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A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
The Clinical Relevance of Pollen Versus Fungal Spores in Allergic Diseases
Rosa Codina1, Robert E Esch2, Richard F Lockey3
1Allergen Science & Consulting, Lenoir, NC; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of south Florida, Tampa, Fla.
Abstract:
Pollen and fungal spores are associated with seasonal and perennial allergies. However, most scientific literature thus far suggests that pollen allergy is more clinically relevant than fungal allergy. Several environmental and biological factors and the difficulty in producing reliable fungal extracts account for this. Biodiversity, taxonomy, and meteorology are responsible for the types and levels of pollen and fungal spores, their fragments, and the presence of free airborne allergens. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately measure both pollen and fungal allergen exposure. In addition, understanding the enzymatic nature of fungal and some pollen allergens, the presence of allergenic and nonallergenic substances that may modulate the allergic immune response, and allergen cross-reactivity are all necessary to appropriately evaluate both sensitivity and exposure. The raw materials and manufacturing processes used to prepare pollen versus fungal extracts differ, further increasing the complexity to properly determine allergic sensitivity and degrees of exposure. The pollen extracts used for diagnosis and treatment are relatively consistent, and some have been standardized. However, obtaining clinically relevant fungal extracts is more difficult. Doing so will allow for the proper selection of such extracts to more appropriately diagnose and treat both pollen- and fungal-induced allergic diseases.
Insights
Pollen and fungal spores cause allergies, but fungal allergy diagnosis is challenging due to difficult-to-produce extracts. Standardized pollen extracts exist, but clinically relevant fungal extracts are needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Pollen and fungal spores are common causes of seasonal and perennial allergic diseases.
- Current scientific literature indicates pollen allergy is considered more clinically significant than fungal allergy.
- Several factors contribute to this disparity, including environmental variables and challenges in producing reliable fungal extracts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the complexities in assessing allergen exposure to both pollen and fungal spores.
- To emphasize the necessity of understanding allergen properties and cross-reactivity for accurate evaluation.
- To underscore the difficulties in obtaining clinically relevant fungal extracts compared to standardized pollen extracts.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on pollen and fungal allergies.
- Analysis of factors influencing airborne allergen levels, including biodiversity, taxonomy, and meteorology.
- Comparison of raw materials and manufacturing processes for pollen and fungal extracts.
Main Results:
- Accurate measurement of both pollen and fungal allergen exposure is challenging.
- Understanding allergen enzymatic nature, modulating substances, and cross-reactivity is crucial for evaluation.
- Pollen extracts are relatively consistent and standardized, whereas clinically relevant fungal extracts are difficult to obtain.
Conclusions:
- The development of reliable and standardized fungal extracts is essential.
- Improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for fungal-induced allergic diseases are needed.
- Standardized fungal extracts will enable more appropriate diagnosis and treatment of both pollen- and fungal-induced allergic conditions.
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