Main Pollen Allergens and Their Cross-Reactivity Allergens in Spring in Beijing

Area of Science:

• Allergology
• Immunology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Spring allergic rhinitis (AR) and pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) are significant health concerns in Beijing.
• The specific pollen allergen components triggering AR and PFAS in this region are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify major pollen allergens causing spring AR in Beijing.
• To determine key pollen components linked to PFAS in the Beijing population.

Main Methods:

• Serum specific IgE levels against pollen and food allergens were measured in 125 spring AR patients.
• ImmunoCAP and ELISA assays were utilized for allergen detection.
• Inhibition assays and correlation analysis (SPSS 26.0) were performed to assess cross-reactivity.

Main Results:

• Major spring pollen allergens included cypress, Fraxinus chinensis, and plane tree.
• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) showed high Cup a 1 positivity (60.9%).
• Art an 4 (Artemisia annua) and Che a 2 (Goosefoot) demonstrated significant cross-reactivity with peach.

Conclusions:

• Spring AR patients are at risk of cross-reactivity with certain foods and autumn pollens.
• Sensitization to Art an 4 profilin and goosefoot pollen Che a 2 impacts peach allergy.
• Screening for both spring and autumn pollen components is recommended for early PFAS risk assessment.