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Medicina
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Pollen Allergies
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Pollen Allergies

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 August 2019) | Viewed by 20334

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michael Hauser

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Interests: allergens; recombinant proteins; pollen allergy; specific immunotherapy; vaccine development; molecule-based allergy diagnosis
Prof. Dr. Fatima Ferreira

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Interests: new diagnostic possibilities of allergies; innovative therapeutic approaches; allergens of birch and other selected trees; mugwort and ragweed pollen
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Allergic reactions to pollen represent the most frequent type I allergies, affecting up to 30% of the population of industrialized countries. Given this importance, and the growing number of identified and immunologically characterized pollen allergens, the journal Medicina is launching a Special Issue entitled “Pollen Allergies”. We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this special issue with original research, as well as review articles reporting in the field of pollen allergies, e.g., on allergenic molecules, allergy diagnosis and therapy, vaccine design and development.

Dr. Michael Hauser
Prof. Dr. Fatima Ferreira
Guest and Co-Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Pollen allergy
  • Grass pollen allergen
  • Tree pollen allergen
  • Weed pollen allergen
  • Molecule-based diagnosis
  • Specific immunpotherapy
  • Hypoallergen
  • Allergy vaccine development

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 482 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis to Ragweed Pollen in Two Distinct Regions of Romania
by Ioana Corina Bocsan, Ioana Adriana Muntean, Corina Ureche, Raluca Maria Pop, Maria Adriana Neag, Octavia Sabin, Diana Deleanu and Anca Dana Buzoianu
Medicina 2019, 55(11), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55110712 - 24 Oct 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2222
Abstract
Background and objectives: Ragweed pollen is a major source of allergen, which has rarely been observed in Romania until now. In this study, we evaluated the symptoms and associated factors in patients with allergic rhinitis to ragweed pollen in two distinct regions of [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Ragweed pollen is a major source of allergen, which has rarely been observed in Romania until now. In this study, we evaluated the symptoms and associated factors in patients with allergic rhinitis to ragweed pollen in two distinct regions of Romania. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the records of patients newly diagnosed with allergic rhinitis induced by ragweed pollen in two allergological centers from North-West (NW) and Central parts of Romania between 2013 and 2015. The patients were clinically evaluated regarding disease length, presence, and severity of the allergic rhinitis symptoms and the association with other allergic manifestations (asthma and conjunctivitis). Results: The sensitization to ragweed was significantly higher in the NW part compared to the Central part (18.27% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001). More patients with monosensitization to ragweed pollen were observed in the NE center (27%) compared to the Central one (20.7%). Patients with monosensitization to ragweed pollen presented more severe forms of rhinitis (70% vs 31.5%, p = 0.02) in the NW part compared to polysensitized patients. The total symptoms score was significantly higher in patients from the Central part compared to the NW part (9.21 ± 2.01 vs 5.76 ±1.96, p < 0.001). Bronchial asthma was associated at a similar frequency to allergic rhinitis in both centers, but it was more frequently observed in monosensitized patients in the NW center. Allergic conjunctivitis was more frequently reported by patients from the Central part (75.86 vs 41.9, p = 0.02), while in the NW region it was noticed more commonly in monosensitized patients (65% vs 33.33, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis to ragweed pollen has been more frequently reported in the NW part of Romania. Patients with severe forms of rhinitis were observed in the central part, while in the NW the severe forms of disease were reported by patients with monosensitization. Ragweed pollen is intensely allergogenic and determines association of ocular and asthma symptoms. Co-sensitization increases the risk of asthma association. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollen Allergies)
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15 pages, 3532 KiB  
Article
Similar Allergenicity to Different Artemisia Species Is a Consequence of Highly Cross-Reactive Art v 1-Like Molecules
by Isabel Pablos, Matthias Egger, Eva Vejvar, Victoria Reichl, Peter Briza, Danila Zennaro, Chiara Rafaiani, Winfried Pickl, Barbara Bohle, Adriano Mari, Fatima Ferreira and Gabriele Gadermaier
Medicina 2019, 55(8), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55080504 - 20 Aug 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3981
Abstract
Background and objectives: Pollens of weeds are relevant elicitors of type I allergies. While many Artemisia species occur worldwide, allergy research so far has only focused on Artemisia vulgaris. We aimed to characterize other prevalent Artemisia species regarding their allergen profiles. Materials [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Pollens of weeds are relevant elicitors of type I allergies. While many Artemisia species occur worldwide, allergy research so far has only focused on Artemisia vulgaris. We aimed to characterize other prevalent Artemisia species regarding their allergen profiles. Materials and Methods: Aqueous extracts of pollen from seven Artemisia species were characterized by gel electrophoresis and ELISA using sera from mugwort pollen-allergic patients (n = 11). The cDNA sequences of defensin–proline-linked proteins (DPLPs) were obtained, and purified proteins were tested in a competition ELISA, in rat basophil mediator release assays, and for activation of Jurkat T cells transduced with an Art v 1-specific TCR. IgE cross-reactivity to other allergens was evaluated using ImmunoCAP and ISAC. Results: The protein patterns of Artemisia spp. pollen extracts were similar in gel electrophoresis, with a major band at 24 kDa corresponding to DPLPs, like the previously identified Art v 1. Natural Art v 1 potently inhibited IgE binding to immobilized pollen extracts. Six novel Art v 1 homologs with high sequence identity and equivalent IgE reactivity were identified and termed Art ab 1, Art an 1, Art c 1, Art f 1, Art l 1, and Art t 1. All proteins triggered mediator release and cross-reacted at the T cell level. The Artemisia extracts contained additional IgE cross-reactive molecules from the nonspecific lipid transfer protein, pectate lyase, profilin, and polcalcin family. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that DPLPs in various Artemisia species have high allergenic potential. Therefore, related Artemisia species need to be considered to be allergen elicitors, especially due to the consideration of potential geographic expansion due to climatic changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollen Allergies)
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13 pages, 5007 KiB  
Article
Immunoinformatics Based Study of T Cell Epitopes in Zea m 1 Pollen Allergen
by Anamika Basu
Medicina 2019, 55(6), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55060236 - 01 Jun 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2251
