Genetic predisposition to birch pollen allergy decoded microbiologystudy

Birch pollen allergy is one of the most common allergies in Europe and affects around 450,000 people in Austria alone. It considerably impairs the quality of life and can lead to chronic diseases such as asthma in the long term. Despite this significance, little was previously known about the activity of genes that are directly linked to allergic reactions in the nasal mucosa. A recent study by KL Krems, MedUni Vienna and other partners now shows for the first time significant differences in gene activity in the nasal mucosa between those affected and those not affected.

The study provides new insights into the genetic mechanisms of birch pollen allergy. The research team observed significantly more active genes for immunological signaling pathways in the nasal mucosa of allergy sufferers after exposure to birch pollen than in unaffected individuals. The results of the study published in the journal Allergy open up new possibilities for prevention and personalized therapies.

Insights into cellular reactions

The research focused in particular on the transcriptome profiles (gene expression patterns) of the nasal mucosa when exposed to birch pollen.

“Our analyses show that significantly more genes are activated in allergy sufferers than in those who are not affected,” explains study leader Priv.-Doz. Dr. Christine Hafner, from the Division of Dermatology and Venerology at the St. Pölten University Hospital, a teaching and research location of KL Krems.

“The activation of numerous genes associated with inflammation and immune defense was particularly striking. The results of the study open up new approaches for personalized therapies and the development of innovative preventive measures to better protect those affected.”

In detail, the study showed that 160 genes in the nasal mucosa significantly changed their activity after exposure to birch pollen in allergy sufferers, while this was only the case for 44 genes in non-affected individuals. Above all, immunological signaling pathways such as granulocyte chemotaxis and IL-8 signaling pathways were activated, but also mechanisms of wound healing and cell migration. In fact, these changes occurred just a few minutes after provocation, whereas they were not detectable in unaffected individuals.

“We also found significantly higher concentrations of specific pro-inflammatory molecules such as CCL17, IL-16 and IL-33 in allergy sufferers,” explains Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heimo Breiteneder from the Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research at MedUni Vienna’s Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology. “These molecules could play key roles in allergic reactions and serve as a starting point for new therapies.”

The cooperation partners, which also include MedUni Vienna’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology, also discovered that the nasal mucosa has stronger barrier functions in unaffected people, including increased production of proteins that promote the stability of the mucosa.

Provided by
Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences