains limited. In this study, wild grass pollen concentrations from 27 stations in Bavaria, Germany, were linked to potential pollen within a 30 km radius. Agricultural grass pollen sources were derived from the InVeKos database, which contains detailed information on agricultural land-use types and their spatial distribution. Non-agricultural grassland was identified by OpenStreetMap. Further source classification was conducted using a cultivation intensity indicator and wind direction. We show that the grassland percentage and pollen concentrations, specified as annual pollen integral and pollen peak vary strongly between pollen stations. Correlation analyses indicated that the impact of the grassland on pollen concentration was greater within 10 km of the pollen traps. At greater distances, the correlation coefficient between the grassland percentage and pollen indicators steadily declined.
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15
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Juprasong Y, Songnuan W. Plant Stress Scenarios Differentially Affect Expression and IgE Reactivity of Grass Group-1 Allergen (β-Expansin) in Maize and Rice Pollen. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:807387. [PMID: 35386660 PMCID: PMC8974862 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.807387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Grass pollen is among the most common outdoor aeroallergens eliciting pollen allergies throughout the world. Grass group-1 allergen or β-expansin is recognized as a major pollen allergen, particularly in the grass family Poaceae. Expression of β-expansin has been shown to be dynamic and can be influenced by environmental stresses. This study evaluated the relative expression of β-expansin and IgE-binding ability of crude pollen extract protein of rice and maize under three different stress conditions: flood, salt, and drought. After 1 week of treatments, anthers containing pollen were collected followed by RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. To evaluate relative expression, qRT-PCR was performed using specific primers for β-expansin and reference genes. Physiological characteristics of treated and untreated maize and rice: plant height; fresh weight of anthers; number of inflorescences, anthers, and pollen grains were also recorded. To assess IgE-binding ability of proteins in rice pollen extracts, soluble crude proteins were extracted and IgE immunoblot and ELISA were performed using serum samples from grass-allergic subjects and healthy control donors. Results showed that plant height, fresh weight of anthers, number of inflorescences, anthers, and pollen grains of both maize and rice decreased significantly under drought stress conditions, but not in other conditions. Expression of β-expansin in pollen of rice showed an apparent increase in all stress treatments relative to control samples. In contrast, a significant decrease of β-expansin expression was detected in maize pollen under all stress-treated conditions. IgE-reactive protein bands from rice pollen extract proteins were ~30 kDa, as expected of the grass-group 1 protein. The intensity of IgE-reactive protein bands and the level of IgE to rice pollen proteins showed significant differences among stress conditions. In conclusion, environmental stresses—flood, salt, and drought, can elicit a change of β-expansin expression and IgE reactivity to grass group-1 pollen allergens. Changes in expression level of this gene likely reflected its importance during stress. However, the response is highly dependent on different schemes employed by each plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotin Juprasong
- Graduate Program in Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wisuwat Songnuan
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Wisuwat Songnuan
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16
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Panaitescu C, Haidar L, Buzan MR, Grijincu M, Spanu DE, Cojanu C, Laculiceanu A, Bumbacea R, Agache IO. Precision medicine in the allergy clinic: the application of component resolved diagnosis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:145-162. [PMID: 35078387 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2034501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A precise diagnosis is key for the optimal management of allergic diseases and asthma. In vivo or in vitro diagnostic methods that use allergen extracts often fail to identify the molecules eliciting the allergic reactions. AREAS COVERED Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) has solved most of the limitations of extract-based diagnostic procedures and is currently valuable tool for the precision diagnosis in the allergy clinic, for venom and food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Its implementation in daily practice facilitates: a) the distinction between genuine multiple sensitizations and cross-reactive sensitization in polysensitized patients; b) the prediction of a severe, systemic reaction in food or insect venom allergy; c) the optimal selection of allergen immunotherapy based on the patient sensitization profile. This paper describes its main advantages and disadvantages, cost-effectiveness and future perspectives. EXPERT OPINION The diagnostic strategy based on CRD is part of the new concept of precision immunology, which aims to improve the management of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Panaitescu
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology, Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Romania.,Centre for Gene and Cellular Therapies in The Treatment of Cancer - OncoGen, "Pius Brinzeu" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Laura Haidar
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology, Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Romania
| | - Maria Roxana Buzan
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology, Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Romania.,Centre for Gene and Cellular Therapies in The Treatment of Cancer - OncoGen, "Pius Brinzeu" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Manuela Grijincu
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology, Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Romania.,Centre for Gene and Cellular Therapies in The Treatment of Cancer - OncoGen, "Pius Brinzeu" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Catalina Cojanu
- Transylvania University Brasov - Faculty of Medicine, Brasov
| | | | - Roxana Bumbacea
- Department of Allergy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Romania
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17
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Severova E, Kopylov-Guskov Y, Selezneva Y, Karaseva V, Yadav SR, Sokoloff D. Pollen Production of Selected Grass Species in Russia and India at the Levels of Anther, Flower and Inflorescence. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11030285. [PMID: 35161263 PMCID: PMC8840183 DOI: 10.3390/plants11030285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Grasses produce large amounts of pollen and are among the main causes of pollen allergy worldwide. Quantification of the roles of individual grass species in airborne pollen is an important task, because morphologically indistinguishable pollen grains of different species may differ in allergenicity. This requires knowledge of the pollen production of individual grass species; however, accumulated data are insufficient in this respect. Attempting to fill this gap, we studied pollen production per inflorescence in 29 grass species which are widespread in Middle Russia and India. Pollen production per inflorescence is determined by the number of grains per anther, the number of flowers in a spikelet and the number of spikelets per inflorescence, with the latter parameter being the most variable. We support the hypothesis that pollen production per inflorescence differs significantly between annual and perennial grasses. The greater pollen production of perennials can be interpreted as a tendency to guarantee cross-fertilization of species with self-incompatibility. The inferred pollen/ovule (P/O) ratios suggest the occurrence of facultative xenogamy in all annuals and obligate xenogamy in most perennials in the present dataset, though some self-incompatible annuals exist outside our sampling. Earlier data indicated that the P/O ratio of the annual cereal crop rye (Secale cereale) is higher than in any annual or perennial species sampled here. A ratio of pollen production to seed set (P/S ratio) is suggested to be another efficient parameter in reproductive biology of grasses. We highlight a need for detailed studies of reproductive biology in grasses that include both pollen and seed production. We found a correlation between pollen production per anther and anther length. A rough approximation of c. 1000 pollen grains per 1 mm of the length of an anther provides an instrument for estimates of pollen production in plant communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Severova
- Department of Higher Plants, Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (Y.K.-G.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-915-3884349
| | - Yury Kopylov-Guskov
- Department of Higher Plants, Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (Y.K.-G.); (D.S.)
- Faculty of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Yulia Selezneva
- Institute of Natural Science, S.A. Esenin Ryazan State University, 390000 Ryazan, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.K.)
| | - Vera Karaseva
- Institute of Natural Science, S.A. Esenin Ryazan State University, 390000 Ryazan, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.K.)
| | - Shrirang R. Yadav
- Angiosperm Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur 416004, India;
| | - Dmitry Sokoloff
- Department of Higher Plants, Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (Y.K.-G.); (D.S.)
