Allergen microarrays: a novel tool for high-resolution IgE profiling in adults with atopic dermatitis

Microarray technology has recently been introduced into clinical allergology, but its applicability in adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been investigated so far. We aimed to evaluate the utility of allergen microarrays in the diagnostic workup of adults with AD and to compare this new diagnostic tool with a conventional method of specific IgE (sIgE) measurement. In sera of 40 atopic adults, sIgE levels detected by microarray-analysis were correlated with the results of an established fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA). In a further 20 patients with AD, individual sIgE recognition patterns were established by microarray analysis and evaluated with regard to clinical features of AD. Allergen microarray and FEIA results were significantly correlated (r = 0.72-0.99), especially if recombinant allergens were employed. AD patients revealed a mean of 21 sensitizations per individual (range 1-46) and 65% displayed sIgE against cross-allergens, particularly pathogenesis related proteins such as the major allergen of birch pollen (Bet v 1), alder pollen (Aln g 1), apple (Mal d 1) or celery (Api g 1). The current study provides evidence that allergen microarrays represent a promising tool for component-resolved diagnosis in patients with AD. However, further large-scale studies in unselected patient populations are needed before the introduction of allergen microarrays into daily clinical practice.