This study aimed to investigate the distribution characteristics, sensitization patterns and potential correlation of airborne pollen allergens of physician-diagnosed pollen-induced allergic rhinitis (PiAR) patients in Ordos city in grasslands region. This retrospective study enrolled 234 patients with confirmed PiAR. Skin prick tests (SPT) of 12 common pollen allergens were used to detect and analyze the correlation of pollen allergens. Kendall's tau-b correlation was performed. The LASSO regression model was used to select the most important variables. Multi-adjusted logistic regression was performed to predict the risk of Artemisia sensitization. Artemisia, sunflower and lambsquarters were the top three sensitizing pollen allergens, and the highest sensitization rate was for Artemisia (72.22%). The sensitization rate of weed-pollen was higher than that of tree-pollen. Kendall's tau-b correlation results showed a moderate (0.4< r<0.6) to strong (0.6<r< 0.8) correlation between tree and grass pollen allergens. Age sex adjusted logistic regression showed tree (birch, green ash) and weed (Japanese hop, lambsquarters, sunflower) and grass (corn) pollen allergic was risk factors for artemisia sensitization while age was a protective factor (all P＜0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that sunflower (OR=28.34[95%CI:6.166-130.263], P＜0.0001) and lambsquarters (OR=3.596[95%CI:1.06-12.204], P=0.0401) were risk factors for artemisia sensitization, especially in female PiAR. The positive correlation of SPT results indicated the co‑sensitization among common pollen allergens. Sunflower was the most significant independent risk factor for artemisia sensitization, and co-sensitization with lambsquarters would greatly increase the risk of sensitization to artemisia.

Allergic diseases are thought to be caused by a combination of acquired immune activation, excessive activation of innate immunity, and disruption of epithelial barrier function due to scratching, proteases, and more. The removal and inactivation of allergy-related substances in indoor environments are considered effective for reducing allergic disease symptoms. The typical allergens in Japan are Japanese cedar pollen and house dust mites (HDM), and together with bacteria and fungi, HDM are the main sources of proteases in indoor environments. We investigated the inactivating effects of ozonated water on these substances in vitro in terms of allergenicity, inflammation induction in epithelial and immune cell lines (i.e., HaCaT, A549, and RAW 264 cells), and protease activity. We observed that ozonated water inactivated the Japanese cedar pollen allergen Cry j1 and the HDM allergen Der f1, the innate immune activator lipoteichoic acid from the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and proteases from S. aureus, HDM, and the fungus Alternaria in an ozone concentration-dependent manner. In all experiments, ozonated water at 7.5 mg/L significantly inactivated allergy-related substances compared to the untreated group (p &lt; 0.01). The comparison of the effects of ozonated water treatment and thermal treatment at 80 °C revealed that ozonated water treatment is superior to thermal treatment in terms of both effectiveness and reaction time. Together, our findings demonstrate that ozonated water can inactivate allergy-related substances in the indoor environment. The management of indoor environments using ozonated water can thus be expected to contribute to the alleviation of symptoms and suppression of allergic diseases.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and major allergens of patients with pollen-food allergy syndrome（PFAS） and their correlation with the severity of symptoms, and to provide a basis for identifying high-risk patients, optimizing the allergen testing process and developing individualized dietary management strategies. Methods:The clinical data of 166 patients with PFAS admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical symptoms, pollen types and food allergy of the patients were analyzed by questionnaire survey and serum specific IgE detection. phi coefficient, Apriori algorithm modeling and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the association between allergen and symptom severity. Results:Artemisia pollen was the most common allergen in this area, with a positive rate of 96.39%. Peach and mango were the most common food allergens, which caused allergic reactions in 24.10% and 22.89% of patients, respectively. Oral mucosal symptoms were the main symptoms. Correlation analysis showed that there was a correlation between pollen allergens and allergenic food. Association rule analysis showed that when the patient was allergic to the combination of peanuts and trees, the probability of high severity of symptoms was 82.35%. Multivariate analysis showed that ragweed allergy was significantly positively correlated with the severity of PFAS symptoms. Conclusion:Artemisia pollen and related food allergens play an important role in the pathogenesis of PFAS. Association rule mining and network map analysis revealed direct associations between peanut and tree combination allergy and symptom severity, as well as potential links between other inhaled allergens and specific food allergies. Ragweed and peach allergy are independent risk factors for the aggravation of PFAS symptoms, which can be used as early warning indicators. These results help to improve the screening of high-risk patients and the construction of regional allergen databases.