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18
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Allergenicity to worldwide invasive grass Cortaderia selloana as environmental risk to public health. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24426. [PMID: 34952907 PMCID: PMC8709847 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03581-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergies to grass pollen affects about 20% of the population worldwide. In the last few decades, the South American grass Cortaderia selloana (CS, Pampas grass) has expanded worldwide in a variety of countries including the USA, Australia and Western Europe. In many of these locations, CS has strikingly spread and has now been classified an invasive species. Many pernicious consequences of CS have been reported for local biodiversity, landscape and structures. However, the effect on human health has not been studied. To investigate this issue, we have chosen a European region on the northern cost of Spain where CS spread is overwhelming, Cantabria. We obtained CS pollen extract and analysed the allergenic reaction of 98 patients that were allergic to pollen of local grasses. We determined the skin reaction and the presence of specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to CS or to a typical autochthonous grass, Phleum pratense. We also compared the seasonal symptoms with reported grass pollen counts in the area. The results strongly suggest that CS can cause respiratory allergies at a similar extent to the local grasses. Given that CS pollinises later than the local grasses, this would extend the period of grass allergies in the region for about three months every year, as stated by most of the patients. This is the first study reported on the effects of the striking expansion of CS on human health. Considering the strong impact that respiratory allergies have on the population, our results suggest that CS can currently constitute a relevant environmental health issue.
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Xu Y, Guan K, Sha L, Zhang J, Niu Y, Yin J, Wang L. Sensitization Profiles of Timothy Grass Pollen in Northern China. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:1431-1439. [PMID: 34876820 PMCID: PMC8643203 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s334183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Grass pollen is an important cause of IgE-mediated allergy in countries worldwide, especially within Europe. However, there has been no research on grass pollen allergy in northern China. We aimed to determine the status of grass pollen allergy and the sensitization patterns to Phleum pratense (P. pratense) in northern China. Patients and Methods Pollen data were collected for three geographic areas (Beijing, Shenmu, Shizuishan) in northern China. The study enrolled 101 patients (62 men; age range, 1–64 years; median age, 10 years) who had allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma during the grass pollen season and positive skin prick test results positive to P. pratense. Serum-specific IgE (sIgE) against Phl p 1, Phl p 2, Phl p 5, Phl p 6, Phl p 7, Phl p 12 was measured by ImmunoCAP. Results The pollen season of P. pratense was from June to September in Beijing, May to September in Shenmu and July to August in Shizuishan. P. pratense pollen accounted for 2–3% of the annual pollen index of total pollen counts. Among 101 patients with positive skin prick test results to P. pratense, 72% had detectable sIgE to P. pratense. Phl p 12 was the most frequently recognized component (45%), followed by Phl p 1 (22%), Phl p 5 (14%), Phl p 6 (8%) and Phl p 7 (3%). No patients had sIgE to Phl p 2. Ten sensitization patterns to the six components were observed. High rate of sIgE to Phl p 12 was positively correlated with co-sensitization to weed or tree pollen. Conclusion Considering the pollen concentration, P. pratense was a minor pollen allergen in northern China and its pollen season overlapped with that of weed pollen. IgE sensitization to P. pratense was likely to be induced by cross-reactivity between grass pollen allergy and weed/tree pollen allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyang Xu
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Guan
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Sha
- Department of Allergy, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghong Zhang
- Department of Allergy, The No.1 People's Hospital of Shizuishan, Shizuishan, 753000, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongliang Niu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shenmu Hospital, Shenmu, 719300, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Yin
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianglu Wang
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
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20
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Visez N, de Nadaï P, Choël M, Farah J, Hamzé M, Sénéchal H, Pauwels M, Frérot H, Thibaudon M, Poncet P. Biochemical composition of Phleum pratense pollen grains: A review. Mol Immunol 2021; 136:98-109. [PMID: 34098345 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The Poaceae family is composed of 12,000 plant species. Some of these species produce highly allergenic anemophilous pollen grains (PGs). Phleum pratense pollen grains (PPPGs) emerged as a model for studies related to grass allergy. The biochemical composition of allergenic PGs has not yet been fully described despite potential health effects of PG constituents other than allergenic proteins. This review brings together the information available in literature aiming at creating a comprehensive picture of the current knowledge about the chemical composition of allergenic PGs from timothy grass. PPPGs have an average diameter between 30-35 μm and the mass of a single PG was reported between 11 and 26 ng. The pollen cytoplasm is filled with two types of pollen cytoplasmic granules (PCGs): the starch granules and the polysaccharide particles (p-particles). Starch granules have a size between 0.6-2.5 μm with an average diameter of 1.1 μm (estimated number of 1000 granules per PG) while p-particles have a size ranging around 0.3 to 0.4 μm (estimated number between 61,000-230,000 p-particles per PG). The rupture of PG induces the release of PCGs and the dispersion of allergens in the inhalable fraction of atmospheric aerosol. PPPGs are composed of sporopollenin, sugars, polysaccharides, starch, glycoproteins (including allergens), amino-acids, lipids, flavonoids (including isorhamnetin), various elements (the more abundant being Si, Mg and Ca), phenolic compounds, phytoprostanoids, carotenoids (pigments) metals and adsorbed pollutants. PPPG contains about a hundred different proteins with molecular masses ranging from 10 to 94 kDa, with isoelectric points from 3.5-10.6. Among these proteins, allergens are classified in eleven groups from 1 to 13 with allergens from groups 1 and 5 being the major contributors to Phl p pollen allergy. Major allergen Phl p 5 was quantified in PPPGs by several studies with concentration ranging from 2.7 and 3.5 μg.mg-1 in unpolluted environment. Values for other allergens are scarce in literature; only one quantitative assessment exists for allergen groups Phl p 1, 2 and 4. The extractible lipid fraction of PPPGs is estimated between 1.7-2.2% of the total PG mass. The main chemical families of lipids reported in PPPGs are: alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, di- and tri-hydroxylated fatty acids, aldehydes and sterols. Several lipid compounds with potential adjuvant effects on allergy have been specifically quantified in PPPGs: E2-like prostaglandin (PGE2), B4-like leukotriene (LTB4), unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids and their hydroxylated derivatives), adenosine, vitamins and phenolic compounds. Some other biochemical characteristics such as NAD(P)H oxidase, protease activity and pollen microbiome were described in the literature. The bioaccessibility in physiological conditions has not been described for most biochemicals transported by allergenic PPPGs. There is also a considerable lack of knowledge about the potential health effects of pollen constituents other than allergens. The variability of pollen composition remains also largely unknown despite its importance for plant reproduction and allergy in an environment characterized by chemical pollution, climate change and loss of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Visez
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Patricia de Nadaï
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Marie Choël
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Jinane Farah
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Mona Hamzé
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Hélène Sénéchal
- Immunology Department, Allergy & Environment Team, Children Armand Trousseau Hospital APHP, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Pauwels
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Hélène Frérot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Michel Thibaudon
- Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique, Le Plat du Pin, 69690, Brussieu, France
| | - Pascal Poncet
- Immunology Department, Allergy & Environment Team, Children Armand Trousseau Hospital APHP, 75012, Paris, France; Immunology Department, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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21
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Ullah I, Ahmad M, Jabeen A, Yusuf MO, Arfan M, Kilic O, Bagci E, Zafar M, Sultana S, Khan S, Usma A. Palyno-morphological characterization of selected allergenic taxa of family Poaceae from Islamabad-Pakistan using microscopic techniques. Microsc Res Tech 2021; 84:2544-2558. [PMID: 33929066 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Statistics around the world show an increased risk of high allergies associated with plants. The role of allergenic pollen is now well known. The most serious allergenic diseases are asthma and rhinitis, which affect 5-30% of the population of industrialized countries. This work focuses on the exploration of allergenic grass species of Islamabad, Pakistan and use microscopic techniques to correctly identify them. This study contains 11 species of grasses which showed variations in pollen morphological features. The dominant pollen shape was prolate, prolate-spheroidal and sub oblate. The largest polar diameter was calculated for Echinochloa crus-galli (56.00 μm) while the largest equatorial diameter was found in Cenchrus ciliaris (45.00 μm). Exine ornamentation varied from Gemmate-verrucate, Scabrate-reugulate, Verrucate-reticulate, Gemmate-Scabrate, Fine-Gemmate, Gemmate-rugulate, Gemmate-reticulate, Gemmate-scabrate, Scabrate-verrucate, and Scabrate. Maximum exine thickness was found in Eleusine indica (4.90 μm) while in C. ciliaris (1.50 μm) the minimum thickness of exine was measured. In E. crus-galli (1.54 μm), the largest P to E value was measured and the smallest value was noticed in Setaria verticillata (0.86 μm). The study was performed with an aim to identify the allergenic plant species in Islamabad-Pakistan using pollen morphological studies. This study provides significant information, to arrange the pollen types within their defined classes and to discuss various pollen features for developing an allergenic pollen atlas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izhar Ullah
