Indoor Allergens Research Articles

化学蛍光法を利用した光ファイバ型免疫測定系によるダニアレルゲンDer f1計測に関する研究

A fiber-optic chemifluorescent immunoassay system for detection of Der f1 was constructed. Der f1 is one of the most important indoor allergens derived from Dermatophagoides farinae. The system measures Der f1 as fluorescence amplified by an enzymatic reaction between labeled enzyme to a detection antibody and fluorescent substrate. The measurement range for Der f1 was from 0.49 to 62.5 ng/ml which was equal to that of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The system showed also high selectivity as the result of the comparison of the sensor outputs between Der f1 and other airborne allergens.

Extraction Of House Dust Mite Allergen, Der P1, From Dust

A recent article in this journal found that the type of extraction buffer did not affect measured levels of the major group one allergen (Der p 1) from the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, in household dust samples (1). This differed from a previous study where about twice the levels of Der p 1 were found in borate-buffered saline extracts, compared to ammonium bicarbonate buffer or phosphate-buffered saline extracts, irrespective of extraction temperature or time of extraction (2). In discussing our previous study (2), the authors state that we did not use Tween-20 in our extraction buffers. Although our article did not make a mention of Tween-20, we in fact did use it in our extraction media. It was an oversight of us in that we did not mention this in our article. We further explored temperature and buffer effects on Der p 1 extraction in an external quality control program where six dust samples were sent to 23 laboratories worldwide (3). Results from this study again showed that type of extraction buffer and extraction temperature influenced Der p 1 measurements. The majority of the participant laboratories did use Tween-20 as a wetting agent in their extraction buffers. As pointed out by the authors, adding Tween-20 to extraction media results in higher endotoxin levels and is recommended by the European Committee for Standardisation. The authors call for further investigation on the effects of Tween-20 on extraction effi ciency of all indoor allergens from dust. However, the majority of indoor allergen analysis laboratories use ELISA or MARIATM kits from Indoor Biotechnologies where the recommended extraction medium is phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.02 % Tween-20. It would take much effort to study this systematically to obtain results with suffi cient internal and external validity.

Allergic airway diseases in childhood – marching from epidemiology to novel concepts of prevention

In the past years, a wide range of epidemiological, clinical, and experimental studies have produced remarkable advances in the field of respiratory allergies in childhood. By the recent investigations on epidemiological trends, risk factors, and prevention of asthma and allergic rhinitis, various exiting concepts have been challenged, and novel innovative approaches have been developed. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (PAI), with a number of highly relevant contributions between 2010 and 2012, has become an important forum in this area. The prevalence of asthma in some developed countries may have reached a plateau, while in developing countries, where the prevalence was previously low, allergic diseases are still on the increase. A wide array of risk and protective factors, including hygiene, infections, outdoor and indoor air pollution, allergen exposure, breast-feeding practices, nutrition, and obesity, play a multifaceted role in shaping the observed worldwide trends of respiratory allergies. Under the guidance of recent research, prediction and prevention strategies in the clinical practice are progressively changing, the focus moving away from avoidance of allergen exposure and toward tolerance induction.

A multi-center ring trial of allergen analysis using fluorescent multiplex array technology

BackgroundConsistent performance of allergen assays is essential to ensure reproducibility of exposure assessments for investigations of asthma and occupational allergic disease. This study evaluated intra- and inter-laboratory reproducibility of a fluorescent multiplex array, which simultaneously measures eight indoor allergens in a single reaction well. MethodsA multi-center study was performed in nine laboratories in the US and Europe to determine the inter-laboratory variability of an 8-plex array for dust mite, cat, dog, rat, mouse and cockroach allergens. Aliquots of 151 dust extract samples were sent to participating centers and analyzed by each laboratory on three separate occasions. Agreement within and between laboratories was calculated by the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). ResultsResults were obtained for over 32,000 individual allergen measurements. Levels covered a wide range for all allergens from below the lower limit of detection (LLOD=0.1–9.8ng/ml) to higher than 6800ng/ml for all allergens except Mus m 1, which was up to 1700ng/ml. Results were reproducible within as well as between laboratories. Within laboratories, 94% of CCC were ≥0.90, and 80% of intra-laboratory results fell within a 10% coefficient of variance (CV%). Results between laboratories also showed highly significant positive correlations for all allergens (~0.95, p<0.001). Overall means of results were comparable, and inter-laboratory CV% for all allergens except Rat n 1 ranged between 17.6% and 26.6%. ConclusionThe data indicate that performance criteria for fluorescent multiplex array technology are reproducible within and between laboratories. Multiplex technology provides standardized and consistent allergen measurements that will streamline environmental exposure assessments in allergic disease.

