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Liu A, Sheng W, Tang X. Atmospheric pollen concentrations and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients visits in Beijing: time series analysis using a generalized additive model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3462. [PMID: 38342942 PMCID: PMC10859374 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54055-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate the correlation between the daily visits of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in hospital clinic and pollen concentrations in Beijing. We collected daily visits of COPD patients of Beijing Shijitan Hospital from April 1st, 2019 to September 30th, 2019. The relationship between pollen concentrations and COPD patient number was analyzed with meteorological factors, time trend, day of the week effect and holiday effect being controlled by the generalized additive model of time series analysis. R4.1.2 software was applied to generate Spearman correlation coefficient, specific and incremental cumulative effect curves of relative risks as well as the response and three-dimensional diagrams for the exposure lag effect prediction. The fitting models were used to predict the lag relative risk and 95% confidence intervals for specific and incremental cumulative effects of specific pollen concentrations. The number of COPD patients was positively correlated with pollen concentration. When pollen concentration increased by 10 grains/1000 mm2, the peak value of the specific cumulative effect appeared on day0, with the effect gone on day4 and a lag time of 4 days observed, whereas the incremental cumulative effect's peak value was shown on day17, and the effect disappeared on day18, with a lag time of 18 days. The results showed that pollen concentration was not only positively correlated with the number of COPD patients, but also had a bimodal lag effect on COPD visits in the hospital at Beijing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aizhu Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Weixuan Sheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Xianshi Tang
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Jiangsu Province on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, China.
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2
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Mills SA, Maya-Manzano JM, Tummon F, MacKenzie AR, Pope FD. Machine learning methods for low-cost pollen monitoring - Model optimisation and interpretability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:165853. [PMID: 37549701 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Pollen is a major issue globally, causing as much as 40 % of the population to suffer from hay fever and other allergic conditions. Current techniques for monitoring pollen are either laborious and slow, or expensive, thus alternative methods are needed to provide timely and more localised information on airborne pollen concentrations. We have demonstrated previously that low-cost Optical Particle Counter (OPC) sensors can be used to estimate pollen concentrations when machine learning methods are used to process the data and learn the relationships between OPC output data and conventionally measured pollen concentrations. This study demonstrates how methodical hyperparameter tuning can be employed to significantly improve model performance. We present the results of a range of models based on tuned hyperparameter configurations trained to predict Poaceae (Barnhart), Quercus (L.), Betula (L.), Pinus (L.) and total pollen concentrations. The results achieved here are a significant improvement on results we previously reported: the average R2 scores for the total pollen models have at least doubled compared to using previous parameter settings. Furthermore, we employ the explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) technique, SHAP, to interpret the models and understand how each of the input features (i.e. particle sizes) affect the estimated output concentration for each pollen type. In particular, we found that Quercus pollen has a strong positive correlation with particles of optical diameter 1.7-2.3 μm, which distinguishes it from other pollen types such as Poaceae and may suggest that type-specific subpollen particles are present in this size range. There is much further work to be done, especially in training and testing models on data obtained across different environments to evaluate the extent of generalisability. Nevertheless, this work demonstrates the potential this method can offer for low-cost monitoring of pollen and the valuable insight we can gain from what the model has learned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A Mills
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - José M Maya-Manzano
- Centre of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University and Helmholtz Centre Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, Area of Botany, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Fiona Tummon
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss, Payerne, Switzerland
| | - A Rob MacKenzie
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Francis D Pope
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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3