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Asma Jabeen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - M Osman Yusuf
- The Allergy and Asthma Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arfan
- Department of Botany, University of Education Lahore Vehari Campus, Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Omer Kilic
- Department of Basic Science of Pharmacy, Adıyaman University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Adıyaman, Turkey
| | - Eyüp Bagci
- Science Faculty, Department of Biology, Firat University, Elazığ, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Zafar
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shazia Sultana
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Siraj Khan
- Department of Botany, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Anwer Usma
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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22
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Bastl M, Bastl K, Dirr L, Berger M, Berger U. Variability of grass pollen allergy symptoms throughout the season: Comparing symptom data profiles from the Patient's Hayfever Diary from 2014 to 2016 in Vienna (Austria). World Allergy Organ J 2021; 14:100518. [PMID: 33717397 PMCID: PMC7921880 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Grass pollen allergy is the most widespread pollen allergy in the world. It still remains unknown in which aspects and in which extent symptoms from grass pollen allergy differ throughout the grass pollen season, although individual sensitization profiles of persons concerned are known for a long time. Methods The crowd-sourced symptom data of users of the Patient's Hayfever Diary were filtered for significant positive correlated users to grass pollen from Vienna (Austria) during the respective grass pollen seasons from 2014, 2015, and 2016. These symptom data were the foundation for 3 statistical approaches in order to examine different sections of the grass pollen season defined either by grass pollen data, phenology (grass species determination in the field), or symptom data itself. Results Results from all 3 approaches are similar and come to the same major conclusion. The symptom peak of most users is observed in the second section of the grass pollen season (70%), followed by the first section (20%), and with the least user numbers (10%) the third section. The profiles from single users entering data for all 3 years under study are robust and show a comparable behavior from year to year. Conclusion Grass taxa such as Arrhenatherum, Festuca, and Lolium seem to induce the highest symptom severity in most users during the second section of the grass pollen season. Poa and Dactylis are the main triggers for the first section of the grass pollen season. The flower of Phleum und Cynodon is documented for the last section of the grass pollen season. Crowd-sourced symptom data is the prerequisite for personal pollen information to consider the individuality of grass pollen allergy sufferers. Phenological monitoring is needed to provide information on specific grass taxa of importance to allergic persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Bastl
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Bastl
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Dirr
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Berger
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Uwe Berger
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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23
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Mikheeva OO, Kostromina MA, Lykoshin DD, Tereshin MN, Zavriev SK, Svirshchevskaya EV, Khlgatyan SV, Esipov RS. Production of Recombinant Allergens Phl p 1 and Amb a 1 for Detection of Class E Immunoglobulins. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162020060199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Al-Nesf MA, Gharbi D, Mobayed HM, Dason BR, Mohammed Ali R, Taha S, Tuffaha A, Adeli M, Sattar HA, Trigo MDM. The association between airborne pollen monitoring and sensitization in the hot desert climate. Clin Transl Allergy 2020; 10:35. [PMID: 32788950 PMCID: PMC7416415 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-020-00339-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. In Qatar, data on the presence and prevalence of allergenic airborne types of pollen is quite limited. Methods The study aimed to determine and correlate the most frequently implicated airborne pollen detected by aerobiological monitoring samplers in respiratory allergy symptoms. An aerobiological survey was started on May 8, 2017. Airborne pollen was collected using two Hirst type seven-day recorder volumetric traps. Skin prick test in patients attending allergy clinics in Doha using commercial extracts was conducted. Results Twenty-five pollen types representing the native, as well as the introduced plants, with a relatively low daily mean concentration were observed from May 2017 to May 2019. The highest pollen concentrations were reached by Amaranthaceae (58.9%), followed by Poaceae (21.7%). SPT revealed a comparatively higher degree of sensitization to pollen. Among 940 patients, 204 were sensitized to pollen (54% female) with 135 (66.2%) and 114 (55.8%) to Amaranthaceae and Poaceae, respectively. Some patients had polysensitization. There was a statistically significant association between Amaranthaceae, and asthma (r = 0.169, P = 0.016) and allergic rhinitis (r = 0.177, P = 0.012). Conclusions This is the first study to monitor airborne pollen in the state of Qatar. The main pollen detected were Amaranthaceae and Poaceae. Pollen may represent a possible exacerbating factor in adult patients with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam A Al-Nesf
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Dorra Gharbi
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar.,Department of Plant Biology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, Malaga, Spain
| | - Hassan M Mobayed
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Blessing Reena Dason
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Ramzy Mohammed Ali
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Salma Taha
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | | | | | - Hisham A Sattar
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Maria Del Mar Trigo
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, Malaga, Spain
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25
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Ščevková J, Vašková Z, Sepšiová R, Dušička J, Kováč J. Relationship between Poaceae pollen and Phl p 5 allergen concentrations and the impact of weather variables and air pollutants on their levels in the atmosphere. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04421. [PMID: 32685736 PMCID: PMC7355991 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The sensitization to grass pollen is a known problem in European countries. Phl p 5 is an important allergen recognized by the majority of grass sensitized individuals. In this study, we evaluated daily variation in airborne Poaceae pollen and Phl p 5 allergen concentrations to determine whether airborne pollen concentrations alone are sufficient to reflect the actual allergenic potential of the air. The relationships between the mentioned pollen and allergen concentrations and associated environmental variables were also examined. The airborne particles were collected during the Poaceae flowering season in Bratislava in 2019. Pollen sampling was performed using a Hirst-type sampler, while a cyclone sampler was used for the aeroallergen capturing. Allergenic molecules were quantified by ELISA assay. The associations between pollen and allergen concentrations showed that these two variables are positively correlated; however, the correlation was not significant. We observed the concurrent occurrence of airborne pollen and allergen peaks on the same day. Nevertheless, during some days of the pollen season, the allergen concentrations did not correspond to the airborne pollen values. Moreover, the days with low pollen concentration but high pollen potency and vice versa were observed. The effect of selected environmental variables on daily pollen and allergen concentrations was evaluated through Spearman's correlation analysis. Of all meteorological variables considered, air temperature, precipitation, and relative air humidity were significantly correlated with airborne pollen and/or allergen concentrations. The association with air temperature was positive, while the negative association was observed with precipitation and relative air humidity. Among the atmospheric pollutants, O3 and PM10 were significantly and positively associated with both pollen and allergen concentrations, whereas CO and PM2.5 were significantly and positively associated only with pollen concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ščevková
- Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Vašková
- Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Regina Sepšiová
- Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Genetics, Ilkovičova 6, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Dušička
- Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Kováč
- Comenius University, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Mlynská dolina, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia
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26
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Westman M, Åberg K, Apostolovic D, Lupinek C, Gattinger P, Mittermann I, Andersson N, Melén E, Bergström A, Antó JM, Bousquet J, Valenta R, Wickman M, van Hage M. Sensitization to grass pollen allergen molecules in a birth cohort—natural Phl p 4 as an early indicator of grass pollen allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 145:1174-1181.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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27