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Zea m 1 is a pollen allergen, which is present in maize, is accountable for a type I hypersensitivity reaction in all over the world. Several effective medications are available for the disorder with various side effects. Design and verification [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Zea m 1 is a pollen allergen, which is present in maize, is accountable for a type I hypersensitivity reaction in all over the world. Several effective medications are available for the disorder with various side effects. Design and verification of a peptide-based vaccine is a state-of-art technology which is more cost effective than conventional drugs. Materials and Methods: Using immunoinformatic methods, the T cell epitopes from the whole structure of this allergenic protein can be predicted. Worldwide conserved region study among the other pollen allergens has been performed for T cell predicted epitopes by using a conservancy tool. This analysis will help to identify completely conserved HLA (human leukocyte antigen) binding epitopes. Lastly, molecular docking study and MHC-oligopeptide complex binding energy calculation data are applied to determine the interacting amino acids and the affinity of the epitopes to the class II MHCmolecule. Results: The study of criteria-based analysis predicts the presence of two epitopes YVADDGDIV and WRMDTAKAL on this pollen allergen. Conclusions: The T cell epitopes identified in this study provide insight into a peptide-based vaccine for a type I hypersensitivity reaction induced by Zea m 1 grass pollen allergenic protein. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollen Allergies)
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10 pages, 2033 KiB  
Article
Group-1 Grass Pollen Allergens with Near-Identical Sequences Identified in Species of Subtropical Grasses Commonly Found in Southeast Asia
by Sirirat Aud-in, Koravit Somkid and Wisuwat Songnuan
Medicina 2019, 55(5), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55050193 - 22 May 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2578
Abstract
Background and objectives: Group-1 grass allergens or beta-expansins (EXPBs) are major allergens from pollen of all grass species. Previous studies showed that they are highly conserved (64–85%) in Pooideae species, which are found mostly in the temperate regions. However, the information about group-1 [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Group-1 grass allergens or beta-expansins (EXPBs) are major allergens from pollen of all grass species. Previous studies showed that they are highly conserved (64–85%) in Pooideae species, which are found mostly in the temperate regions. However, the information about group-1 allergens from common grass species in subtropical areas is still lacking. This study aimed to assess the sequence diversity of group-1 grass pollen allergens in subtropical areas, especially in Southeast Asia. Materials and Methods: Group-1 allergens were cloned from pollen of eight grass species using a single set of primers. Sequences were analyzed and IgE and IgG4 binding regions were compared to the previously reported epitopes in homologous EXPBs. The phylogenetic analysis was used to assess the relationship between sequences of these species and previously characterized EXPBs. Moreover, three-dimensional structure of the EXPB was modeled based on homology to Zea m 1. Results: Sequences from eight grass species were nearly identical. It is conceivable that the primers used for cDNA amplification detected the same isoform in different species. In fact, the deduced amino acid sequences shared 97.79–100% identity with each other and 15/819 polymorphic nucleotide positions were identified. The predicted structure showed that the IgE and IgG4 epitopes and polymorphic residues were located in both domains 1 and 2. The dendrogram presents clustering of class A EXPBs into four groups corresponding to the grass subfamilies. Conclusions: This study identified the allergens with near-identical sequences from different grass species. This isoform could be the major cross-reacting allergenic protein from commonly found grass species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollen Allergies)
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10 pages, 1942 KiB  
Article
Peptide Mapping, In Silico and In Vivo Analysis of Allergenic Sorghum Profilin Peptides
by Chandra Sekhar Bokka, Ganesh Kumar Veeramachaneni, V. B. S. C. Thunuguntla, Janakiram Bobbillapati and Jayakumar Singh Bondili
Medicina 2019, 55(5), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55050178 - 21 May 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2424
Abstract
Background and objectives: Nearly 20–30% of the world’s population suffers from allergic rhinitis, among them 15% are progressing to asthma conditions. Sorghum bicolor profilin (Sorb PF), one of the panallergens, was identified, but the allergen specificity is not yet characterized. Materials and [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Nearly 20–30% of the world’s population suffers from allergic rhinitis, among them 15% are progressing to asthma conditions. Sorghum bicolor profilin (Sorb PF), one of the panallergens, was identified, but the allergen specificity is not yet characterized. Materials and Methods: To map the antigenic determinants responsible for IgE binding, the present study is focused on in silico modeling, simulation of Sorb PF and docking of the Sorb PF peptides (PF1-6) against IgG and IgE, followed by in vivo evaluation of the peptides for its allergenicity in mice. Results: Peptide PF3 and PF4 displayed high docking G-scores (−9.05) against IgE only. The mice sensitized with PF3 peptide showed increased levels of IL5, IL12, TNF-alpha, and GMCSF when compared to other peptides and controls, signifying a strong, Th2-based response. Concurrently, the Th1 pathway was inhibited by low levels of cytokine IL2, IFN-γ, and IL-10 justifying the role of PF3 in allergenic IgE response. Conclusions: Based on the results of overlapping peptides PF3 and PF4, the N-terminal part of the PF3 peptide (TGQALVI) plays a crucial role in allergenic response of Sorghum profilin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollen Allergies)
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7 pages, 1253 KiB  
Article
Five-Year Data on Pollen Monitoring, Distribution and Health Impact of Allergenic Plants in Bucharest and the Southeastern Region of Romania
by Polliana Mihaela Leru, Ana-Maria Eftimie, Vlad Florin Anton and Michel Thibaudon
Medicina 2019, 55(5), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55050140 - 15 May 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2536
Abstract
Background and objectives: Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic pollen represent an important public health problem with increasing prevalence and severity in Europe. Romania has no aerobiology network and pollen measurements have been done for about ten years in the west region only. Materials [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic pollen represent an important public health problem with increasing prevalence and severity in Europe. Romania has no aerobiology network and pollen measurements have been done for about ten years in the west region only. Materials and Methods: We established the first pollen monitoring center in the capital of Bucharest in 2013, based on collaboration with the Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (RNSA) from France. The aim of our paper is to present results from five years of pollen monitoring in the city center of Bucharest and preliminary data on distribution and health impact of some allergenic plants, mainly Ambrosia artemisiifolia, which is considered a real danger for the public health. Results: Our data show a significant atmospheric amount and a longer season than previously considered of grass (Gramineae) pollen and short period with a high level of Ambrosia pollen, while tree pollen looks less important in this area. The plant distribution data provided by specialists and information from affected persons showed the wide and increasing spread of Ambrosia in Bucharest and other cities from the south region. Preliminary health data from allergists confirmed that the number of patients with allergies to Ambrosia pollen is increasing from one year to another and almost all patients describe a high urban exposure from their living or working place. Conclusions: We consider that the recently implemented Law 62/2018 against Ambrosia may help reduce weed distribution and the atmospheric pollen load, but a more complex and coordinated strategy for controlling urban vegetation and reducing biologic pollution is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollen Allergies)
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Review