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Đukić T, Smiljanić K, Mihailović J, Prodić I, Apostolović D, Liu SH, Epstein MM, van Hage M, Stanić-Vučinić D, Ćirković Veličković T. Proteomic Profiling of Major Peanut Allergens and Their Post-Translational Modifications Affected by Roasting. Foods 2022; 11:foods11243993. [PMID: 36553735 PMCID: PMC9778155 DOI: 10.3390/foods11243993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are covalent changes occurring on amino acid side chains of proteins and yet are neglected structural and functional aspects of protein architecture. The objective was to detect differences in PTM profiles that take place after roasting using open PTM search. We conducted a bottom-up proteomic study to investigate the impact of peanut roasting on readily soluble allergens and their PTM profiles. Proteomic PTM profiling of certain modifications was confirmed by Western blotting with a series of PTM-specific antibodies. In addition to inducing protein aggregation and denaturation, roasting may facilitate change in their PTM pattern and relative profiling. We have shown that Ara h 1 is the most modified major allergen in both samples in terms of modification versatility and extent. The most frequent PTM was methionine oxidation, especially in roasted samples. PTMs uniquely found in roasted samples were hydroxylation (Trp), formylation (Arg/Lys), and oxidation or hydroxylation (Asn). Raw and roasted peanut extracts did not differ in the binding of IgE from the serum of peanut-sensitised individuals done by ELISA. This study provides a better understanding of how roasting impacts the PTM profile of major peanut allergens and provides a good foundation for further exploration of PTMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Đukić
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Smiljanić
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Mihailović
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Prodić
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry, Innovation Center Ltd., Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Apostolović
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Immunology and Allergy, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shu-Hua Liu
- Medical University of Vienna Department of Dermatology, Experimental Allergy Laboratory, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michelle M. Epstein
- Medical University of Vienna Department of Dermatology, Experimental Allergy Laboratory, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marianne van Hage
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Immunology and Allergy, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dragana Stanić-Vučinić
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tanja Ćirković Veličković
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon 406-840, Korea
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Kneza Mihaila 35, 1100 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +38-11-1333-6608
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INFOGEST Digestion Assay of Raw and Roasted Hazelnuts and Its Impact on Allergens and Their IgE Binding Activity. Foods 2022; 11:foods11182914. [PMID: 36141044 PMCID: PMC9498782 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the food allergens sensitized via the gastrointestinal tract resist thermal treatments and digestion, particularly digestion by pepsin. Roasted hazelnuts are more commonly consumed than raw ones. Since no studies have characterized gastric digestion protein fragments of raw and roasted hazelnuts nor their IgE binding properties, we compared these aspects of raw and roasted hazelnuts’ gastric digesta obtained by INFOGEST protocol. Their electrophoretically resolved profiles were probed with hazelnut allergic patients’ sera in 1D and 2D immunoblots. Electrophoretic profiles demonstrated pepsin digestion of all hazelnut allergens to varying extents. While 2D immunoblots indicated that roasting slightly reduced allergenicity, IgE ELISA with the pool of sera showed a slight significant (10%) increase in IgE binding in both gastric digesta. Cor a 9 isolated from the raw and roasted hazelnuts, characterized by far and near CD, remained stable after roasting, with preserved IgE reactivity. Its immunoreactivity contribution by inhibitory ELISA was noticeable in raw and roasted hazelnut digesta; its activity was slightly stronger in the roasted preparations. Roasting has a visible impact on proteins; however, it did not affect overall IgE reactivity. Gastric digestion slightly increases the overall IgE reactivity in raw and roasted hazelnuts, and may therefore impact the profiles of allergens and their fragments available to interact with the immune system in the small intestine.
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Buzan M, Zbîrcea L, Gattinger P, Babaev E, Stolz F, Valenta R, Păunescu V, Panaitescu C, Chen K. Complex IgE sensitization patterns in ragweed allergic patients: Implications for diagnosis and specific immunotherapy. Clin Transl Allergy 2022; 12:e12179. [PMID: 35813977 PMCID: PMC9254219 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is one of the most important allergen sources, worldwide, causing severe respiratory allergic reactions in late summer and fall, in sensitized patients. Amb a 1 has been considered as the most important allergen in ragweed but 12 ragweed pollen allergens are known. The aim of our study was to investigate IgE reactivity profiles of ragweed allergic patients and to associate them with clinical symptoms. Methods IgE sensitization profiles from clinically well‐characterized ragweed allergic patients (n = 150) were analyzed using immunoblotted ragweed pollen extract. Immunoblot inhibition