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Kailaivasan TH, Timbrell VL, Solley G, Smith WB, McLean-Tooke A, van Nunen S, Smith P, Upham JW, Langguth D, Davies JM. Biogeographical variation in specific IgE recognition of temperate and subtropical grass pollen allergens in allergic rhinitis patients. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e01103. [PMID: 32025301 PMCID: PMC6997006 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Globally, grass pollens (GP) are major aeroallergen triggers of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. However, patterns of allergic sensitisation to pollen of temperate (Pooideae: Lolium perenne) and subtropical (Chloridoideae: Cynodon dactylon and Panicoideae: Paspalum notatum) subfamilies in diverse climates remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the level of allergic sensitisation and IgE specificity for major GP allergens representing the three subfamilies in biogeographically distinct regions. Methods Participants (GP‐allergic with AR, 330; non‐atopic, 29; other allergies, 54) were recruited in subtropical: Queensland, and temperate: New South Wales, Western and South Australia, regions. Clinical history, skin prick test (SPT), total and specific IgE to GP and purified allergens (ImmunoCAP) were evaluated. Cross‐inhibition of sIgE with Pas n 1, Cyn d 1 and Lol p 1 by GP extracts was investigated. Results Queensland participants showed higher sensitisation to P. notatum and C. dactylon than L. perenne GP. sIgE was higher to Pas n 1 and Cyn d 1, and sIgE to Pas n 1 and Cyn d 1 was inhibited more by Panicoideae and Chloridoideae, respectively, than Pooideae GP. Conversely, participants from temperate regions showed highest sensitisation levels to L. perenne GP and Lol p 1, and sIgE to Lol p 1 was inhibited more by Pooideae than other GP. Conclusion Levels and patterns of sensitisation to subtropical and temperate GP in AR patients depended on biogeography. Knowledge of the specificity of sensitisation to local allergens is important for optimal diagnosis and choice of allergen‐specific immunotherapy to maximise benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thina H Kailaivasan
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Victoria L Timbrell
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD Australia
| | | | | | | | - Sheryl van Nunen
- Royal North Shore Hospital and The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Peter Smith
- Queensland Allergy Services Gold Coast QLD Australia
| | - John W Upham
- The University of Queensland and The Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane QLD Australia
| | | | - Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD Australia.,Metro North Hospital and Health Service Herston QLD Australia
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28
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Almeida E, Caeiro E, Todo-Bom A, Duarte A, Gazarini L. Sensitization to grass allergens: Phl p1, Phl p5 and Phl p7 Phl p12 in adult and children patients in Beja (Southern Portugal). Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2019; 47:579-584. [PMID: 31477404 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Portugal, the pollen types most implicated in respiratory allergy are grasses, olive and parietaria. The knowledge of sensitizations to molecular allergens in children and adults can contribute to better diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. METHODS ImmunoCAP singleplex technology was used for molecular allergens and Phadia 250® automatic equipment. g205 (Phl p1); g215 (Phl p5b); g210 (Phl p7); and g212 (Phl p12) allergen determinations were made in 45 patients with positive grass sensitization tests. RESULTS The majority of patients are sensitized to Phl p1 (91%) and Phl p1+/Phl p5-/Phl p7-/Phl p12- was the most dominant profile (40%). In the adult group, the IgE averages for Phl p1 were approximately 10.46, while they were 8.43 for Phl p5, 0.69 for Phl p7, and 0.06 for Phl p12. In the child group, these values were higher: 22.49, 20.23, 3.89, and 0.35, respectively. For allergens Phl p1, Phl p5, and Phl p7, these differences between the child and adult population were not statistically significant (p=0.754, p=0.806 and p=0.102, respectively), but for Phl p12, a statistically significant difference (p=0.018) was observed. CONCLUSIONS IgE antibodies Phl p1 is the most important allergic marker and sensitivities caused by Phl p12 give rise to higher IgE values in children.
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29
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Najafi N, Hofer G, Gattinger P, Smiljkovic D, Blatt K, Selb R, Stoecklinger A, Keller W, Valent P, Niederberger V, Thalhamer J, Valenta R, Flicker S. Fusion proteins consisting of Bet v 1 and Phl p 5 form IgE-reactive aggregates with reduced allergenic activity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4006. [PMID: 30850635 PMCID: PMC6408504 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39798-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross-linking of effector cell-bound IgE antibodies by allergens induces the release of inflammatory mediators which are responsible for the symptoms of allergy. We demonstrate that a recombinant hybrid molecule consisting of the major birch (Bet v 1) and grass (Phl p 5) pollen allergen exhibited reduced allergenic activity as compared to equimolar mixes of the isolated allergens in basophil activation experiments. The reduced allergenic activity of the hybrid was not due to reduced IgE reactivity as demonstrated by IgE binding experiments using sera from allergic patients. Physicochemical characterization of the hybrid by size exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, negative-stain electron microscopy and circular dichroism showed that the hybrid occurred as folded aggregate whereas the isolated allergens were folded monomeric proteins. IgG antibodies raised in rabbits against epitopes of Bet v 1 and Phl p 5 showed reduced reactivity with the hybrid compared to the monomeric allergens. Our results thus demonstrate that aggregation can induce changes in the conformation of allergens and lead to the reduction of allergenic activity. This is a new mechanism for reducing the allergenic activity of allergens which may be important for modifying allergens to exhibit reduced side effects when used for allergen-specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Najafi
- Division of Immunopathology, Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G Hofer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, BioTechMed Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - P Gattinger
- Division of Immunopathology, Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Smiljkovic
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Blatt
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Selb
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Stoecklinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - W Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, BioTechMed Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - P Valent
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - V Niederberger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Thalhamer
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - R Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory for Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - S Flicker
- Division of Immunopathology, Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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30
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Celakovská J, Bukac J, Ettler K, Vaneckova J, Krcmova I, Ettlerova K, Krejsek J. The occurrence of food hypersensitivity reactions and the relation to the sensitization to grass and trees in atopic dermatitis patients 14 years of age and older. Indian J Dermatol 2019; 64:346-354. [PMID: 31543527 PMCID: PMC6749770 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_164_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Methods: Results: Conclusion:
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31
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Neumann JE, Anenberg SC, Weinberger KR, Amend M, Gulati S, Crimmins A, Roman H, Fann N, Kinney PL. Estimates of Present and Future Asthma Emergency Department Visits Associated With Exposure to Oak, Birch, and Grass Pollen in the United States. GEOHEALTH 2019; 3:11-27. [PMID: 31106285 PMCID: PMC6516486 DOI: 10.1029/2018gh000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Pollen is an important environmental cause of allergic asthma episodes. Prior work has established a proof of concept for assessing projected climate change impacts on future oak pollen exposure and associated health impacts. This paper uses additional monitor data and epidemiologic functions to extend prior analyses, reporting new estimates of the current and projected future health burden of oak, birch, and grass pollen across the contiguous United States. Our results suggest that tree pollen in the spring currently accounts for between 25,000 and 50,000 pollen-related asthma emergency department (ED) visits annually (95% confidence interval: 14,000 to 100,000), roughly two thirds of which occur among people under age 18. Grass pollen in the summer season currently accounts for less than 10,000 cases annually (95% confidence interval: 4,000 to 16,000). Compared to a baseline with 21st century population growth but constant pollen, future temperature and precipitation show an increase in ED visits of 14% in 2090 for a higher greenhouse gas emissions scenario, but only 8% for a moderate emissions scenario, reflecting projected increases in pollen season length. Grass pollen, which is more sensitive to changes in climatic conditions, is a primary contributor to future ED visits, with the largest effects in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern Great Plains regions. More complete assessment of the current and future health burden of pollen is limited by the availability of data on pollen types (e.g., ragweed), other health effects (e.g., other respiratory disease), and economic consequences (e.g., medication costs).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kate R. Weinberger
- Department of EpidemiologyBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRIUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Neal Fann
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