The Toll-like receptor 5 ligand flagellin promotes asthma by priming allergic responses to indoor allergens

Allergic asthma is a complex disease characterized by eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation, mucus production and reversible airway obstruction1. Exposure to indoor allergens is a clear risk factor for asthma, but this disease is also associated with high household levels of total and Gram-negative bacteria2. The ability of bacterial products to act as adjuvants3 suggests they might promote asthma by priming allergic sensitization to inhaled allergens. In support of this idea, house dust extracts (HDEs) can activate antigen presenting dendritic cells (DC) in vitro and promote allergic sensitization to inhaled innocuous proteinsin vivo4. It is unknown which microbial products provide most of the adjuvant activity in HDEs. A screen of microbial products for their adjuvant activity in the airway revealed that the bacterial protein, flagellin (FLA) stimulated strong allergic responses to an innocuous inhaled protein. Moreover, toll-like receptor (TLR)5, the mammalian receptor for FLA5,6, was required for priming strong allergic responses to natural indoor allergens present in HDEs. In addition, the incidence of human asthma was associated with high serum levels of FLA-specific antibodies. Together, these findings suggest that household FLA promotes the development of allergic asthma by TLR5-dependent priming of allergic responses to indoor allergens.

The Public Health and Policy Implications of Epigenetics and Pediatric Health Research

Despite considerable attention to the field of epigenetic regulation in the scientific literature and its heightened profile at scientific conferences and workshops, the unique connections between epigenetics and pediatric environmental health have not been given specific focus in public meetings. The Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN) convened a research conference, The Contribution of Epigenetics in Pediatric Environmental Health, on 30 May–1 June 2012 in San Francisco, California, to address this increasingly important research. CEHN is a national nonprofit organization celebrating 20 years of vital work to protect the developing child from environmental hazards by promoting safer and healthier environments (CEHN 2012). The conference successfully fostered collaborations across various scientific disciplines to further the understanding of the role of epigenetic regulation in pediatric environmental health, identified research gaps, and explored the relationship of pediatric environmental exposures with epigenetic regulation. The conference also laid the groundwork for translating research findings on epigenetic regulation important to pediatric health outcomes and informing the scientific and public health community about this rapidly growing field. Key leaders in pediatric and epigenetic research presented their work and actively participated in discussions (see abstracts online; CEHN Research Conference 2012). Much of the research focused on DNA methylation, an important mechanism of environmental influence on gene expression. The scientists addressed important research parameters, including critical windows of exposure, possible differences in epigenetic profiles between boys and girls, and changes in epigenetic markers as children age. Their research covered a range of environmental exposures associated with adverse health effects in children, including alcohol, bisphenol A (BPA), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, lead, organochlorines, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, secondhand smoke, and indoor allergens. Findings from a mix of animal and human subject studies generated stimulating discussions of how these exposures affect genes that code for inflammation, asthma, growth, obesity, cognitive development, hormone receptors, and tumor suppression, among others. Several researchers presented results from their work evaluating the role of nutrients such as choline and folate as modifiers of epigenetic changes with regard to specific environmental exposures such as alcohol or arsenic (CEHN Research Conference 2012). A total of 170 participants—scientists, health care workers, public policy advocates, and educators—participated in the conference. Young investigators were prominent, with 31 student and postdoctoral researchers in attendance. Three Junior Investigator Abstract Awards were presented for outstanding research in the areas of epigenetic effects of prenatal BPA exposure (Marija Kundakovic), DNA methylation and infant growth (Carolyn E. Banister), and epigenetic regulation after environmental intervention (Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir). The international research community was represented by colleagues from Malaysia, Italy, Brazil, India, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Austria, France, and China. Federal agencies were represented by participants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Media representatives from Epigenie, New Scientist, and Environmental Health Perspectives were also present.

