Ragweed is in the Air: Ambrosia L. (Asteraceae) and Pollen Allergens in a Changing World

Abstract

Globally Ambrosia species (Asteraceae), commonly called ragweed, are recognized to be one of the most problematic groups of invasive weeds and one of the main allergenic genus. Climate and land-use change and air pollution are expected to promote ragweed spread, increase airborne ragweed pollen concentrations (the source of allergens), extend the pollen season, and promote long-distance transport of pollen or sub-pollen particles containing allergens. The allergenicity of pollen itself is going to increase. Likely, all these factors will have meaningful effects in the exacerbation of the sensitization to ragweed pollen and the severity of allergy symptoms. Globally the major health concern regards A. artemisiifolia, because of its very wide global distribution and highly invasive behavior. Together with A. artemisiifolia, also A. trifida and A. psilostachya are species of health concern distributed across different continents, widespread and invasive in several regions. The present review summarizes the characteristics of these species and gives an overview of factors contributing to their allergenicity.

Profiles of apple allergen components and its diagnostic value in Northern China

“…Additionally, all subjects included in our study who exhibited sensitization to Mal d 3 also demonstrated concurrent sensitization to mugwort and presented allergic reactions toward nuts or legumes, predominantly displaying systemic symptoms. The prevalence of mugwort allergy was high in northern China, attributed to the extensive grassland coverage, whereas it exhibited lower incidence in Europe where ragweed predominated ( 38 , 39 ) The disparity can be ascribed to the distinctive molecular profiles exhibited by mugwort and ragweed. Art v 3, the homologous protein of LTPs, has been identified as the major allergen in mugwort, whereas it is minor ragweed allergen component ( 39 , 40 ).…”

“…The prevalence of mugwort allergy was high in northern China, attributed to the extensive grassland coverage, whereas it exhibited lower incidence in Europe where ragweed predominated ( 38 , 39 ) The disparity can be ascribed to the distinctive molecular profiles exhibited by mugwort and ragweed. Art v 3, the homologous protein of LTPs, has been identified as the major allergen in mugwort, whereas it is minor ragweed allergen component ( 39 , 40 ). Conversely, Amb a 1, minor in mugwort, serves as the major allergen in ragweed.…”