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Chruszcz M, Kapingidza AB, Dolamore C, Kowal K. A robust method for the estimation and visualization of IgE cross-reactivity likelihood between allergens belonging to the same protein family. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208276. [PMID: 30496313 PMCID: PMC6264518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the vast number of identified protein families, allergens emanate from relatively few families which translates to only a small fraction of identified protein families. In allergy diagnostics and immunotherapy, interactions between immunoglobulin E and allergens are crucial because the formation of an allergen-antibody complex is necessary for triggering an allergic reaction. In allergic diseases, there is a phenomenon known as cross-reactivity. Cross-reactivity describes a situation where an individual has produced antibodies against a particular allergenic protein, but said antibodies fail to discriminate between the original sensitizer and other similar proteins that usually belong to the same family. To expound the concept of cross-reactivity, this study examines ten protein families that include allergens selected specifically for the analysis of cross-reactivity. The selected allergen families had at least 13 representative proteins, overall folds that differ significantly between families, and include relevant allergens with various potencies. The selected allergens were analyzed using information on sequence similarities and identities between members of the families as well as reports on clinically relevant cross-reactivities. Based on our analysis, we propose to introduce a new A-RISC index (Allergens’–Relative Identity, Similarity and Cross-reactivity) which describes homology between two allergens belonging to the same protein family and is used to predict the likelihood of cross-reactivity between them. Information on sequence similarities and identities, as well as on the values of the proposed A-RISC index is used to introduce four categories describing a risk of a cross-reactive reaction, namely: high, medium-high, medium-low and low. The proposed approach can facilitate analysis in component-resolved allergy diagnostics, generation of avoidance guidelines for allergic individuals, and help with the design of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksymilian Chruszcz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - A. Brenda Kapingidza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Coleman Dolamore
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Krzysztof Kowal
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Experimental Allergology and Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Bastl K, Kmenta M, Berger M, Berger U. The connection of pollen concentrations and crowd-sourced symptom data: new insights from daily and seasonal symptom load index data from 2013 to 2017 in Vienna. World Allergy Organ J 2018; 11:24. [PMID: 30349618 PMCID: PMC6190540 DOI: 10.1186/s40413-018-0203-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Online pollen diaries and mobile applications nowadays allow easy and fast documentation of pollen allergy symptoms. Such crowd-sourced symptom data provides insights into the development and the onset of a pollen allergy. Hitherto studies of the symptom load index (SLI) showed a discrepancy between the SLI and the total pollen amount of a season, but did not analyze the daily data. Methods The Patient’s Hayfever Diary (PHD) was used as data pool for symptom data. Symptom data of Vienna (Austria) was chosen as a large and local sample size within the study period of 2013 until 2017. The city was divided into three different areas based on equal population densities and different environmental factors. Correlation factors, regression lines, locally weighted smoothing (LOESS) curves and line plots were calculated to examine the data. Results Daily SLI and pollen concentration data correlates well and the progress of the SLI within a pollen season is mirrored by the pollen concentrations. The LOESS curves do not deviate much from the regression line and support the linearity of the symptom-pollen correlation on a daily basis. Seasonal SLI data does not follow the same pattern as the respective seasonal pollen indices. Results did not vary in the three areas within Vienna or when compared with the Eastern region of Austria showing no significant spatial variation of the SLI. Discussion Results indicate a linear relationship of the SLI and pollen concentrations/seasonal polllen index (SPIn) on a daily basis for both in general and throughout the season, but not on a seasonal basis. These findings clarify the frequent misinterpretation of the SLI as index that is tightly connected to pollen concentrations, but reflects as well the seasonal variation of the burden of pollen allergy sufferers. Conclusion More than just the seasonal pollen index has to be considered when the SLI of a selected pollen season has to be explained. Cross-reactivity to other pollen types, allergen content and air pollution could play a considerable role. The similar behavior of the SLI in Vienna and a whole region indicate the feasibility of a possible symptom forecast in future and justifies the use of a single pollen monitoring station within a city of the size of Vienna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bastl
- 1Aerobiology and Pollen Information Research Unit, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Kmenta
- 1Aerobiology and Pollen Information Research Unit, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Berger
- 2Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Uwe Berger
- 1Aerobiology and Pollen Information Research Unit, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Alan Ş, Şahin AA, Sarışahin T, Şahin S, Kaplan A, Pınar NM. The effect of geographical and climatic properties on grass pollen and Phl p 5 allergen release. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2018; 62:1325-1337. [PMID: 29626255 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-018-1536-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Poaceae family, including grasses, comprises several cosmopolitan and allergenic species. The aim of this study was to determine the correlations between Poaceae pollen and Phl p 5 allergen concentrations in two cities with different geographical and climatic properties in Turkey. Pollen were collected from Burkard traps in Ankara and Zonguldak. Phl p 5 sampling was carried out between March and October in both 2015 and 2016 using a BGI900 Cascade High Volume Air Sampler (900 L/min.). The concentrations of Phl p 5 were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The annual sum of Poaceae pollen (pollen index) during 2015-2016 was 5454 in Ankara and 4142 in Zonguldak. The total Phl p 5 concentration was 1309 pg/m3 in Zonguldak, whereas it was 8181 pg/m3 in Ankara over 2 years. About 90% of the allergen was found in the fraction with particulate matter (PM) > 10 μm in both cities. It was found that the main meteorological parameter which affected pollen and Phl p 5 was temperature in both stations. Rainfall was also found to be important for Zonguldak, due to its climatic and geographic properties. Lastly, we suggest that the primary wind direction, which is from the south of Zonguldak, could have a 'drift effect' for allergens because of the airborne pollen concentrations and the dates on which the allergen is released into the atmosphere. The wind direction may be an important factor in the distribution of allergen and pollen grains in stations, especially those with a hilly topography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şenol Alan
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, Bülent Ecevit University, 67100, Zonguldak, Turkey.
| | - Aydan Acar Şahin
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ankara University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Sarışahin
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, Bülent Ecevit University, 67100, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Serap Şahin
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, Bülent Ecevit University, 67100, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Kaplan
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, Bülent Ecevit University, 67100, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Nur Münevver Pınar
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ankara University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
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The molecular allergology of subtropical grass pollen. Mol Immunol 2018; 100:126-135. [PMID: 29778490 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Grass pollens are amongst the most important aeroallergen sources world-wide triggering allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in sensitised patients. Much of what we know about the allergen components of grasses is informed by research on pollen of temperate (Pooideae) species that are abundant in the temperate climate zones. However, climate changes are altering the biogeographical distribution as well as timing and allergenicity of grass pollens. This provides an impetus for better understanding of the contribution of subtropical subfamilies of grasses to pollen allergy globally. Pollen of Chloridoideae (e.g. Cynodon dactylon; Bermuda grass) and Panicoideae (e.g. Paspalum notatum; Bahia grass or Sorghum halepense; Johnson grass) subfamilies are clinically important in subtropical zones of Australia, Asia, India, Africa, and America. These grasses differ ecologically and phylogenetically from temperate grasses and, importantly their allergen composition is qualitatively different. For example, subtropical grass pollens appear to lack the major group 5 grass pollen allergen family. In this review we summarize current knowledge of the epidemiology and immunology of subtropical Chloridoideae and Pancoideae pollen allergens, describe the biochemical characteristics of known isoforms and variants as well as properties and structures of subtropical pollen allergen components. Whilst only one subtropical allergen component; Cyn d 1 of Bermuda grass pollen, is available commercially for diagnostic use, in a natural purified form, a number of allergens of Panicoideae grass pollen; Zea m 1, Zea m 3 and Zea m 13 of maize, Pas n 1 and Pas n 13 of Bahia, as well as Sor h 1, Sor h 2, Sor h 13 and Sor h 23 of Johnson grass, have been discovered. Research effort is directed towards making available subtropical grass pollen allergen components as innovative treatment and diagnostic options that more specifically address the needs of patients from warmer regions of the globe.