Prenatal exposure to pesticide ingredient piperonyl butoxide and childhood cough in an urban cohort

RationalePreviously we reported that airborne concentrations of cis-permethrin, but not trans-permethrin, measured during pregnancy in an inner city pediatric cohort was associated with cough by age 5. However, the effect of subsequent exposures to both permethrins during early childhood, and to piperonyl butoxide (PBO, a synergist for residential pyrethroid insecticides) remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that prenatal and age 5–6year measures of PBO and permethrins would be associated with cough at age 5–6years in this cohort. Further, we explored the associations between these pesticide measures and wheeze, asthma, seroatopy, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). MethodsPBO and permethrins were measured in personal air during the third trimester of pregnancy and indoor residential air at age 5–6years (n=224). Health outcome questionnaires were administered to the mothers of 5–6year old children. Indoor allergen specific and total immunoglobulin (Ig) E production was measured from sera collected at age 5, and FeNO was measured at 5–6years. The hypotheses were tested using regression models adjusting for common confounders. ResultsNoninfectious cough was reported among 14% of children at age 5–6years. Measures of prenatal PBO, but not age 5–6year PBO or permethrins, increased the odds of cough [OR (95% CI): 1.27 (1.09–1.48), p<0.01; n=217]. No significant associations were found for other measured health outcomes. ConclusionsPrenatal PBO exposure was associated with childhood cough. It is unclear whether the observed effect is due mainly to PBO itself or residential pyrethroids of which PBO is an indicator.

Repeated exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and asthma: effect of seroatopy

BackgroundExposure to traffic-related air pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can induce asthma. However, the effects of early repeated PAH exposure over time on different asthma phenotypes have not been examined. ObjectiveTo assess associations between repeated PAH exposure, measured from prenatal personal and residential indoor monitors in children's homes, and asthma in an inner-city cohort. MethodsPrenatal exposure was assessed by personal air monitoring during 48 hours and exposure at 5 to 6 years of age by 2-week residential monitoring in the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health cohort. PAH was dichotomized into pyrene (representative semivolatile PAH) and the sum of 8 nonvolatile PAHs. High exposure to each was defined as measures above the median at both repeated time points. Asthma and wheeze were determined by validated questionnaires at ages 5 to 6 years. Children with specific IgE levels greater than 0.35 IU/mL to any of 5 indoor allergens were considered seroatopic. ResultsAmong all 354 children, repeated high exposure to pyrene was associated with asthma (odds ratio [OR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-3.20). Among 242 nonatopic children, but not those sensitized to indoor allergens (n = 87) or with elevated total IgE levels (n = 171), high pyrene levels were associated positively with asthma (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.77-5.69), asthma medication use (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.13-4.59), and emergency department visits for asthma (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.20-4.91). Associations between the levels of the 8 nonvolatile PAHs and asthma were not observed, even when stratifying by seroatopy. ConclusionNonatopic children may be more susceptible to the respiratory consequences of early pyrene exposures.

T cell responses to known allergen proteins are differently polarized and account for a variable fraction of total response to allergen extracts.

A panel of 133 allergens derived from 28 different sources, including fungi, trees, grasses, weeds, and indoor allergens, was surveyed utilizing prediction of HLA class II-binding peptides and ELISPOT assays with PBMC from allergic donors, resulting in the identification of 257 T cell epitopes. More than 90% of the epitopes were novel, and for 14 allergen sources were the first ever identified to our knowledge. The epitopes identified in the different allergen sources summed up to a variable fraction of the total extract response. In cases of allergens in which the identified T cell epitopes accounted for a minor fraction of the extract response, fewer known protein sequences were available, suggesting that for low epitope coverage allergen sources, additional allergen proteins remain to be identified. IL-5 and IFN-γ responses were measured as prototype Th2 and Th1 responses, respectively. Whereas in some cases (e.g., orchard grass, Alternaria, cypress, and Russian thistle) IL-5 production greatly exceeded IFN-γ, in others (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillum, and alder) the production of IFN-γ exceeded IL-5. Thus, different allergen sources are associated with variable polarization of the responding T cells. The present study represents the most comprehensive survey to date of human allergen-derived T cell epitopes. These epitopes might be used to characterize T cell phenotype/T cell plasticity as a function of seasonality, or as a result of specific immunotherapy treatment or varying disease severity (asthma or rhinitis).

