Grass-Allergic Children Frequently Show Asymptomatic Low-Level IgE Co-Sensitization and Cross-Reactivity to Wheat.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization to wheat is more common than a doctor's confirmed wheat allergy and is also frequently observed in grass pollen-allergic patients (pollinosis patients). Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the level and feature of serological IgE cross-reactivity between grass pollen and wheat in a cohort of pollinosis subjects with no diagnosis of wheat allergy.

METHODS:

Seventy-two children, aged 5-17 years, with a doctor's diagnosis of pollinosis, IgE towards grass pollen, and currently eating wheat were recruited. Serum samples were analyzed for IgE against wheat, timothy grass/wheat-specific allergen components, Pru p 3, and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) and specific IgE-binding inhibition experiments were performed.

RESULTS:

Sixty percent of the grass pollen subjects were sensitized to wheat with a median of 0.5 kUA/L. Wheat-sensitized subjects were more often sensitized to the two allergens, Phl p 12 and CCD, known to be cross-reactive between grass and wheat. Sensitizations to seven wheat-specific allergens derived from the gluten fraction were, with the exception of one individual, only found in wheat-sensitized subjects. These subjects also more often reported current and past history of allergy to staple foods (milk, egg, wheat, soy, and fish).

CONCLUSION:

Wheat sensitization caused by cross-reactivity but also by sensitization to wheat-specific allergens was common in the grass-allergic children and also associated with allergy to staple foods other than wheat. The results indicate the presence of a subgroup of pollinosis patients with simultaneous sensitization to wheat and food allergy not only caused by cross-reactions.

• Authors: Nora Nilsson, Caroline Nilsson, Helena Ekoff, Sandra Wieser-Pahr, Magnus P Borres, Rudolf Valenta, Gunilla Hedlin, Sigrid Sjölander
• Journal: International archives of allergy and immunology (Int Arch Allergy Immunol) 2018 Vol. 177 Issue 2 Pg. 135-144 ISSN: 1423-0097 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 29894999 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Immunoglobulin E

Topics

• Adolescent
• Allergens (immunology)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cross Reactions
• Female
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity (complications)
• Immunoglobulin E (blood, immunology)
• Male
• Phleum (immunology)
• Poaceae (immunology)
• Triticum (immunology)
• Wheat Hypersensitivity (complications)