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Ghitarrini S, Pierboni E, Rondini C, Tedeschini E, Tovo GR, Frenguelli G, Albertini E. New biomolecular tools for aerobiological monitoring: Identification of major allergenic Poaceae species through fast real-time PCR. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:3996-4010. [PMID: 29721274 PMCID: PMC5916283 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Grasses (Poaceae) are very common plants, which are widespread in all environments and urban areas. Despite their economical importance, they can represent a problem to humans due to their abundant production of allergenic pollen. Detailed information about the pollen season for these species is needed in order to plan adequate therapies and to warn allergic people about the risks they take in certain areas at certain moments. Moreover, precise identification of the causative species and their allergens is necessary when the patient is treated with allergen‐specific immunotherapy. The intrafamily morphological similarity of grass pollen grains makes it impossible to distinguish which particular species is present in the atmosphere at a given moment. This study aimed at developing new biomolecular tools to analyze aerobiological samples and identifying major allergenic Poaceae taxa at subfamily or species level, exploiting fast real‐time PCR. Protocols were tested for DNA extraction from pollen sampled with volumetric and gravimetric methods. A fragment of the matK plastidial gene was amplified and sequenced in Poaceae species known to have high allergological impact. Species‐ and subfamily‐specific primer–probe systems were designed and tested in fast real‐time PCRs to evaluate the presence of these taxa in aerobiological pollen samples. Species‐specific systems were obtained for four of five studied species. A primer–probe set was also proposed for the detection of Pooideae (a grass subfamily that includes also major cereal grains) in aerobiological samples, as this subfamily includes species carrying both grass allergens from groups 1 and 5. These, among the 11 groups in which grass pollen allergens are classified, are considered responsible for the most frequent and severe symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ghitarrini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3) University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Elisa Pierboni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche (IZSUM) Perugia Italy
| | - Cristina Rondini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche (IZSUM) Perugia Italy
| | - Emma Tedeschini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3) University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Gloria R Tovo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche (IZSUM) Perugia Italy
| | - Giuseppe Frenguelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3) University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Emidio Albertini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3) University of Perugia Perugia Italy
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Jung S, Estrella N, Pfaffl MW, Hartmann S, Handelshauser E, Menzel A. Grass pollen production and group V allergen content of agriculturally relevant species and cultivars. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29529096 PMCID: PMC5846780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Grass pollen is the main cause of hay fever and allergic asthma in warm temperate climates during summer. The aim of this study was to determine the content of group 5 major allergens in pollen grains of agriculturally important grass species/cultivars. For each cultivar flowering dates and pollen production of cut anthers were observed in the field and in a climate chamber, respectively. An ELISA was used to quantify the group 5 allergens (Phl p5) in pollen extracts which were gained from the grass species Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye grass, timothy, cocksfoot, annual / Italian rye grass, hybrid rye grass and festulolium. The group 5 allergen content of species varied between 0.01 ng (Kentucky bluegrass) and 0.06 ng (timothy) per pollen grain. On cultivar level the pollen allergenic content differed up to 74-times within the selected grass species. Results from this study might be helpful for the reduction of allergen exposure coming from agriculture grass production e.g. by an adapted grass selection or by the cultivation of grasses with low allergenic content in plant breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Jung
- Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicole Estrella
- Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Michael W. Pfaffl
- Department of Animal Physiology & Immunology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Stephan Hartmann
- Institute for Plant Production and Plant Breeding, Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft, Freising, Germany
| | - Ellinor Handelshauser
- Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Annette Menzel
- Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Institute of Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
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Igetei JE, El-Faham M, Liddell S, Schramm G, Doenhoff MJ. Antigenic cross-reactivity between Schistosoma mansoni and pollen allergens from the birch tree (Betula verrucosa) and Timothy grass (Phleum pratense): involvement of shared glycan epitopes and implications for the hygiene hypothesis. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:345-357. [PMID: 29510117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that schistosome infection can protect against allergic symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here we have shown that rabbit IgG antibodies raised against Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigens (SmSEA) are cross-reactive with a wide array of molecules in Timothy grass pollen (TGP) and birch tree pollen (BTP). Five of the cross-reactive pollen molecules (two from TGP and three from BTP) were selected randomly and identified by tandem mass spectrometric (TMS) analysis to be, respectively, the TGP allergens Phl p 1 and Phl p 5b, and BTP glutathione S-transferase (GST), and the BTP allergens Bet v 1 and Bet v 6.0102. Rabbit anti-SmSEA IgG antibodies that cross-reacted with each of the five allergens were found to be reactive with three major S. mansoni egg antigens, IPSE/alpha-1, omega-1 and kappa-5. Pairwise alignment of the amino acid sequences of each of the five TMS-identified pollen allergens with each of the three egg antigens revealed a low level of amino acid sequence identity. Further experiments indicated that the schistosome antigen/allergen cross-reactivity was mostly due to similar glycans present in helminths and plants, but not in mammals: so called cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). Previously, CCDs have been implicated in the cross-reactivity between many plants and invertebrates. Furthermore, pollen-induced anti-CCD IgGs have been found in sera of patients undergoing allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) and implicated in the treatment of the allergy. Thus, our finding provides not only possible explanations for the allergy-protective effect of helminth/schistosome infections as explained by the hygiene hypothesis, but also a potential starting point for improved SIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph E Igetei
- School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG7 2RD, UK; Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
| | - Marwa El-Faham
- School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG7 2RD, UK; Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Susan Liddell
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Gabriele Schramm
- Research Center Borstel, Priority Area Asthma and Allergy, Experimental Pneumology, Parkallee 22, D-23845 Borstel, Germany
| | - Michael J Doenhoff
- School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG7 2RD, UK
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García-Mozo H. Poaceae pollen as the leading aeroallergen worldwide: A review. Allergy 2017; 72:1849-1858. [PMID: 28543717 DOI: 10.1111/all.13210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The Poaceae family comprises over 12 000 wind-pollinated species, which release large amounts of pollen into the atmosphere. Poaceae pollen is currently regarded as the leading airborne biological pollutant and the chief cause of pollen allergy worldwide. Sensitization rates vary by country, and those variations are reviewed here. Grass pollen allergens are grouped according to their protein structure and function. In Poaceae, although species belonging to different subfamilies are characterized by distinct allergen subsets, there is a considerable degree of cross-reactivity between many species. Cross-reactivity between grass pollen protein and fresh fruit pan-allergens is associated with the appearance of food allergies. The additional influence of urban pollution may prompt a more severe immunological response. The timing and the intensity of the pollen season are governed by species genetics, but plant phenology is also influenced by climate; as a result, climate changes may affect airborne pollen concentrations. This article reviews the findings of worldwide research which has highlighted the major impact of climate change on plant phenology and also on the prevalence and severity of allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. García-Mozo
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology; University of Córdoba; Córdoba Spain