experiments were performed with two Amb a 1 isoforms and CCD markers and basophil activation experiments were performed with IgE serum before and after depletion of Amb a 1‐specific IgE. Results By IgE‐immunoblotting 19 different IgE reactivity patterns with and without Amb a 1‐sensitization were found. The majority of patients (>95%) suffered from rhino‐conjunctivitis, around 60% reported asthma‐like symptoms and about 25% had skin reactions. Patients with complex IgE sensitization profiles tended to have more clinical symptoms. Serum with and without Amb a 1‐specific IgE induced basophil activation. Conclusions Ragweed pollen allergic patients exhibit complex IgE reactivity profiles to ragweed allergens including Amb a 1 isoforms and cross‐reactive carbohydrates indicating the importance of Amb a 1 isoforms and additional allergens for diagnosis and allergen‐specific immunotherapy of ragweed allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria‐Roxana Buzan
- Center of Immuno‐Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara Romania
- OncoGen Center Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital Timisoara Romania
| | - Lauriana‐Eunice Zbîrcea
- Center of Immuno‐Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara Romania
- OncoGen Center Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital Timisoara Romania
| | - Pia Gattinger
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | | | - Frank Stolz
- Biomay AG Vienna Competence Center Vienna Austria
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Laboratory for Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Moscow Russia
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences Krems Austria
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia Moscow Russia
| | - Virgil Păunescu
- Center of Immuno‐Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara Romania
- OncoGen Center Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital Timisoara Romania
| | - Carmen Panaitescu
- Center of Immuno‐Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara Romania
- OncoGen Center Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital Timisoara Romania
| | - Kuan‐Wei Chen
- OncoGen Center Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital Timisoara Romania
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Farah J, Choël M, de Nadaï P, Balsamelli J, Gosselin S, Visez N. Organic and aqueous extraction of lipids from birch pollen grains exposed to gaseous pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:34527-34538. [PMID: 33651286 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12940-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The lipid fraction of birch pollen grains (BPGs) is not yet fully described, although pollen lipid molecules may play a role in the allergic immune response. The mechanisms by which atmospheric pollutants modify allergenic pollen grains (PGs) are also far from being elucidated despite high potential effects on allergic sensitization. This work is a contribution to a better description of the lipid profile (both external and cytoplasmic) of BPGs and of alterations induced by gaseous air pollutants. Several lipid extractions were performed using organic and aqueous solvents on BPGs following exposure to ozone and/or nitrogen dioxide and under conditions favoring the release of internal lipids. Ozone reacted with alkenes to produce aldehydes and saturated fatty acids, while nitrogen dioxide was shown to be unreactive with lipids. NO2 exhibited a protective effect against the reactivity of alkenes with ozone, probably by competition for adsorption sites. The decreased reactivity of ozone during simultaneous exposure to NO2/O3 raised the possibility of a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. Oxidation reactions induced by exposure of BPGs to ozone did not substantially modify the extraction of lipids by aqueous solvent, suggesting that the bioaccessibility of lipids was not modified by oxidation. On the contrary, the rupture of PGs appeared to be a key factor in enhancing the bioaccessibility of bioactive lipid mediators (linoleic and α-linolenic acids) in an aqueous solution. The internal lipid fraction of BPGs has specific characteristics compared with external lipids, with more abundant hexadecanoic acid, tricosanol, and particularly unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and α-linolenic acids). Several mechanisms of action of gaseous pollutants on allergenic pollen were identified in this study: gaseous air pollutants can (i) modify the external lipid fraction by reactivity of alkenes, (ii) adsorb on the surface of PGs and be a source of oxidative stress after inhalation of PGs, and (iii) promote the release of cytoplasmic bioactive lipids by facilitating pollen rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinane Farah
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France
- Université Libanaise, Faculté de Santé Publique Section III, Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Eau et de l'Environnement (L.S.E.E), Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Marie Choël
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE - Laboratoire de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Patricia de Nadaï
- University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Joanne Balsamelli
- University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Sylvie Gosselin
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Visez
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France.