Reasons for inadequate asthma control in children: an important contribution from the “French 6 Cities Study”

Reasons for inadequate asthma control in children: an important contribution from the “French 6 Cities Study”

Household mold and dust allergens: Exposure, sensitization and childhood asthma morbidity

BackgroundFew studies address concurrent exposures to common household allergens, specific allergen sensitization and childhood asthma morbidity. ObjectiveTo identify levels of allergen exposures that trigger asthma exacerbations in sensitized individuals. MethodsWe sampled homes for common indoor allergens (fungi, dust mites (Der p 1, Der f 1), cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1) and cockroach (Bla g 1)) for levels associated with respiratory responses among school-aged children with asthma (N=1233) in a month-long study. Blood samples for allergy testing and samples of airborne fungi and settled dust were collected at enrollment. Symptoms and medication use were recorded on calendars. Combined effects of specific allergen sensitization and level of exposure on wheeze, persistent cough, rescue medication use and a 5-level asthma severity score were examined using ordered logistic regression. ResultsChildren sensitized and exposed to any Penicillium experienced increased risk of wheeze (odds ratio [OR] 2.12 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12, 4.04), persistent cough (OR 2.01 95% CI 1.05, 3.85) and higher asthma severity score (OR 1.99 95% CI 1.06, 3.72) compared to those not sensitized or sensitized but unexposed. Children sensitized and exposed to pet allergen were at significantly increased risk of wheeze (by 39% and 53% for Fel d 1>0.12μg/g and Can f 1>1.2μg/g, respectively). Increased rescue medication use was significantly associated with sensitization and exposure to Der p 1>0.10μg/g (by 47%) and Fel d 1>0.12μg/g (by 32%). ConclusionAsthmatic children sensitized and exposed to low levels of common household allergens Penicillium, Der p 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1 are at significant risk for increased morbidity.

Impact of the Environment on Asthma Control

Asthma is a complex condition that requires individualized interventions. The purpose of this article is to describe the relationship between the physical and social environments with asthma symptoms, present evidence that supports environmental interventions in asthma control and the implications for asthma management. There is evidence that indoor and outdoor allergens relate to asthma morbidity. Knowledge about which environmental exposures present risk is essential because many of these exposures can be modified, reduced, or eliminated. The community health nurse should provide care relative to the client's indoor and outdoor environment and existing allergens.

Allergens in urban schools and homes of children with asthma

Most studies of indoor allergens have focused on the home environment. However, schools may be an important site of allergen exposure for children with asthma. We compared school allergen exposure to home exposure in a cohort of children with asthma. Correlations between settled dust and airborne allergen levels in classrooms were examined. Settled dust and airborne samples from 12 inner-city schools were analyzed for indoor allergens using multiplex array technology (MARIA). School samples were linked to students with asthma enrolled in the School Inner-City Asthma Study (SICAS). Settled dust samples from students' bedrooms were analyzed similarly. From schools, 229 settled dust and 197 airborne samples were obtained. From homes, 118 settled dust samples were obtained. Linear mixed regression models of log-transformed variables showed significantly higher settled dust levels of mouse, cat and dog allergens in schools than homes (545% higher for Mus m 1, estimated absolute difference 0.55 μg/g, p < 0.0001; 198% higher for Fel d 1, estimated absolute difference 0.13 μg/g, p = 0.0033; and 144% higher for Can f 1, estimated absolute difference 0.05 μg/g, p = 0.0008). Airborne and settled dust Mus m 1 levels in classrooms were moderately correlated (r = 0.48; p < 0.0001). There were undetectable to very low levels of cockroach and dust mite allergens in both homes and schools. Mouse allergen levels in schools were substantial. In general, cat and dog allergen levels were low, but detectable, and were higher in schools. Aerosolization of mouse allergen in classrooms may be a significant exposure for students. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of indoor allergen exposure in schools on asthma morbidity in students with asthma.