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Kmenta M, Bastl K, Berger U, Kramer MF, Heath MD, Pätsi S, Pessi AM, Saarto A, Werchan B, Werchan M, Zetter R, Bergmann KC. The grass pollen season 2015: a proof of concept multi-approach study in three different European cities. World Allergy Organ J 2017; 10:31. [PMID: 28932345 PMCID: PMC5594510 DOI: 10.1186/s40413-017-0163-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Grasses release the most widespread aeroallergens with considerable sensitization rates, while different species produce several pollen concentration peaks throughout the season. This study analyzed the prevalence of grass species in three different European city areas and compared the flowering period of these species with daily pollen concentrations and the symptom loads of grass pollen allergy sufferers. Methods The most prevalent grass species in Vienna (Austria), Berlin (Germany) and Turku (Finland) were studied and examined by use of three different approaches: phenology, pollen monitoring and symptom load evaluation. A mobile pollen exposure chamber was employed to observe reaction patterns of grass pollen allergy sufferers to three common grass species evaluated in this study versus placebo. Results Common meadow grass (Poa pratensis) and the fescue grass species (Festuca spp.) are important contributors within the grass pollen season. The pollination period of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) and false-oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) indicated a greater importance in Berlin and Vienna, whereas a broader spectrum of grass species contributed in Turku to the main pollen season. The standardized provocation induced a nasal symptom load, reduction in nasal flow and increased secretion, in contrary to the placebo control group in grass pollen allergic subjects. Conclusion The phenological observations, pollen measurements and symptom data evaluation provided unique insights into the contribution of multiple grass species in different European regions. All investigated grass species in the provocation induced rhinitis symptoms of comparable significance, with some degree of variation in symptom patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Kmenta
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,Department of Paleontology, University of Vienna, Geozentrum UZA II, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Bastl
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Uwe Berger
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Sanna Pätsi
- Aerobiology Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turun yliopisto, Turku, Finland
| | - Anna-Mari Pessi
- Aerobiology Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turun yliopisto, Turku, Finland
| | - Annika Saarto
- Aerobiology Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turun yliopisto, Turku, Finland
| | - Barbora Werchan
- Foundation German Pollen Information Service, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Werchan
- Foundation German Pollen Information Service, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard Zetter
- Department of Paleontology, University of Vienna, Geozentrum UZA II, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Foundation German Pollen Information Service, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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di Coste A, Occasi F, De Castro G, Zicari A, Galandrini R, Giuffrida A, Indinnimeo L, Duse M. Predictivity of clinical efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) based on sensitisation pattern to molecular allergens in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2017; 45:452-456. [PMID: 28410874 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to grass pollen allergy is now possible by detecting specific IgE (sIgE) to its allergenic components. AIM To evaluate the correlation between the sensitisation to different molecular Phleum pratense (Phl p) allergens and clinical efficacy of SLIT. METHODS The pilot study included 36 patients affected by allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, all treated with SLIT actively. We performed serum analysis of sIgE to Phl p 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12. The Average Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score (ARTSS) and the Average Combined Score (ACS) were evaluated before and after one year of immunotherapy. RESULTS Three different groups of sensitisation were defined based on the range of IgE reactivity to Phleum pratense allergens at baseline: group I (sIgE reactive to 1-3 allergens); group II (sIgE reactive to 4-5 allergens); and group III (sIgE reactive to 6-8 allergens). At T0 ACS was 1.79±0.18 in group I; 1.81±0.23 in group II; and 1.95±0.34 in group III. At T1 ACS was 0.85±0.55 in group I; 1.01±0.31 in group II; and 1.44±0.39 in group III. At T1 there was a significant improvement of ARTSS and ACS for group I (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Sublingual immunotherapy with a grass pollen is efficacious irrespective of the patients' baseline sensitisation to either single or multiple grass pollen molecular allergens. We found that patients with few sensitisations have a greater improvement in combined symptom and medication score. SLIT improves the clinical course of allergic patients although new sensitisations may appear.
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Luo W, Pan G, Huang H, Zheng P, Wei N, Zhang Y, Zeng G, Sun B. A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28605372 DOI: 10.3791/55723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensitization to grass pollen imposes a global risk for allergic airway diseases. Although prevention relies on local investigation of the pollen allergens, data on this topic are limited in southern China. Any available data were obtained by self-report questionnaires, skin prick tests, and total or specific IgE tests using crude extracts. For many reasons, these methods are unreliable. Serum sIgE reactivity to Bermuda grass, Timothy grass, and Humulus scandens allergens in a cohort of patients from Greater Guangzhou (southern China's largest city and its outskirts) with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma were examined using a fully-automated immunoassay analyzer as a component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) tool. For the first time, a considerably high prevalence of Bermuda grass sIgE positivity was demonstrated in Chinese southerners with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. In these patients, a subtle prevalence of sensitization to Timothy grass and Humulus scandens was also noted, which may arise from cross-reactivity, as the latter two are not common in the region. This was also supported by the detection of allergen components. Fully-automated immunoassay analyzers may offer satisfactory consistency between regions, laboratories, and institutions and over time. The automaticity of the instrument may enable a standardized detection that would not have been readily revealed before the advent of CRD. This is a study that uses a CRD approach to investigate sensitization to grass pollen allergens in southern China. It adds to current evidence in the literature. Future studies are needed to validate these findings. However, although CRD is a useful tool, the findings made with the fully-automated immunoassay analyzer should not substitute for other laboratory investigations, clinical evaluations, and physician expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
| | - Guichang Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
| | - Huimin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
| | - Peiyan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
| | - Nili Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
| | - Guangqiao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University;
| | - Baoqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University;
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Molecular features of grass allergens and development of biotechnological approaches for allergy prevention. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:545-556. [PMID: 28535924 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Allergic diseases are characterized by elevated allergen-specific IgE and excessive inflammatory cell responses. Among the reported plant allergens, grass pollen and grain allergens, derived from agriculturally important members of the Poaceae family such as rice, wheat and barley, are the most dominant and difficult to prevent. Although many allergen homologs have been predicted from species such as wheat and timothy grass, fundamental aspects such as the evolution and function of plant pollen allergens remain largely unclear. With the development of genetic engineering and genomics, more primary sequences, functions and structures of plant allergens have been uncovered, and molecular component-based allergen-specific immunotherapies are being developed. In this review, we aim to provide an update on (i) the distribution and importance of pollen and grain allergens of the Poaceae family, (ii) the origin and evolution, and functional aspects of plant pollen allergens, (iii) developments of allergen-specific immunotherapy for pollen allergy using biotechnology and (iv) development of less allergenic plants using gene engineering techniques. We also discuss future trends in revealing fundamental aspects of grass pollen allergens and possible biotechnological approaches to reduce the amount of pollen allergens in grasses.
