Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Sports Medicine
• Diagnostic Technologies

Background:

• Elite athletes exhibit a high and increasing prevalence of allergic sensitization and diseases.
• Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized, indicating multiple allergies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic added value of microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC) for detecting IgE antibodies to specific or cross-reacting allergen components.
• To assess the utility of component-resolved diagnostics in poly-sensitized athletes.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-two poly-sensitized athletes with various allergic phenotypes and control groups were studied.
• Specific IgE (sIgE) was detected using both allergen extracts (ImmunoCAP sIgE) and allergen components (ImmunoCAP ISAC).
• Participants included athletes with asthma, rhino-conjunctivitis, food allergy/oral allergy syndrome, asymptomatic individuals, and control populations.

Main Results:

• ImmunoCAP ISAC detected sIgE in 90% of poly-sensitized athletes and 100% of allergic controls.
• Positivity patterns varied significantly between individuals, even with similar skin prick test (SPT) or sIgE results.
• Poly-sensitized athletes were classified into distinct patterns based on ISAC results, correlating with clinical phenotypes (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:

• ImmunoCAP ISAC is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of poly-sensitized athletes.
• Component-resolved diagnostics enhance the management of complex allergies in elite athletes.
• The technology provides detailed insights into allergen-specific IgE profiles, aiding clinical decision-making.