Spatial-temporal patterns and multi-scale drivers of allergenic pollen Fraxinus, Platanus and Humulus in the urban and suburban area of Beijing, China

The WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee is an international body of experts that maintains the systematic nomenclature of allergenic proteins by assigning official names to newly identified allergens submitted by researchers. Here, we summarize the data on new allergens approved between 2021 and 2024. The sub-committee assigned names to 112 new allergens with 124 isoallergens/variants as well as 26 new isoallergens/variants of previously named allergens. Most new allergens were respiratory allergens from animals (35 allergens) and plants (25) as well as food allergens from animals (22) and plants (17). Many newly identified allergens reflect globalized allergen exposure and growing research activities outside of Western countries. This is illustrated by allergens from the tropical mite Blomia tropicalis, pollen allergens from tree and weed species native to Asia, and food allergens from regionally important foods such as mango, seafood, silkworm pupae, and natto. The allergen profiles of most relevant sources are well established, but gaps in our knowledge remain, particularly regarding allergens important for populations outside of Europe and North America. The still growing number of known allergens highlights the importance of a consistent, unambiguous allergen nomenclature that evolves with clinical demands and scientific discovery and supports efforts to close existing knowledge gaps.

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying soy allergy, focusing on the roles of Gly m 4 (profilin), Gly m 5 and Gly m 6 (β-Conglycinin), and Gly m 8 (2S albumin) in severe systemic reactions, and to assess current diagnostic methods and treatment prospects. The methodology included a theoretical analysis of scientific literature detailing the structural features of Gly m allergens, the effectiveness of component-resolved diagnostics, and the outcomes of allergen-specific immunotherapy using modified proteins. The study identified Gly m 8 as a critical protein associated with severe systemic reactions due to its high thermal stability, which is retained even after heat processing of soy products. This finding underscores its importance as a diagnostic marker for severe soy allergies. The effectiveness of component-resolved diagnostics in distinguishing primary sensitization to Gly m 8 from cross-reactivity with other legumes or pollen allergens was confirmed, thereby reducing the likelihood of false-positive results. Additionally, fermentation of Gly m proteins demonstrated efficacy in reducing allergenicity, presenting opportunities for the development of hypoallergenic soy-based products suitable for the food industry. The potential application of modified proteins in allergen-specific immunotherapy was explored, showing promise in mitigating severe allergic reactions and enhancing the quality of life for patients with soy sensitization. The practical significance of this study lies in its contribution to advancing diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches, ultimately helping to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions and improving patient outcomes.

Background/Objectives: Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) are a well-recognized source of false-positive results in allergen-specific IgE assays, leading to overestimation of polysensitization. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CCD inhibition on semi-quantitative multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) using the AdvanSure™ AlloScreen Max108 Panel (LG Chem, Seoul, Republic of Korea). Methods: We analyzed 65 serum samples positive for anti-CCD IgE (class ≥ 1). A total of 6624 allergen-specific IgE results across foods, pollens, mites, animal epithelia, and fungi were compared before and after CCD-blocker (20 µg) pretreatment. Results: After CCD-blocker pretreatment, a total of 1686 allergen-specific IgE results converted from positive to negative out of 2631 positives before inhibition (overall conversion rate 64.1%). The reversion to negative rate declined progressively with increasing MAST class (p < 0.0001 for trend). By allergen group, CCD-blocker pretreatment reduced IgE positivity from 28.2% to 8.1% in foods, from 70.1% to 23.3% in pollens, and from 41.0% to 29.2% in mites (all p < 0.001), whereas animal epithelia and fungi exhibited minimal or no significant inhibition. Notably, while CCD antigens themselves exhibited class-dependent conversion rates, non-CCD allergens did not show significant differences by CCD class. In venom allergens, honey bee and yellow jacket IgE levels decreased significantly, with resolution of double-positivity in 94.1% of cases. In the dose-response analysis, increasing the CCD-blocker concentration from 20 µg to 40 µg yielded additional inhibition in selected pollens and foods, while most other allergens showed minimal incremental change. Conclusions: CCD inhibition markedly improves the specificity of MAST by reducing false-positive results, particularly in food and pollen allergens.