- Université de Lille, PC2A bâtiment C11, Cité Scientifique, 596555, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
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Zhou S, Wang X, Lu S, Yao C, Zhang L, Rao L, Liu X, Zhang W, Li S, Wang W, Wang Q. Characterization of allergenicity of Platanus pollen allergen a 3 (Pla a 3) after exposure to NO 2 and O 3. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116913. [PMID: 33735791 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollen allergens, widely present in the atmosphere, are the main cause of seasonal respiratory diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Although previous studies have reported that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) promote pollen allergy, the specific biological processes and underlying mechanisms remain less understood. In this study, Platanus pollen grains were exposed to gaseous pollutants (NO2 and O3). We employed environmental electron microscopy, flow cytometry, western blot assay, enzyme-linked immunoassay, ultraviolet absorption spectrometry, circular dichroism, and protein mass spectrometry to characterise the subpollen particles (SPPs) released from pollen grains. Furthermore, we determined the immunogenicity and pathogenicity induced by Platanus pollen allergen a 3 (Pla a 3). Our results demonstrated that NO2 and O3 could damage the pollen cell membranes in SPPs and increase the amount of Pla a 3 allergen released into the atmosphere. Additionally, NO2 and O3 altered the structure of Pla a3 protein through nitrification and oxidation, which not only enhanced the immunogenicity of allergens but also increased the stability of the protein. In vivo analysis using an animal model indicated that NO2 and O3 greatly aggravated pollen-induced pneumonia. Thus, our study provides guidance for the prevention of pollen allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China; Lab of Plant Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xingzi Wang
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Senlin Lu
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Chuanhe Yao
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Luying Zhang
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Lanfang Rao
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xinchun Liu
- Institute of Desert Meterorology, China Meteorological Administration, Urumqi, 83002, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Lab of Plant Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Shuijun Li
- Shanghai Xuhui Center Hospital, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Weiqian Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Qingyue Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
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Shumin Z, Luying Z, Senlin L, Jiaxian P, Yang L, Lanfang R, Tingting X, Wei Z, Shuijun L, Weqian W, Qingyue W. Ambient particulate matter-associated autophagy alleviates pulmonary inflammation induced by Platanus pollen protein 3 (Pla3). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143696. [PMID: 33333306 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Subpollen particles (SPPs) with diameter less than 1 mm released from allergenic pollen grains contain allergens could trigger asthma and lung inflammation after being inhaled. In the meaning time, ambient fine particles attached on the pollen grains could have further effects on the inflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying these phenomena have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of autophagy triggered by PM2.5 and Platanus SPPs were evaluated by using the A549 cell lines and a pollen sensitized rat model. First, autophagy in A549 cells was analyzed after exposure to PM2.5 using acridine orange staining, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blot (WB) assays. The increased levels of ROS, superoxide dismutase, and malonaldehyde in the lung homogenates of rats exposed to SPPs indicated that inflammatory response was triggered in the lungs. Treatment with autophagy-inhibiting drugs showed that autophagy suppressed ROS formation and decreased the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a critical pathway altering the inflammatory response. Although the effect was indirect, autophagy appeared to negatively regulate TSLP levels, resulting in a compromised immune response. These results suggested that SPPs promote ROS generation and increase TSLP levels, triggering downstream inflammation reactions. However, ambient PM2.5 could aggravate autophagy, which in turn effectively suppressed ROS and TSLP levels, leading to the alleviation of the immune response and pulmonary inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Shumin
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Lab of Plant Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zhang Luying
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Lu Senlin
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Peng Jiaxian
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Li Yang
- Lab of Plant Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Rao Lanfang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xie Tingting
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zhang Wei
- Lab of Plant Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Li Shuijun
- Shanghai Xuhui Center Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wang Weqian
- School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Wang Qingyue
- School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
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9
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Cecchi L, Scala E, Caronni S, Citterio S, Asero R. Allergenicity at component level of sub-pollen particles from different sources obtained by osmolar shock: A molecular approach to thunderstorm-related asthma outbreaks. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 51:253-261. [PMID: 33070421 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The so-called "thunderstorm asthma" (TA) is an uncommon but dramatic outbreak of asthma attacks occurring during a thunderstorm in the pollen and moulds season. Mechanisms which make the pollen able to enter the deeper airways and provoke severe asthma symptoms are still unclear. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that sub-pollen particles (SPPs) originated from the rupture by an osmotic shock of pollen associated with TA contain allergens. METHODS After hydration, SPPs released from pollen grains of grass, pellitory, olive, cypress, ragweed and birch were isolated and determined by microscopy. Allergens were determined by in vitro ELISA inhibition tests indirectly using the sera from 10 polyreactive patients. An inhibition <50% was considered as negative, 50%-75% moderate and > 75% complete. RESULTS The inhibition experiments showed that the SPPs from birch and cypress were unable to inhibit serum IgE reactivity to Bet v 1 and Cup a 1, respectively. Ragweed SPPs inhibited ragweed pollen extract and Amb a 1 by 75.8 ± 0.11% and 81.2 ± 0.15%, respectively. Olive and pellitory SPPs retained almost the whole IgE-binding capability in all cases tested. Grass SPPs inhibited 32 ± 0.06% of Lolium perenne Lol p 1 and 65% of Phleum pratense extracts, but results were highly variable for individual allergens (97.5%-0.03% for Phl p 2, 45.3 ± 0.12% for Phl p 5, 24.7 ± 0.22% for Phl p 6, and 38.3 ± 0.2% for Phl p 1). CONCLUSIONS Inhibition experiments confirm the hypothesis that SSPs obtained after the osmotic shock of pollen involved in TA, namely grass, pellitory and olive tree pollen, contain allergens and therefore they can induce severe asthma attacks during thunderstorms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Cecchi
