Genuine and cross-reactive allergenic molecules of birch and hazel

Abstract

Birch and hazel pollen are the most common causes of allergic diseases that occur during the spring season. For decades, the method of quantitative determination of specific IgE (sIgE) against allergen extracts has been used in the laboratory diagnosis of allergies. In recent years, there has been the possibility of determining sIgE by individual allergenic molecules, either native or recombinant. This method, known as Component Resolved Diagnosis (CRD), has made it possible to identify major and cross-reactive allergenic molecules. Genuine allergenic molecules in birch (Bet v 1), hazel (Cor a 1) and hazelnut (Cor a 8, 9, 11, 14) are responsible for allergic reactions in most patients. Moreover, they cause a severe clinical picture in patients with hypersensitivity, in contrast to cross-reactive molecules, eg. Bet v 1 homologues in vegetables (celery, soy) and fruits (apple, cherry, pear), or Bet v 2 homologues in vegetables (celery, carrot) and fruits (muskmelon, peach, banana), that cause milder symptoms. In the diagnostic context, future research will make it possible to determine the diagnostic significance of the detection of individual allergen molecules responsible for allergy symptoms in each individual patient. The application of bioinformatics will certainly help in the interpretation of the findings, especially in cases when multiplex assays are applied. Particular progress is also expected in the application of allergen molecules to allergen-specific immunotherapy.