Molecular sensitization patterns in birch pollen-sensitized Korean children according to the presence of oral allergy syndrome

The profiles of sensitization based on component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) differ from region to region in populations sensitized to birch pollen. We investigated the endotypes of birch pollen-sensitized Korean children with allergic diseases using CRD and distinguished the endotypes of oral allergy syndrome (OAS) among them.Thirty-one birch pollen-sensitized children with allergic diseases were enrolled. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) to birch pollen and fruit including apple, peach, and kiwi were evaluated via skin prick tests and ImmunoCAP in all subjects. Sensitization profiles based on CRD were evaluated with the Immuno-solid-phase Allergen Chip for birch pollen-sensitization using birch pollen components (Bet v 1, Bet v 2, and Bet v 4), and for OAS using the allergen families pathogenesis-related class 10 proteins (PR-10), lipid transfer proteins, and profilin.All patients (n = 13) with OAS were sensitive to Bet v 1. However, 61% (11/18) of patients without OAS were sensitized to Bet v 1. The level of specific IgE to Bet v 1 was higher in patients with OAS than in those without OAS. All birch pollen-sensitized Korean children with OAS were sensitized to PR-10, and 69% (9/13) of them were mono-sensitized to PR-10. Among patients without OAS, 33% (6/18) were not sensitized to any of the allergen families.Birch pollen-sensitized Korean children with allergic diseases showed unique patterns of sensitization to Bet v 1, Bet v 2, and Bet v 4, and the sensitization profiles based on CRD were totally different according to the presence of OAS.

Tree Pollen Sensitization and Cross-Reaction of Children with Allergic Rhinitis or Asthma

Objectives Tree pollen causes allergic rhinitis and asthma. We investigated children who diagnosed as rhinitis or asthma, living in Busan, for tree allergen sensitization, component allergen, oral allergy syndrome, and the relationship between pollen counts and allergen sensitization. Methods Pollen were collected in Busan, from January 1 to December 31, 2017, using a Rotorod sampler and enumerated using a microscope. We conducted a study of children with rhinitis or asthma at Busan St. Mary's Hospital in 2017, administered an ISAAC questionnaire, and an oral allergy syndrome survey. Serum specific Ig E tests were performed. Results Among the 57 patients, the mean age was 9.3 years. The pollen counts in decreasing order were as follows: pine, alder, oak, juniper, beech, ginkgo, and birch. For sensitization, birch and alder 35.1%, Japanese cedar 19.3%, juniper 17.5%, pine 10.5%, and Japanese cypress 8.2%. The component Ig E was tested in 27 patients. Bet v 1 had a high correlation with birch, alder, and peach. Bet v 2 showed a statistically significant correlation with all tree pollen except cypress. Bet v 4 did not have any apparent correlation. Bet v 6 had the same pattern as Bet v 2, but correlation coefficient was higher than that of Bet v 2. Oral allergy syndrome was noted in 7 patients, including peach, peanut, apple, tomato, kiwi, and sesame. Conclusions Alder and juniper are clinically important tree pollens in Busan. These pollens cause sensitization to birch and Japanese cedar by cross-reaction.