Cocksfoot grass pollen allergens and genetic of immune response

The genetic basis of allergic response to grass pollen allergens of 23 portuguese families have been studied. The two or three generations families formed a total of 128 individuals including at least one parent and one child sensitive to Dactylis glomerata grass pollen. HLA class II genes were studied by PCR amplification and RFLP analysis. Our population study has revealed a higher frequency of allele 2 of DOB in the allergic population than in non allergic individuals. 60% of cocksfoot sensitive patients are DR4 as compared to 20% in healthy population. Using the immunoprinting technique to study the specificity of the different immunoglobulin isotypes, we were able to improve the phenotyping quality. This analysis showed that patient IgG4 and IgE recognize frequently the same allergens. Some pollen allergens phenotypes (IgE) are transmitted from parents to children. Pollen specific IgG1 or IgG3 phenotypes might be better markers than IgA or IgM phenotypes to follow the natural immune response transmission in family studies.