- SOS Allergy and Clinical Immunology, USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy.,Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Scala
- Experimental Allergy Unit, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah Caronni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Sandra Citterio
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Asero
- Ambulatorio di Allergologia, Clinica San Carlo, Paderno Dugnano, Italy
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10
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Joubert AI, Geppert M, Johnson L, Mills-Goodlet R, Michelini S, Korotchenko E, Duschl A, Weiss R, Horejs-Höck J, Himly M. Mechanisms of Particles in Sensitization, Effector Function and Therapy of Allergic Disease. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1334. [PMID: 32714326 PMCID: PMC7344151 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have always been in contact with natural airborne particles from many sources including biologic particulate matter (PM) which can exhibit allergenic properties. With industrialization, anthropogenic and combustion-derived particles have become a major fraction. Currently, an ever-growing number of diverse and innovative materials containing engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are being developed with great expectations in technology and medicine. Nanomaterials have entered everyday products including cosmetics, textiles, electronics, sports equipment, as well as food, and food packaging. As part of natural evolution humans have adapted to the exposure to particulate matter, aiming to protect the individual's integrity and health. At the respiratory barrier, complications can arise, when allergic sensitization and pulmonary diseases occur in response to particle exposure. Particulate matter in the form of plant pollen, dust mites feces, animal dander, but also aerosols arising from industrial processes in occupational settings including diverse mixtures thereof can exert such effects. This review article gives an overview of the allergic immune response and addresses specifically the mechanisms of particulates in the context of allergic sensitization, effector function and therapy. In regard of the first theme (i), an overview on exposure to particulates and the functionalities of the relevant immune cells involved in allergic sensitization as well as their interactions in innate and adaptive responses are described. As relevant for human disease, we aim to outline (ii) the potential effector mechanisms that lead to the aggravation of an ongoing immune deviation (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.) by inhaled particulates, including NPs. Even though adverse effects can be exerted by (nano)particles, leading to allergic sensitization, and the exacerbation of allergic symptoms, promising potential has been shown for their use in (iii) therapeutic approaches of allergic disease, for example as adjuvants. Hence, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is introduced and the role of adjuvants such as alum as well as the current understanding of their mechanisms of action is reviewed. Finally, future prospects of nanomedicines in allergy treatment are described, which involve modern platform technologies combining immunomodulatory effects at several (immuno-)functional levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I Joubert
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mark Geppert
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Litty Johnson
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Robert Mills-Goodlet
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sara Michelini
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Evgeniia Korotchenko
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Albert Duschl
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Weiss
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jutta Horejs-Höck
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Himly
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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11
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Huerta-Ocampo JÁ, Valenzuela-Corral A, Robles-Burgueño MDR, Guzmán-Partida AM, Hernández-Oñate MÁ, Vázquez-Moreno L, Pavón-Romero GF, Terán LM. Proteomic identification of allergenic proteins in red oak ( Quercus rubra) pollen. World Allergy Organ J 2020; 13:100111. [PMID: 32206162 PMCID: PMC7082215 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Red oak pollen is an important cause of allergic respiratory disease and it is widely distributed in North America and central Europe. To date, however, red oak pollen allergens have not been identified. Here, we describe the allergenic protein profile from red oak pollen. METHODS Total proteins were extracted from red oak pollen using a modified phenolic extraction method, and, subsequently, proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) for both total protein stain (Coomassie Blue) and immunoblotting. A pool of 8 sera from red oak sensitive patients was used to analyze blotted proteins. Protein spots were analyzed by Mass Spectrometry. RESULTS Electrophoretic pattern of total soluble proteins showed higher intensity bands in the regions of 26-40 and 47-52 kDa. Two dimensional immunoblots using pool sera from patients revealed four allergenic proteins spots with molecular masses in the range from 50 to 55 kDa. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 8 proteins including Enolase 1 and Enolase 1 chloroplastic, Xylose isomerase (X1 isoform), mitochondrial Aldehyde dehydrogenase, UTP-Glusose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, Betaxylosidase/alpha-l-arabinofuranosidase and alpha- and beta subunits of ATP synthase. CONCLUSIONS This study has identified for first time 8 IgE binding proteins from red oak pollen. These findings will pave the way towards the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for red oak allergy.
