Analysis of the sensitization profile to allergen among patients with allergic diseases in the Moscow region

BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases are a serious global health problem. Approximately one-third of the world’s population has increased sensitivity to various types of allergens, leading to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin systems. Allergy diagnostics, based on the detection of specific immunoglobulin E, aids in the development of effective treatment strategies. However, data on the prevalence of allergens in different geographical regions remains insufficient.

AIM: To identify features of the sensitization profile to allergens in patients with allergy living in Moscow and the Moscow region using modern methods of molecular diagnostics.

METHODS: Serum samples from 707 patients aged 5 to 78 years with complaints of allergic, clinically significant, reproducible reactions were tested for specific immunoglobulin E to 300 allergen extracts and allergenic molecules using microarray analysis. The main characteristics of the sensitization profile were determined using principal component analysis, according to Kaiser’s rule.

RESULTS: The sensitization profile in patients living in Moscow and the Moscow region is represented by 46 principal components, formed by various combinations of the detected allergens. This profile describes 87 % of the total data variance. The greatest influence on the formation of the sensitization profile is exerted by PR-10 proteins (Bet v 1 and its cross-reactive allergens) and uteroglobin (Fel d 1 — the cat allergen). Sensitization to the same allergen can have different effects on allergic reactions, and the frequency of detection of specific immunoglobulin E to allergens is not always comparable with their contribution to the formation of the sensitization profile.

CONCLUSION: The obtained data will serve as a basis for further in-depth analysis, which will prospectively allow for the integration of laboratory markers with clinical observations and a better understanding of the pathogenesis and features of allergic disease course.