Seasonal Proteomic Variations and Biomarkers in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Insights from Olink Inflammation...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Proteomics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a common inflammatory condition with unclear molecular underpinnings.
• Identifying reliable biomarkers for SAR is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key inflammation-related proteins and pathways associated with SAR.
• To investigate seasonal proteomic variations and their correlation with SAR symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 19 SAR patients were analyzed during allergy (in-season) and non-allergy (out-of-season) periods.
• Olink Target 96 Inflammation panel identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs).
• Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, and Spearman correlation were used.

Main Results:

• 36 inflammation-related DEPs were identified, all upregulated during the allergy season.
• Proteins like GDNF, IL-18R1, and IL-15RA correlated with SAR symptoms.
• Specific symptoms correlated with proteins such as IL-2RB (sneezing), Flt3L (rhinorrhea), and OPG (nasal blockage).
• GO analysis indicated Ras signaling and small GTPase pathways; KEGG analysis highlighted PI3K-Akt signaling and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions.

Conclusions:

• This study identified key inflammation-related proteins and pathways that vary seasonally in SAR.
• These findings offer insights into potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SAR.
• Further validation in larger, diverse populations is recommended.