Component-resolved diagnostics study on nut sensitization and cross-reactivity in China.

Environmental exposure to air pollution and pollen and the risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events in paediatric anaesthesia: A narrative review.

Different urban environments shape the allergenicity and immunotoxicity of birch pollen.

Meteorological changes can influence the type and concentration of allergenic pollen in the atmosphere. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the diversity of pollen sensitivity based on skin prick test (SPT) reactions and meteorological changes over the past 10 years in Konya, Türkiye. A total of 23,111 patients who underwent skin prick testing (SPT) between January 2015 and December 2024 were included in the study. Meteorological data, including temperature, sunlight exposure, relative humidity, rainfall, and wind speed, were obtained from the 8th Regional Directorate of Meteorology. Our analysis revealed significant relationships between meteorological parameters and pollen sensitivity. Sunlight duration was positively correlated with sensitivity to tree pollen (r = 0.608, p < 0.001). Wind speed was positively correlated with sensitivity to tree pollen (r = 0.433, p = 0.002) but negatively correlated with sensitivity to Chenopodium (r = -0.353, p = 0.013). Humidity was positively correlated with sensitivity to weed and grass pollen (r = 0.367, p = 0.022; r = 0.305, p = 0.033) and negatively correlated with sensitivity to tree pollen (r = -0.605, p < 0.001). Temperature was positively correlated with sensitivity to Artemisia vulgaris (r = 0.317, p = 0.034) and negatively correlated with sensitivity to weed pollen (r = -0.734, p < 0.001). Rainfall was negatively correlated with sensitivity to grass pollen (r = -0.296, p = 0.039), tree pollen (r = -0.850, p < 0.001), and Chenopodium (r = -0.408, p = 0.004). Our results revealed intricate interactions between pollen sensitivity and meteorological parameters. Notably, rainfall consistently exhibited a negative correlation with specific pollen types, suggesting a potential mitigating effect on pollen-related sensitization. These findings underscore the importance of considering meteorological variability in the management and prediction of allergic diseases.

Adherence to Grass Pollen Allergen Immunotherapy and Allergy Medication Use in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis.

ABSTRACTBackgroundUntil now, no study has investigated the impact of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) on genome‐wide DNA methylation in a longitudinal set‐up. Herein, we investigated whether differences in DNA methylation occur in birch pollen allergic patients undergoing 6 months of birch pollen AIT, assessed alterations in methylation‐based blood cell type composition, and correlated DNA methylation to serological AIT biomarkers.MethodsWe performed genome‐wide DNA‐methylation analysis on bisulfite‐converted DNA derived from whole blood samples of 16 birch pollen‐allergic patients (pre–/post‐birch pollen AIT) and 15 placebo (pre‐/post‐placebo treatment).ResultsOur analysis identified cg22187251, located within a regulatory region upstream of the glucosaminyl (N‐acetyl) transferase 2 (GCNT2) gene and cg22336863 upstream of the transcription start site of actin binding rho activating protein (ABRA), as hypermethylated. Functional assays revealed that these regions exhibit methylation‐dependent promoter and enhancer activities. We identified differentially methylated positions within the HLA gene complex, and an AIT‐specific increase of CD8+ T cell populations accompanied by a decrease in natural killer (NK) cell proportion. Strong to moderate correlations with clinical biomarkers (such as specific IgG4) were observed for 42% of the top 100 differentially methylated positions.ConclusionGCNT2 and ABRA are implicated in Rho‐signaling, a pathway involved in Th2 differentiation. GCNT2 modulates the SMAD‐dependent TGF‐β pathway, indicating a role in mediating AIT‐induced immunotolerance. This is the first longitudinal study investigating DNA methylation changes induced by birch pollen AIT.

