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Molecular Understanding of Allergen Exposome

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2026 | Viewed by 5088

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Fernando Pineda

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Guest Editor

Applied Science Department, Inmunotek S.L., Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain
Interests: allergy

Dr. Ruperto Gonzalez-Perez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Allergy Department, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
Interests: food allergy; immunology clinical trials asthma allergic diseases asthma management spirometry lung diseases airway obstruction inflammation respiratory physiology

Special Issue Information

This Special Issue focuses on advancing our molecular understanding of the allergen exposome, the cumulative exposure to allergens, and its impact on health. It aims to explore the interactions between environmental, dietary, and microbial allergens, and their molecular triggers of allergic responses in susceptible individuals. Topics will include the identification of key allergenic molecules, the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in modulating immune responses, and the use of cutting-edge technologies such as multi-omics, molecular imaging, and bioinformatics to profile allergen exposures. We encourage research submissions addressing the development of innovative diagnostic tools, novel therapeutic approaches, and predictive models that assess the risks of allergen exposure, contributing to the prevention and management of allergic diseases. Ultimately, this Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive molecular framework for understanding how environmental allergens shape immune system responses and allergic outcomes.

Dr. Fernando Pineda
Dr. Ruperto Gonzalez-Perez
Guest Editors

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Keywords

allergen exposome
profile allergen exposures
climatic change
airborne allergens
molecular triggers
microbial allergens

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 2196 KB

Open AccessArticle

Utility of the Ribosomal Gene 18S rRNA in the Classification of the Main House Dust Mites Involved in Hypersensitivity

by Antonio García-Dumpierrez, David Rodriguez Gil, M. Dolores Gallego Segovia, Javier Alcover, Montserrat Martínez-Gomariz, Aida Gómez and Ricardo Palacios

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10308; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110308 - 23 Oct 2025

Viewed by 74

Abstract

Between 1% and 2% of the world’s population is sensitised to mites. Aetiological diagnosis is key to the management of allergic patients. However, methods based solely on morphological criteria are ambiguous in many cases. Polymerase chain reaction of ribosomal genes represents a valuable complementary approach. The 5 most representative species (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Blomia tropicalis and Lepidoglyphus destructor) were selected as sources of allergens. They were first identified morphologically and the 18S rRNA gene sequences were obtained from the GenBank database. Alignment of the nucleotide sequences of the 18S rRNA ribosomal gene enabled the identification of the conserved and divergent regions in all of them. The alignment allowed the design of a pair of oligonucleotides in conserved regions of the gene, to amplify the sequence of interest in each of the species. We performed genomic DNA extraction, quantification and purity. PCR, using oligonucleotides designed to amplify the 18S sequence fragment of interest, showed the exact size for each species. Amplification, efficiency curves and melting points resulting from the amplification of the 18S amplicon of the five species were obtained. The oligonucleotides designed for real-time PCR studies, allow species identification by amplifying the specific fragment of each species using real-time PCR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Understanding of Allergen Exposome)

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18 pages, 1244 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gender and Age-Related Trends in Inhalant Allergen Sensitization in Lithuania: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Gabija Didžiokaitė, Aida Kuznecovaitė, Gabija Biliūtė and Violeta Kvedarienė

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199719 - 6 Oct 2025

Viewed by 406

Abstract

Sensitization to inhalant allergens is a major factor in the development of allergic diseases. Despite this, few studies have comprehensively analyzed age- and sex-specific patterns within defined populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of sensitization to inhalant allergens in different demographic groups of the Lithuanian population using molecular diagnostics. We retrospectively reviewed molecular allergy profiles of 658 patients tested with the ALEX2 macroarray between 2020 and 2022. Sensitization to inhalant allergen components was assessed and compared across three age groups (<18, 18–44, >44 years) and by sex. Sensitization to at least one inhalant allergen was observed in 62.16% of patients. Rates were significantly higher in males compared to females, particularly in the reproductive-age group (p = 0.0167). Children exhibited the highest prevalence, which declined with age. Tree pollen, pet dander, grass pollen, and dust mites were the dominant allergen groups. Boys were more often sensitized than men, and girls more often than women. Male patients showed higher sensitization to most allergens, except dust mites and weeds in certain female subgroups. Distinct age- and sex-related differences in sensitization patterns were identified. These results emphasize the importance of demographic factors in allergy diagnostics and highlight the need for region-specific sensitization data to inform clinical care and public health strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Understanding of Allergen Exposome)

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23 pages, 2970 KB

Open AccessArticle

Big Data-Driven Evolution of a Diagnostic Multiplex IgE-Test: Enhancing Accuracy and Efficacy in Allergy Diagnostics

by Christian Lupinek, Peter Forstenlechner, Anna Ringauf, Raffaela Campana, Artan Salihu, Martina Aumayr and Irene Mittermann

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094249 - 29 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2003

Abstract

The ALEX²-test (MacroArray Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria) is a diagnostic multiplex IgE-test for the simultaneous detection of IgE to 178 allergens and 117 extracts, in addition to total IgE. Test results from more than 90 countries are stored on a GDPR-compliant cloud server for backup, customer support, and continuous postmarket surveillance. To improve the coverage of exposomes on a global scale and to further increase the sensitivity of the test, the allergen panel was updated from ALEX² to ALEX³. By mid-2023, when ALEX³ was designed, almost 400,000 real-world ALEX² test results were available. Analysing prevalences and average sIgE-levels of individual allergen preparations, coverage of extracts by components, and co-reactivity of members of the same allergen family provided a rationale for updating the array. In parallel, based on the scientific literature and clinical studies, new allergens were selected. On ALEX³, 218 allergens and 82 extracts will be represented, including 52 new allergens. Allergen preparations with low prevalence and clinical relevance, as well as redundant allergens and extracts, were discontinued. New allergens encompass, e.g., cyclophilins, alpha-gal, and additional markers from respiratory and food allergen sources. Using a large dataset of ALEX² test results exemplifies the targeted, data-driven improvement of a diagnostic IgE-macroarray. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Understanding of Allergen Exposome)

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15 pages, 3506 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Signatures of Aeroallergen Sensitization in Respiratory Allergy: A Comparative Study Across Climate-Matched Populations

by Ruperto González-Pérez, César Alberto Galván-Calle, Tania Galán, Paloma Poza-Guedes, Inmaculada Sánchez-Machín, Oscar Manuel Enrique-Calderón and Fernando Pineda

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010284 - 31 Dec 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1735

Abstract

Climate change is significantly altering the dynamics of airborne allergens, affecting their seasonality, allergenicity, and geographic distribution, which correlates with increasing rates of allergic diseases. This study investigates aeroallergen sensitization among populations from Tenerife, Spain, and Lima, Peru—two regions with similar climates but distinct socio-economic conditions. Our findings reveal that Spanish individuals, particularly those with asthma, demonstrate higher sensitization levels to a broader range of allergens, especially mites, with 85% of participants reacting to at least one mite allergen. In contrast, Peruvian patients exhibit a narrower spectrum of sensitization. These results highlight the influence of environmental factors, such as pollution and socio-economic disparities, on allergen exposure and immune responses. Moreover, this study underscores the necessity for region-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively address these variations. By elucidating the intricate relationship between climate change, environmental factors, and allergen sensitization, this research offers insights into respiratory allergic conditions, advocating for tailored interventions to mitigate their impact across diverse populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Understanding of Allergen Exposome)

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