Fiber-Optic Fluoroimmunoassay System for On-Site Determination of the Indoor Allergen

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Clostridium leptum-induced regulatory T cells protect against asthma

Chinese allergic subjects have high levels of sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) and other indoor allergens. This study quantifies common indoor allergen levels in Chinese households.Dust samples were collected from nine cities. Major allergens Der p 1 and Der f 1 from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae, and specific antigens of Blomia tropicalis, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Acarus siro, and cockroach species Blattella germanica and Periplaneta americana were measured by ELISA.HDM allergens were found in dust samples from bedding in 95% of the Chinese households. The median levels varied from <0.006 to 9.2 µg/g of dust, depending on the city. The percentages of households having HDM allergen levels associated with the risk of developing allergy sensitization and asthma were 65% and 25%, respectively. Specific antigens of the storage mite and cockroach were only found in samples from the southern and tropical regions of China. Levels of mite allergens were generally higher in samples from bedding compared to samples from the living room, even for storage mites, whereas levels of cockroach antigens were higher in the living room samples.HDM allergens are present in bedding dust samples from most Chinese households. Cities in southern and central China have relatively high levels of HDM major allergens compared to cities in northern and western China. Antigens of storage mites and cockroaches are not as common as HDM allergens.

Effect of cat and daycare exposures on the risk of asthma in children with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) in young children is often followed by the development of asthma (atopic march). The role of environmental exposures is unclear in this high-risk population. We aimed to determine the predictive relationship between indoor allergen exposures, particularly pets, rodents, and cockroaches, to the development of asthma in a prospective pediatric cohort. Children with AD and a family history of allergy were followed prospectively with questionnaire ascertainment of environmental exposure to cats, dogs, cockroaches, rats, and mice. Asthma was diagnosed by study physicians based on caregiver reports of symptoms continually assessed over the course of the study period. Fifty-five of the 299 children developed asthma by the end of the study. Cat exposure had a strong and independent effect to reduce the risk of developing asthma across all analyses (odds ratio [OR], 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.53). Dog, mouse, rat, and cockroach exposures did not significantly influence the development of asthma. Daycare exposure had the largest risk reduction for the development of asthma (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03-0.19). Maternal asthma (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.29-6.67), baseline body mass index (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.08-1.42), and specific immunoglobulin E to house-dust mix at 3 years were each independent risk factors for the development of asthma. In children with AD, cat and daycare exposure may reduce the risk of developing early childhood asthma.

Expression of hypoallergenic Der f 2 derivatives with altered intramolecular disulphide bonds induces the formation of novel ER-derived protein bodies in transgenic rice seeds

House dust mites (HDM) are the most common source of indoor allergens and are associated with allergic diseases worldwide. To benefit allergic patients, safer and non-invasive mucosal routes of oral administration are considered to be the best alternative to conventional allergen-specific immunotherapy. In this study, transgenic rice was developed expressing derivatives of the major HDM allergen Der f 2 with reduced Der f 2-specific IgE reactivity by disrupting intramolecular disulphide bonds in Der f 2. These derivatives were produced specifically as secretory proteins in the endosperm tissue of seeds under the control of the endosperm-specific glutelin GluB-1 promoter. Notably, modified Der f 2 derivatives aggregated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen and were deposited in a unique protein body (PB)-like structure tentatively called the Der f 2 body. Der f 2 bodies were characterized by their intracellular localization and physico-chemical properties, and were distinct from ER-derived PBs (PB-Is) and protein storage vacuoles (PB-IIs). Unlike ER-derived organelles such as PB-Is, Der f 2 bodies were rapidly digested in simulated gastric fluid in a manner similar to that of PB-IIs. Oral administration in mice of transgenic rice seeds containing Der f 2 derivatives encapsulated in Der f 2 bodies suppressed Der f 2-specific IgE and IgG production compared with that in mice fed non-transgenic rice seeds, and the effect was dependent on the type of Der f 2 derivative expressed. These results suggest that engineered hypoallergenic Der f 2 derivatives expressed in the rice seed endosperm could serve as a basis for the development of viable strategies for the oral delivery of vaccines against HDM allergy.

