D1.207 - Molecular Patterns and Age-Related Evolution of Pollen Sensitization in Children

The global rise in pollen sensitization and associated respiratory diseases highlights the need for detailed molecular characterization. This study aimed to identify sensitization patterns to specific pollen allergen molecules (AMs) in children using multiplex microarray analysis.

Sensitization profiles of 430 children, each sensitized to at least one of 34 AMs from grass, tree, or weed pollens, were analyzed using a commercial multiplex microarray. Correlation, network, and hierarchical clustering analyses were performed.

Sensitizations to Phl p 2, Pla l 1, Pla a 2, Art v 1, Amb a 1, and Par j 2 emerged as markers of genuine sensitization to grass, English plantain, London plane tree, mugwort, ragweed, and pellitory, respectively. Cross-reactivity was prominent within several protein families, including beta-expansins (Phl p 1, Lol p 1, Cyn d 1), group 5/6 grass AMs (Phl p 5 and 6), profilins (Phl p 12, Bet v 2, Mer a 1, Pho d 2), polcalcins (Phl p 7, Aln g 4), PR-10–like proteins (Bet v 1, Cor a 1, Fag s 1, Aln g 1), non-specific lipid-transfer proteins (Art v 3, Pla a 3, Can s 3), Ole e 1–like proteins (Ole e 1, Fra e 1), and pectate lyases (Cup a 1, Cry j 1). An age-related increase was observed in both sensitization rates and molecular connectivity, suggesting dynamic sensitization development throughout childhood with potential clinical implications.

These findings may guide precise allergen immunotherapy by selecting key representative AMs and support the development of immuotherapy-based diagnostic tools to refine sensitization profiling and risk assessment.