Evolution of IgE sensitization profiles to Artemisia pollen allergens in the allergic pediatric population

Allergic rhinitis prevalence has steadily risen among Hohhot's pediatric and adolescent populations. Local epidemiological studies confirm Artemisia pollen as the primary aeroallergen causing allergic rhinitis in summer and autumn. This study aimed to investigate how multiple Artemisia pollen allergens influence immunological sensitization in children with allergic rhinitis.

This study systematically investigated IgE sensitization profiles of 196 diagnosed pediatric allergic rhinitis patients with Artemisia pollen allergy. Obtained corresponding serum samples, and comprehensive allergen profiling was conducted through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot analysis. The immunodominant fractions of Artemisia pollen allergens were identified using mass spectrometry, with subsequent validation through recombinant allergen purification. Comprehensive pattern analysis revealed distinct sensitization profiles within the study cohort.

This study established Artemisia pollen as the predominant summer-autumn aeroallergen in Hohhot, with major allergenic components Art an 7 (69.01%), Art an 4 (56.14%), Art an 1 (18.71%), and Art an 3 (13.45%). Pediatric IgE sensitization profiles demonstrated marked heterogeneity. Monomolecular analysis revealed age-stratified dominance: 94.29% of children aged ≤6 years and 85.71% of those aged 7-14 years exhibited primary sensitization to either Art an 7 or Art an 4. Moreover, both dual- and multi-component sensitization patterns predominantly involved co-recognition of Art an 7 and/or Art an 4.

We propose 2 distinct sensitization trajectories: (A) initial IgE priming by Art an 7 and/or Art an 4 in early childhood, and (B) subsequent molecular spreading to Art an 1 and/or Art an 3 with immunological maturation. These findings established optimal therapeutic window for immune tolerance.