ABSTRACTSerious allergic reactions are increasing globally. Within this context, fatal anaphylaxis from hazelnut allergies is a critical public health concern. Hazelnuts, which are a common ingredient of many foods, contain many proteins that cause severe allergic reactions. Hazelnuts from all of the major commercial growing locations worldwide contained Spirosoma pollinicola sp. proteins. This endotoxin‐producing bacterium is linked to the allergenicity of hazelnut pollen. We were unable to remove the contamination by S. pollinicola proteins, showing that this bacterium is a seed endosymbiont. Comparative proteomics revealed significant variations in the allergenic protein composition of nuts that correlated with patient immune responses. Hazelnuts from provenances 17 and 18 exhibited lower levels of key antigens, particularly Cor a 9 and Cor a 14, highlighting their potential as candidates for genetic modification to mitigate allergenicity. Moreover, Spirosoma protein persistence may influence hazelnut allergenicity and the patient's immune response.

Abstract Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (common ragweed) is an invasive species in Europe that produces highly allergenic pollen with substantial health impacts. Recently, populations showing aberrant floral morphotypes, characterised by bracteate racemes and strongly reduced or absent staminate heads, have been observed, particularly at field margins. The causes of these abnormalities remain unclear, although the involvement of pathogens has been suggested. We hypothesised that aberrant populations differ from typical ones in both the amount of airborne pollen released and the spectrum of other bioparticles, including potential phytopathogens. To test this, spore traps were installed at three heights (0, 50, and 150 cm) above both typical and aberrant populations, and the captured airborne bioparticles were analysed. Pollen concentrations were markedly reduced above aberrant populations, consistent with their feminised floral structures. Differences were also observed in the composition and abundance of airborne fungal spores, with several phytopathogenic taxa, such as Cryptophyllachora, Albugo, and Puccinia, occurring more frequently above aberrant stands. These findings provide the first aerobiological evidence of distinct airborne particle profiles associated with the aberrant morphotype, highlighting possible links with phytopathogens. Further work, including tissue-level pathogen detection, will be required to confirm causal relationships.

Background: The CAMS Regional System provides crucial, reliable pollen forecasts for allergenic pollen types. These robust predictions support the scientific and medical communities, aiding in the diagnosis, evaluation, and protection of allergic populations. So, the main goal of this study was to evaluate which model, or models best represent and simulate the olive and grass pollen data of the Évora region in the years 2021 to 2024. Results: The results showed that there are statistically significant differences between the data of the models and between the years for each of the pollen types considered. These differences were not just in pollen concentrations; they also appeared in characteristics of the pollen season, like its duration, maximum peak concentration, start date and exposure level. According to Taylor diagrams, applying moving average for normalized data, it was shown that MOCAGE best represents and simulates olive concentration data. For grass pollen SILAM, EURAD-IM and MOCAGE were the best performers. Conclusions: CAMS data can enhance the quality of life of the allergic population, as well as support the scientific and medical community to improve, assist and create mitigation measures that reduce exposure and consequently significantly reduce the occurrence of allergic disease.

