Genetic Predisposition to Birch Pollen Allergy Decoded

KREMS, Austria - Jan. 15, 2025 - PRLog -- An innovative study by the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL Krems) and the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna) provides new insights into the genetic mechanisms of birch pollen allergy. The research team observed significantly more active genes for immunological signalling 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 renowned journal Allergy open up new possibilities for prevention and personalized therapies.

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 new 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.

Insights Into Cellular Reactions

The research focussed 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 defence 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."

Original Publication: Transcriptomic Profiles of the Nasal Mucosa Following Birch Pollen Provocation Differ Between Birch Pollen-Allergic and Non-Allergic Individuals. S. Sudharson, J. Eckl-Dorna, A. Meshcheryakova, J. Basilio, S. Derdak, T. Kalic, N. Lengger, N. Schweitzer, D. Mechtcheriakova, H. Breiteneder & C. Hafner. Allergy, 2024; 0:1–13. https://kris.kl.ac.at/en/publications/transcriptomic-profiles-of-the-nasal-mucosa-following-birch-polle

doi: 10.1111/all.16448

Scientific Contact

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Christine Hafner

Division of Dermatology and Venereology

University Hospital St. Pölten

Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences

Dunantplatz 1

3100 St. Pölten / Austria

W https://www.kl.ac.at/

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