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Valenta R, Campana R, Niederberger V. Recombinant allergy vaccines based on allergen-derived B cell epitopes. Immunol Lett 2017; 189:19-26. [PMID: 28472641 PMCID: PMC6390931 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-associated allergy is the most common immunologically-mediated hypersensitivity disease. It affects more than 25% of the population. In IgE-sensitized subjects, allergen encounter can causes a variety of symptoms ranging from hayfever (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis) to asthma, skin inflammation, food allergy and severe life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is based on vaccination with the disease-causing allergens. AIT is an extremely effective, causative and disease-modifying treatment. However, administration of natural allergens can cause severe side effects and the quality of natural allergen extracts limits its application. Research in the field of molecular allergen characterization has allowed deciphering the molecular structures of the disease-causing allergens and it has become possible to engineer novel molecular allergy vaccines which precisely target the mechanisms of the allergic immune response and even appear suitable for prophylactic allergy vaccination. Here we discuss recombinant allergy vaccines which are based on allergen-derived B cell epitopes regarding their molecular and immunological properties and review the results obtained in clinical studies with this new type of allergy vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Raffaela Campana
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Niederberger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Allergy to grass pollen: mapping of Dactylis glomerata and Phleum pratense allergens for dogs by two-dimensional immunoblotting. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2017; 34:60-69. [PMID: 28261033 PMCID: PMC5329108 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2017.65623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Much less is known about grass-pollen allergens to dogs, when compared with humans. Genetic-based patterns might play an important role in sensitization profiles, conditioning the success of allergen-specific immunotherapy. AIM Mapping of Dactylis glomerata (D. glomerata) and Phleum pratense (P. pratense) allergens for grass pollen-sensitized atopic dogs, for better understanding how individual allergograms may influence the response to grass-pollen immunotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS To identify D. glomerata and P. pratense allergoms for dogs, 15 individuals allergic to grass pollen and sensitized to D. glomerata and P. pratense were selected. D. glomerata and P. pratense proteomes were separated by isoelectric focusing (IEF), one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Separated proteins were blotted onto Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes and allergens were identified by patient sera IgE in Western Blotting (WB). RESULTS In D. glomerata, 17 allergens were identified from IEF and 11 from 1-D SDS-PAGE, while from P. pratense, 18 and 6 allergens were identified, respectively. From 2-D SDS-PAGE 13 spots were identified from D. glomerata and 27 from P. pratense. CONCLUSIONS Several similarities were found between dog and human D. glomerata and P. pratense sensitization profiles but no relationship between clinical signs and a specific pattern of allergen recognition was observed. Similarities were found in each patient pattern of sensitization between D. glomerata and P. pratense, also suggesting cross-reactive phenomena. Further molecular epidemiology approach is needed to understand the role of the sensitization pattern in allergen-specific immunotherapy effectiveness in grass-pollen allergic dogs.
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Moghtaderi M, Hosseini Teshnizi S, Farjadian S. Sensitization to common allergens among patients with allergies in major Iranian cities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiol Health 2017; 39:e2017007. [PMID: 28171712 PMCID: PMC5434227 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2017007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Various allergens are implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases in different regions. This study attempted to identify the most common allergens among patients with allergies based on the results of skin prick tests in different parts of Iran. Relevant studies conducted from 2000 to 2016 were identified from the MEDLINE database. Six common groups of allergen types, including animal, cockroach, food, fungus, house dust mite, and pollen were considered. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of each type of allergen. The Egger test was used to assess publication bias. We included 44 studies in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of positive skin test results for at least one allergen was estimated to be 59% in patients with allergies in various parts of Iran. The number of patients was 11,646 (56% male and 44% female), with a mean age of 17.46±11.12 years. The most common allergen sources were pollen (47.0%), mites (35.2%), and food (15.3%). The prevalence of sensitization to food and cockroach allergens among children was greater than among adults. Pollen is the most common allergen sensitization in cities of Iran with a warm and dry climate; however, sensitization to house dust mites is predominant in northern and southern coastal areas of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Moghtaderi
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Allergy Clinic of Ali-Asghar Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi
- Clinical Research Development Center of Children Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Shirin Farjadian
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Comparative and Evolutionary Analysis of Grass Pollen Allergens Using Brachypodium distachyon as a Model System. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169686. [PMID: 28103252 PMCID: PMC5245863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative genomics have facilitated the mining of biological information from a genome sequence, through the detection of similarities and differences with genomes of closely or more distantly related species. By using such comparative approaches, knowledge can be transferred from the model to non-model organisms and insights can be gained in the structural and evolutionary patterns of specific genes. In the absence of sequenced genomes for allergenic grasses, this study was aimed at understanding the structure, organisation and expression profiles of grass pollen allergens using the genomic data from Brachypodium distachyon as it is phylogenetically related to the allergenic grasses. Combining genomic data with the anther RNA-Seq dataset revealed 24 pollen allergen genes belonging to eight allergen groups mapping on the five chromosomes in B. distachyon. High levels of anther-specific expression profiles were observed for the 24 identified putative allergen-encoding genes in Brachypodium. The genomic evidence suggests that gene encoding the group 5 allergen, the most potent trigger of hay fever and allergic asthma originated as a pollen specific orphan gene in a common grass ancestor of Brachypodium and Triticiae clades. Gene structure analysis showed that the putative allergen-encoding genes in Brachypodium either lack or contain reduced number of introns. Promoter analysis of the identified Brachypodium genes revealed the presence of specific cis-regulatory sequences likely responsible for high anther/pollen-specific expression. With the identification of putative allergen-encoding genes in Brachypodium, this study has also described some important plant gene families (e.g. expansin superfamily, EF-Hand family, profilins etc) for the first time in the model plant Brachypodium. Altogether, the present study provides new insights into structural characterization and evolution of pollen allergens and will further serve as a base for their functional characterization in related grass species.
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Basu A, Basak P, Sarkar A. Molecular-Docking-Based Anti-Allergic Drug Design. PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1762-7.ch027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergens are foreign proteins that when come in contact of part(s) of human body stimulate the production of immunoglobulin types of proteins (antibodies). These allergens react with antibodies (immunoglobulin type E or IgE) produces allergic reactions, also known as immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. As much as 20% of the general population may be affected by grass pollen as a major cause of allergic disease. EXPB class of proteins are known in the immunological literature as group-1 grass pollen allergens Molecular docking method can be used to identify the predicated the interaction of pollen allergen EXPB1 (Zea m 1), a beta-expansin and group-1 pollen allergen from maize with IgE molecules of human. The World Health Organization recognised allergen immunotherapy, as therapeutics for allergic diseases. RNA Interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which RNA molecules e.g. Small Interfering RNAs (siRNAs) inhibit gene expression, by cleavage and destruction of specific mRNA molecules. Use of Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) is a novel method in the induction of RNA Interference (RNAi), which is a potent method for therapeutics of allergic reactions. Due to various effects of STAT 6 proteins during hypersensitivity reactions caused by pollen allergens, mRNA of STAT6 gene is selected as target gene for allergy therapeutics via Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS). Using molecular docking study a specific sense siRNA is identified as anti allergic drug to treat allergic asthma during immediate type of hypersensitivity reaction, caused by Zea m 1 pollen allergen.
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Archila LLD, Kwok WW. Tetramer-Guided Epitope Mapping: A Rapid Approach to Identify HLA-Restricted T-Cell Epitopes from Composite Allergens. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1592:199-209. [PMID: 28315222 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6925-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tetramer-guided epitope mapping (TGEM) is a technique in immunology that permits the rapid identification of allergenic epitopes through peptide screening procedures utilizing human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) class II tetramers as staining reagents for detection. The identification of allergenic epitopes is a prerequisite for the accurate characterization of allergen-specific CD4+ T cells without in vitro stimulation. Additionally, these MHC-II/peptide complexes that interact with T-cell receptors (TCR) of pathogenic CD4+ T cells are compatible with a different number of assays like Intracelullar Cytokine Staining (ICS), and Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) making it a robust technology to study the functionality of allergen-specific CD4+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis L Diego Archila
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - William W Kwok
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Minimizing fucosylation in insect cell-derived glycoproteins reduces binding to IgE antibodies from the sera of patients with allergy. Biotechnol J 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201300061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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