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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
Component-resolved diagnostics study on nut sensitization and cross-reactivity in China.
Wenting Luo1, Xianhui Zheng1, Jiale Zhang1
1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Laboratory, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
This study reveals significant cross-reactivity between nut and pollen allergies in Chinese patients with pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS). Hazelnut sensitization was linked to birch and mugwort pollen, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Food Allergy Research
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Nut sensitization in China is not well understood.
- Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) differentiates true allergies from cross-sensitizations, avoiding oral food challenges.
- Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) involves cross-reactivity between pollens and foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize major allergenic components in nut sensitization among Chinese PFAS patients.
- To investigate cross-reactivity patterns between nut and pollen allergens.
- To validate CRD for diagnosing nut allergies in the context of PFAS.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated sensitization profiles of 104 PFAS patients using crude extracts and major allergens of pollen and nuts.
- Assessed for cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) to identify non-specific IgE reactions.
- Performed serum inhibition assays to confirm cross-reactivity between pollen and nut allergens.
Main Results:
- Northern Chinese PFAS patients showed higher sensitization to weed pollen (mugwort) than tree or grass pollens.
- Hazelnut and walnut were the most common nut allergens; others were less frequent.
- CRD and inhibition assays confirmed cross-sensitization; birch and mugwort pollen significantly inhibited IgE binding to hazelnut components (Cor a 1 and Cor a 8).
Conclusions:
- This study is the first comprehensive evaluation of nut sensitization and allergenic components in Chinese PFAS patients.
- Confirmed significant cross-reactivity between nut and pollen allergens, particularly hazelnut with birch and mugwort pollen.
- Provided component-resolved insights into nut allergy mechanisms in China, improving diagnostic strategies.