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Key Words
- 2-DE, Two-dimensional electrophoresis
- AIT, Allergy immunotherapy
- BSA, Bovine serum albumin
- CHAPS, (3-(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)-1-propanesulfonate)
- DTT, Dithiothreitol
- ED, Emergency department
- IEF, Isoelectric focusing
- IPG, Immobilized pH gradient
- Immunoproteomics
- LC, Liquid chromatography
- MS, Mass spectrometry
- MS/MS, Tandem mass spectrometry
- Mass spectrometry
- PBS, Phosphate-buffered saline
- PMSF, Phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride
- PVDF, Polyvinylidene difluoride
- Pollen allergy
- Q-TOF, Quadrupole Time-of-Flight
- Red oak
- SDS, Sodium dodecyl sulfate
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ángel Huerta-Ocampo
- CONACYT-Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Valenzuela-Corral
- Coordinación de Ciencia de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - María Del Refugio Robles-Burgueño
- Coordinación de Ciencia de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Ana María Guzmán-Partida
- Coordinación de Ciencia de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ángel Hernández-Oñate
- CONACYT-Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Luz Vázquez-Moreno
- Coordinación de Ciencia de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Gandhi F. Pavón-Romero
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calzada Tlalpan No. 4502, Sección XVI, C.P.14080, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis M. Terán
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calzada Tlalpan No. 4502, Sección XVI, C.P.14080, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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12
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Food allergomics based on high-throughput and bioinformatics technologies. Food Res Int 2019; 130:108942. [PMID: 32156389 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.108942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Food allergy is a serious food safety problem worldwide, and the investigation of food allergens is the foundation of preventing and treating them, but relevant knowledge is far from sufficient. With the advent of the "big data era", it has been possible to investigate food allergens by high-throughput methods, proposing the concept of allergomics. Allergomics is the discipline studying the repertoire of allergens, which has relatively higher throughput and is faster and more sensitive than conventional methods. This review introduces the basis of allergomics and summarizes its major strategies and applications. Particularly, strategies based on immunoblotting, phage display, allergen microarray, and bioinformatics are reviewed in detail, and the advantages and limitations of each strategy are discussed. Finally, further development of allergomics is predicted. This provides basic theories and recent advances in food allergomics research, which could be insightful for both food allergy research and practical applications.
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13
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Roberts G, Almqvist C, Boyle R, Crane J, Hogan SP, Marsland B, Saglani S, Woodfolk JA. Developments in the field of allergy in 2017 through the eyes of Clinical and Experimental Allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 2019; 48:1606-1621. [PMID: 30489681 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we described the development in the field of allergy as described by Clinical and Experimental Allergy in 2017. Experimental models of allergic disease, basic mechanisms, clinical mechanisms, allergens, asthma and rhinitis and clinical allergy are all covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Roberts
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinical and Experimental Sciences and Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.,The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Isle of Wight, UK
| | - C Almqvist
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Boyle
- Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - J Crane
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - S P Hogan
- Mary H Weiser Food Allergy Center, Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - B Marsland
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Saglani
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - J A Woodfolk
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
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14
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Subpollens delivery of Platanus acerifolia pollen allergen Pla a3 and nucleic acid into lungs and cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 513:767-774. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.03.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Smiljanic K, Prodic I, Apostolovic D, Cvetkovic A, Veljovic D, Mutic J, van Hage M, Burazer L, Cirkovic Velickovic T. In-depth quantitative profiling of post-translational modifications of Timothy grass pollen allergome in relation to environmental oxidative stress. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 126:644-658. [PMID: 30856452 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
