Neglected but Clinically Relevant Allergens in Korea

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Allergy Research
• Clinical Diagnostics and Therapeutics

Background:

• Asian allergy diagnostics and immunotherapeutics predominantly use imported Western products.
• This reliance raises concerns regarding the accuracy and efficacy for Asian allergy patient populations.
• Indigenous allergen research in Asia is crucial for improving patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in allergen identification and characterization within Asian indigenous species.
• To assess the cross-reactivity of regional allergens with imported allergen extracts.
• To highlight the need for developing novel diagnostics and therapeutics tailored for Asian allergy patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on allergen research in Asia.
• Identification and characterization of novel allergens from Korean species.
• Classification of regional allergens based on cross-reactivity with imported allergens.

Main Results:

• Identification of novel allergens from indigenous Korean species, some lacking counterparts in imported extracts.
• Categorization of regional allergens into highly cross-reactive, partially cross-reactive, and unique groups.
• Highly cross-reactive allergens (e.g., oak allergens) can be substituted by imported ones; unique allergens (e.g., Japanese hop, silkworm pupa) require new diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• Imported allergen products may not be fully suitable for all Asian allergy patients due to unique regional allergens.
• Development of diagnostics for unique allergens (e.g., Hum j 6, Bomb m 4) and pollen food allergy syndromes is essential.
• Further research into indigenous allergens is critical for advancing allergy diagnostics and immunotherapeutics in Asia.