Molecular Allergen Diagnosis Reveals That Asthma Risk Is Linked to Desert Mugwort Pollen Exposure

Artemisia desertorum (desert mugwort) is widely planted in the Mu Us Desert of northwestern China for windbreak and sand fixation, but extensive cultivation has unexpectedly increased pollen-induced allergies. This study aims to perform allergen molecular diagnosis and evaluate its utility in characterizing immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization profiles linked to allergic phenotypes.

One hundred and thirty-five Artemisia-allergic patients from three regions differing in the Artemisia pollen exposure were examined. Eleven allergens were either purified naturally or recombinantly for IgE quantification using the ImmunoCAP assay.

At least one allergen response was detected in 134 patients. Major allergens included Art d 1 (85.2%), Art d 2 (62.2%), Art d 3 (88.9%), Art d 7 (82.2%), and Art d 9 (54.1%). Patients from the high desert mugwort exposure region exhibited elevated serum-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels, increased sensitization to mugwort extract and allergen molecules, broader polysensitization, and higher asthma prevalence. Number of sensitized allergens and sIgE levels to mugwort extract and Art d 3 were independently associated with asthma in multivariable analysis. A predictive model was developed for asthma prediction with an AUC of 0.832.

High environmental exposure to A. desertorum pollen increases pollen allergy prevalence and asthma risk in Mu Us Desert residents. Molecular allergy diagnostics with a comprehensive A. desertorum allergen panel enhanced diagnostic precision, supported disease severity prediction, and provided critical insights for improved clinical management.