Identification of probable pectinesterase as a major allergen of pollen of the Asian white birch (Betula platyphylla) in northern China.

Background: Pollen of the Asian white birch (Betula platyphylla) is a major source of allergens in spring in northern China, yet little research on its pollen allergens has been done so far.

Objective: To analyze the B. platyphylla pollen allergen profile of patients from northern China and to identify the major pollen allergens in this patient cohort.

Isotype-specific binding patterns of serum antibodies to multiple conformational epitopes of Bet v 1.

Background: Birch pollen is an important elicitor of respiratory allergy. The major allergen, Bet v 1, binds IgE exclusively via conformational epitopes.

Objective: We identified Bet v 1-specific epitope repertoires of IgE and IgG from birch pollen-allergic and nonallergic subjects.

Critical and direct involvement of the CD23 stalk region in IgE binding.

Background: The low-affinity receptor for IgE, FcεRII (CD23), contributes to allergic inflammation through allergen presentation to T cells, regulation of IgE responses, and enhancement of transepithelial allergen migration.

Objective: We sought to investigate the interaction between CD23, chimeric monoclonal human IgE, and the corresponding birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 at a molecular level.

Methods: We expressed 4 CD23 variants.

Chimeras of Bet v 1 and Api g 1 reveal heterogeneous IgE responses in patients with birch pollen allergy.

Background: Characterization of IgE-binding epitopes of allergens and determination of their patient-specific relevance is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of allergy.

Objective: We sought to assess the contribution of specific surface areas of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1.0101 to binding IgE of individual patients.