Tree pollen allergens—an update from a molecular perspective

Abstract

It is estimated that pollen allergies affect approximately 40% of allergic individuals. In general, tree pollen allergies are mainly elicited by allergenic trees belonging to the orders Fagales, Lamiales, Proteales, and Pinales. Over 25 years ago, the gene encoding the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 was the first such gene to be cloned and its product characterized. Since that time, 53 tree pollen allergens have been identified and acknowledged by the WHO/IUIS allergen nomenclature subcommittee. Molecule‐based profiling of allergic sensitization has helped to elucidate the immunological connections of allergen cross‐reactivity, whereas advances in biochemistry have revealed structural and functional aspects of allergenic proteins. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the present knowledge of the molecular aspects of tree pollen allergens. We analyze the geographic distribution of allergenic trees, discuss factors pivotal for allergic sensitization, and describe the role of tree pollen panallergens. Novel allergenic tree species as well as tree pollen allergens are continually being identified, making research in this field highly competitive and instrumental for clinical applications.

Allerjenik Betula (Huş Ağacı) Polenlerinin Türkiye’deki Dağılımları

“…Betula ile ait olduğu Betulaceae familyası üyeleri (Alnus, Corylus, Carpinus, Ostrya) arasında ve Betulaceae ile Fagaceae (Quercus-meşe, Fagus-kayın, Castanea-kestane) familyası üyeleri arasında da çapraz reaksiyon görüldüğü birçok çalışmada rapor edilmiştir (106)(107)(108)(109)(110)(111)(112)(113)(114)(115)(116). Huş ağacı polenine duyarlı bireylerin %70'inden fazlasında bitkisel kaynaklı bazı gıda allerjilerinin de (Oral Allerji Sendromu) Betula polen duyarlılığına eşlik ettiği görülmektedir (117)(118)(119).…”

Seasonal Fluctuation of Endotoxin and Protein Concentrations in Outdoor Air in Sasebo, Japan

“…12) In addition, several studies showed that diverse materials and phenomena, such as pollen and biomass combustion, create atmospheric protein. [13][14][15][16] These results suggest that the concentrations of atmospheric endotoxin and protein may seasonally fluctuate, and the concentration of endotoxin may be associated with the occurrence of Asian dust events. Understanding the levels of atmospheric endotoxin and protein and their seasonal fluctuation patterns is important for asthmatics in order to mitigate the exacerbation of their symptoms.…”

“…In outdoor environments, diverse materials and phenomena, such as pollen, fungi, fragments of plants and animals, and biomass combustion, are potential sources of airborne protein. [13][14][15][16] Kang et al 16) measured the levels of protein, trace elements, and water-soluble ions in airborne particles that had an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 µm in Heffei, China. They showed that protein concentrations were correlated with the concentrations of NO 3 − and K + , and concluded that anthropogenic pollution and biomass burning may be main contributors, because NO 3 − could come from combustion of fossil fuels and K + is a tracer of biomass burning.…”

Analysis of the effectiveness of allergoimmunotherapy in patients with allergies to pollen of spring trees

“…Компоненти в тому числі пилкових алерге-нів можна класифікувати за їхнім відношенням до різних білкових родин, виходячи з їх структури і функцій [7]. Відтак, група патогенез-пов'язаних білків PR-10 (наприклад, Bet v 1 та гомологічні алер-гени) є головними алергенами пилку Букоцвітих (Fagales) та основною причиною розвитку симпто-мів алергічних захворювань.…”