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10 pages, 297 KiB  
Review
Parietaria Allergy: An Intriguing Challenge for the Allergist
by Giorgio Ciprandi, Paola Puccinelli, Cristoforo Incorvaia and Simonetta Masieri
Medicina 2018, 54(6), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina54060106 - 07 Dec 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3868
Abstract
Parietaria pollen is the most important cause of pollen allergies in the Mediterranean area, as Parietaria is widespread in this region. Many issues are associated with Parietaria allergy, including the duration of the pollen season (many doctors in fact believe that it lasts [...] Read more.
Parietaria pollen is the most important cause of pollen allergies in the Mediterranean area, as Parietaria is widespread in this region. Many issues are associated with Parietaria allergy, including the duration of the pollen season (many doctors in fact believe that it lasts throughout the year), pollen load (which seems to be increasing over time), the impact of age (on IgE production and symptom severity), inflammatory changes (after pollen exposure), and the choice of allergen immunotherapy (AIT). In addition, molecular diagnostics allows for the defining of a correct diagnosis, differentiating between mere sensitization and true allergy. This review considers these topics and will hopefully help the allergist in clinical practice. Parietaria allergy is an intriguing challenge for the allergist in clinical practice, but it may be adequately managed by knowing the peculiarities of respective territories and the clinical characteristics of each patient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollen Allergies)
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