IgE Epitope Mapping of Cross-Reactive Pollen, Fruit, and Vegetable PR-10 Allergens

This paper explores the application of the One Health framework to atopic dermatitis (AD), a complex, chronic skin disease, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to prevention and management. One Health integrates human, animal, environmental, and plant health, addressing challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In the context of AD, One Health principles are applied to explore etiological factors like urbanization, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. Key findings include the interplay between lifestyle and environmental exposures, as evidenced by studies on human-dog microbiota sharing, which reveal that rural environments confer protective effects against allergic conditions for both species. Historical observations of the "old farm effect" highlight the protective role of traditional rural living, including raw milk consumption, in preventing atopic diseases. However, modern urbanization and industrial farming have eroded these benefits. Climate change intensifies AD symptoms through extreme weather, proliferation of more and higher allergenic pollen, likely also of house dust mites, allergen proliferation, and pollution. Rising CO2 levels exacerbate pollen allergenicity, prolong pollen seasons, and amplify allergic responses. The skin's microbiome and immune barrier are sensitive to pollutants like black carbon and traffic-related emissions, further influencing AD prevalence and severity. Innovative approaches to prevention, such as veterinary vaccination strategies targeting allergens or immunopathological key cytokines, illustrate cross-species solutions. Web data mining demonstrates potential for analyzing public interest and seasonal trends in AD, correlating search data with real-time monitored environmental factors and highlighting gaps in awareness and access to modern treatments. This integrative One Health lens provides a framework for reimagining AD prevention and management, emphasizing a return to environmental and lifestyle diversity, climate action, and leveraging digital and biomedical tools for personalized, sustainable care.

In recent years, second-generation perennial energy grasses have gained attention for their potential role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the possible health risks associated with their large-scale cultivation remain insufficiently addressed. This paper presents a narrative literature review of the potential allergenic effects of the main perennial grass energy crops (Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Miscanthus × giganteus, Arundo donax), with Zea mays used as a reference first-generation energy crop. A structured search was conducted in major electronic databases using predefined keywords related to bioenergy crops, pollen dispersal, and allergenicity. The search identified a wide body of literature on crop biology and bioenergy potential, but only a limited number of studies addressed allergenic outcomes directly. The evidence suggests that, except for P. arundinacea, most second-generation grasses are late-flowering species. If cultivated on a larger scale near urban centers, these crops could alter the seasonal pattern of allergenic pollen exposure by shifting the allergic burden toward the late growing season (August-October). While the expected overall impact on the annual pollen load appears modest-potentially reducing the June peak typical for Europe while slightly increasing exposure later in the season-these changes warrant consideration in land-use and public health planning.

Abstract There is growing interest in using urban greening projects to support biodiversity. While there are many potential co‐benefits, the health outcomes resulting from biodiversity‐supporting activities have yet to be synthesized. We conducted a systematic review of health outcomes associated with seven biodiversity‐supporting elements, including patch size, connections, matrix quality, habitat diversity, native plants, special resources and vegetation management. We identified 1550 studies linking elements with human health. Results show that many types of biodiversity‐supporting elements are associated with a wide range of positive health outcomes. These outcomes included improved physical and mental health, increased physical activity, improved childhood development, social outcomes, and reduced exposure to harms such as sun, heat, and pollution (including light, air and noise). Other biodiversity‐supporting elements such as reducing pesticide use, native plants, and habitat diversity were associated with a smaller and more specific range of health outcomes. While most findings showed positive associations between biodiversity‐supporting elements and health, many also yielded mixed, neutral, or negative findings. Further, most identified study designs were observational, limiting our ability to uncover causality. We found that studies using a natural experimental design yielded a greater fraction of mixed, neutral, and negative findings compared to observational designs (the majority of studies) and experimental studies (largely short term in nature). These results confirm concerns about the strength of research findings built largely on correlational research designs. We also identify areas of trade‐off between biodiversity‐supporting elements and human health. These include actions that positively affect health yet negatively impact biodiversity, such as the maintenance of sports fields and trails in parks that can negatively impact habitat and disrupt wildlife behaviour. Biodiversity‐supporting elements can also negatively impact some dimensions of human health, including by increasing human–wildlife conflict, disease vectors, allergenic pollen, biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), through and green gentrification. Our review reveals a large potential for co‐benefits for human health to come from biodiversity‐focused actions in cities. Careful attention to minimizing tensions and trade‐offs could help to reduce the potential for conflict between biodiversity and human health objectives. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.