Sensitization to per a 2 of the American cockroach correlates with more clinical severity among airway allergic patients in Taiwan

BackgroundIn Taiwan, 57.5% of asthmatic patients are allergic to cockroaches, which are a major indoor allergen for immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated respiratory diseases. ObjectiveTo determine whether sensitization to different cockroach allergenic components correlates with different clinical manifestations and severities. MethodsThe complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding for Per a 1 through 7 and Per a 9 were generated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and cloned into the Escherichia coli expression system. Sixty-four subjects were divided into 3 groups based on the clinical severity of their allergic reaction: those with persistent asthma and rhinitis (AS), those with allergic rhinitis only (AR), and the nonallergic controls (NA). Serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL-20), and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were measured, and the binding frequencies to each recombinant allergen were examined. ResultsSerum levels of IL-8, MCP-1, and CCL-20 were significantly higher in the AS group than in the AR and NA groups. The numbers of IgE-binding allergens did not correlate with the clinical severity of airway allergy to cockroaches. However, 81% in the AS group had IgE-binding activity to Per a 2, which was significantly higher than that of the AR group (45%, P < .05). In contrast, 80% of AR patients had IgE-binding activity to Per a 9 compared with only 28.5% of AS patients (P < .01). ConclusionAllergens from American cockroaches do not have equal importance in terms of pathogenicity. Sensitization to Per a 2 correlates with more severe airway allergy and elevated proinflammatory chemokines. This may help in selecting target allergens for component resolved diagnosis and immunotherapeutic agents.

Indoor Allergens in the Rocky Mountains: Dust Collection and Analysis in the Arid North

With asthma being prevalent in the northern Rocky Mountains, indoor dust and the allergens it contains can pose a problem. Little research in this geographical area has been conducted to determine what allergens are present and in what quantity they exist in indoor dust. It has been assumed as well for many years that Montana's elevation and climate are not conducive to dust mite survival and thus many allergists don't consider them as a potential problem for their patients. Using 40 homes located around rural western Montana and eastern Idaho, dust samples were collected using three methods along with collecting humidity data during winter months from 2008-2010. Dust samples were analyzed using new extraction techniques and a pre-mixed multiplex array for indoor allergens to determine presence and concentration of these five allergens: Canine, Feline, European dust mite, American dust mite, and a secondary mite group (Can f 1, Fel d 1, Der p 1, Der f 1, Der p 2/Der f 2, respectively). Skin prick tests were performed on subjects less than 18 years old in each home. Preliminary data shows evidence of canine and feline in the majority of house dust samples. Allergen sensitivity to these two allergens was also very prevalent. Two homes show presence of dust mite allergen, with two different subjects showing allergen sensitivity to dust mite. Additional analyses are being performed to verify positive allergen results in house dust, and to determine accurate concentrations of each allergen.

Time Trends In Residential Indoor Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposures Among Inner City Children

S A T U R D A Y 72 1. Ambient Air Pollution and Allergic Sensitization: Results from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) 20052006 C. Weir, K. Yeatts, W. Vizuete, S. London, P. M. Salo, R. Jaramillo, D. Zeldin; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, SRA International Inc., Durham, NC, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC. RATIONALE: Allergic sensitization is a risk factor for asthma and allergic disease. To date, no large-scale population-based studies have examined the relationship between air pollution and allergic sensitization in the U.S.We hypothesized that exposure to NO2, PM2.5, and O3 would be associated with increased odds of allergic sensitization. METHODS: We analyzed air pollution estimates from monitored data and the Community Multiscale Air Quality Model linked to participants ages 6 and older from NHANES. We assessed sensitization to five categories of allergen-specific IgE: 1) any of 19 allergens; 2) inhalant allergens; 3) outdoor allergens; 4) indoor allergens; and 5) food allergens. Logistic regression was used to produce odds ratios per 10 parts per billion for NO2 and ozone, per 10 mg/m 3 for PM10 and per 1 mg/m 3 for PM2.5 . RESULTS: Monitored and modeled estimates of NO2 were associated with any (n54331 OR51.25, 95% CI 1.10 1.41, n56227 OR51.15, 95% CI 1.05 1.26), inhalant (n54331 OR51.23 95% CI 1.07 1.41, n56227 OR51.17, 95% CI 1.04 1.33), indoor (n54331 OR51.15 95% CI 1.01 -1.30, n56227 OR51.17 95% CI 1.05 1.31) respectively. Monitored NO2 was associated with outdoor allergen-specific IgE (n54331 OR51.25, 95% CI 1.04 1.49). Monitored and modeled PM2.5 was associated with indoor allergen-specific IgE (n55298 OR51.05 95% CI 1.03 -1.08, n56227 OR51.04 95% CI 1.03 1.06). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with allergic sensitization in the U.S. population.