An association between pollution (e.g., from traffic emissions) and the increased prevalence of respiratory allergies has been observed. Field-realistic exposure studies provide the most relevant assessment of the effects of the intensity and diversity of urban and industrial contamination on pollen structure and allergenicity. The significance of in-depth post-translational modification (PTM) studies of pollen proteomes, when compared with studies on other aspects of pollution and altered pollen allergenicity, has not yet been determined; hence, little progress has been made within this field. We undertook a comprehensive comparative analysis of multiple polluted and environmentally preserved Phleum pratense (Timothy grass) pollen samples using scanning electron microscopy, in-depth PTM profiling, determination of organic and inorganic pollutants, analysis of the release of sub-pollen particles and phenols/proteins, and analysis of proteome expression using high resolution tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, we used quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) immunoblotting. An increased phenolic content and release of sub-pollen particles was found in pollen samples from the polluted area, including a significantly higher content of mercury, cadmium, and manganese, with irregular long spines on pollen grain surface structures. Antioxidative defense-related enzymes were significantly upregulated and seven oxidative PTMs were significantly increased (methionine, histidine, lysine, and proline oxidation; tyrosine glycosylation, lysine 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal adduct, and lysine carbamylation) in pollen exposed to the chemical plant and road traffic pollution sources. Oxidative modifications affected several Timothy pollen allergens; Phl p 6, in particular, exhibited several different oxidative modifications. The expression of Phl p 6, 12, and 13 allergens were downregulated in polluted pollen, and IgE binding to pollen extract was substantially lower in the 18 patients studied, as measured by quantitative ELISA. Quantitative, unrestricted, and detailed PTM searches using an enrichment-free approach pointed to modification of Timothy pollen allergens and suggested that heavy metals are primarily responsible for oxidative stress effects observed in pollen proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Smiljanic
- University of Belgrade-Faculty of Chemistry, Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences and Department of Biochemistry, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ivana Prodic
- Innovation Center Ltd, University of Belgrade-Faculty of Chemistry, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Anka Cvetkovic
- Institute of Public Health of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Djordje Veljovic
- University of Belgrade-Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Mutic
- University of Belgrade-Faculty of Chemistry, Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences and Department of Biochemistry, Belgrade, Serbia; Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Marianne van Hage
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Medicine, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lidija Burazer
- Institute of Immunology, Virology and Sera Production, Torlak Institut, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tanja Cirkovic Velickovic
- University of Belgrade-Faculty of Chemistry, Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences and Department of Biochemistry, Belgrade, Serbia; Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea; Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent, Belgium; Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia.
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16
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Finkina EI, Ovchinnikova TV. Plant Defensins: Structure, Functions, Biosynthesis, and the Role in the Immune Response. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162018030056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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17
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Chen KW, Marusciac L, Tamas PT, Valenta R, Panaitescu C. Ragweed Pollen Allergy: Burden, Characteristics, and Management of an Imported Allergen Source in Europe. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2018; 176:163-180. [PMID: 29788026 DOI: 10.1159/000487997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambrosia artemisiifolia, also known as common or short ragweed, is an invasive annual flowering herbaceous plant that has its origin in North America. Nowadays, ragweed can be found in many areas worldwide. Ragweed pollen is known for its high potential to cause type I allergic reactions in late summer and autumn and represents a major health problem in America and several countries in Europe. Climate change and urbanization, as well as long distance transport capacity, enhance the spread of ragweed pollen. Therefore ragweed is becoming domestic in non-invaded areas which in turn will increase the sensitization rate. So far 11 ragweed allergens have been described and, according to IgE reactivity, Amb a 1 and Amb a 11 seem to be major allergens. Sensitization rates of the other allergens vary between 10 and 50%. Most of the allergens have already been recombinantly produced, but most of them have not been characterized regarding their allergenic activity, therefore no conclusion on the clinical relevance of all the allergens can be made, which is important and necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Pharmacotherapy is the most common treatment for ragweed pollen allergy but fails to impact on the course of allergy. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causative and disease-modifying treatment of allergy with long-lasting effects, but currently it is based on the administration of ragweed pollen extract or Amb a 1 only. In order to improve ragweed pollen AIT, new strategies are required with higher efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Wei Chen
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Marusciac
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Paul Tudor Tamas
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carmen Panaitescu
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
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