Publications

Summary:

The present publication investigates the role of the nasal microbiome in individuals with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD). The study aims to shed light on the potential influence of the nasal microbiome in NERD patients without corticosteroid therapy, as the microbiome plays a vital role in respiratory health and inflammation. NERD is a condition characterized by the exacerbation of respiratory symptoms, such as asthma and rhinitis, upon the use of NSAIDs. The ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer was used to determine the IgE sensitisation profile of each patient in the blood. The research team collected nasal swabs of all patients. These swabs were then analyzed to identify and compare the composition of the nasal microbiota between the two groups (NERD patients and healthy control group). The findings of the study revealed significant differences in the nasal microbiome composition. NERD patients exhibited alterations in the abundance and diversity of nasal microbial communities, suggesting a potential dysbiosis or imbalance in their nasal microbiota. Furthermore, the study highlighted specific bacterial taxa that were significantly associated with NERD. These findings provide insights into the potential role of certain bacterial species or groups in NERD pathogenesis and may have implications for future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Front Immunol. 2023 Apr 14;14:1112345. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112345. PMID: 37122714; PMCID: PMC10140405.

Summary:

In the present study, different in-vitro allergy tests were carried out using serum collected from a patient with red meat allergy. After being bitten by a tick, the patient has experienced anaphylactic reactions several times after eating red meat. The ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer demonstrated a very high concentration of total IgE (tIgG: 2602kU/L). IgE antibody levels specific for inhalative-, food and insect venom allergens were quite low. However, positive results were obtained for all mammalian meat allergens, but no IgE antibodies to poultry meat allergens were found. The ImmunoCAP confirmed the very high IgE concentration. Furthermore, inhibition experiments were performed with ImmunoCAPs. The level of anti α-Gal IgE decreased after blocking CAPs with various mammalian meat allergens. In contrast, blocking with poultry allergens did not affect the concentration of anti α-Gal IgE.

Life 2023, 13, 699. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030699

Summary:

In this retrospective analysis, the sensitisation patterns were examined using the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer with excellent sensitivity and specificity. Interestingly, age-dependent sensitization patterns were observed:

• In children up to 6 years, Ara h 1 (7/8S Globulin) was the most common sensitising allergen.

• In children at the age of 7 years and older, sensitisation to Ara h 8 (PR-10) was the most frequent.

• A growing prevalence of Bet v 1-dependent Ara h 8-sensitisation with age has been observed. The authors from this study conclude, that testing for all molecular peanut components is important. Especially seed storage proteins are associated with an increased risk of severe allergic reactions upon contact with peanuts.

doi: 10.5114/ada.2022.124741. Epub 2023 Feb 27. PMID: 36909918; PMCID: PMC9993191.

Summary:

The goal of the study was to characterise the clinical and molecular sensitisation profile of a population of peach-allergic patients and to identify possible sensitisation profiles which are associated with severe reactions in the Mediterranean area.

A group of 20 adult patients with peach-allergic reactions, both positive for SPT and sIgE for peach were recruited.

Pru p 3 was the most prevalent LTP found in the study. Patients with systemic reactions from the cohort had significantly higher sIgE levels for LTP allergens compared to patients with local reactions. Coherent with literature, sIgE found for Pru p 3, Mal d 3, Ara h 9 and Pla a 3 were related to the occurrence of systemic reactions. LTPs from pollen were identified in the cohort, showing possible cross-reactivity. Sensitisation to other panallergens than LTPs were identified: PR-10 was positive in two patients belonging to the local reaction group. Profilin was identified in one patient from the systemic reaction group. Overall, the molecular profile characterisation seems a useful marker of disease expression in peach-allergic patients. Additionally, the authors state that ALEX² reduces time spent by performing simultaneous IgE measurements and helps identifying sensitisation patterns associated with systemic reactions.

http://doi.org/10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.284

Summary:

Using the ALEX2 allergy test, which tests the largest number of mite molecules, the house dust mite sensitization profile was evaluated in a data set of 20 033 Ukrainian patients. Aim of the study was to apply these results on targeted treatment strategies of HDM allergy. Allergic disease in the anamnesis (allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma) was the inclusion criterion in the study. To determine the probability of developing sensitization to certain molecular HDM components, a Bayesian network was constructed.

General findings of the study:

• Sensitization to at least one HDM allergen was detected in 26% of the total study population

• Ukrainians were most often sensitized to HDM allergens of groups 1 and groups 2 as well as Der p 23

• HDM sensitization patterns:

1. Der f 2 (72%), Der p 2 (72%)
2. Der p 23 (55%)
3. Der f 1 (55%), Der p 1 (53%)
4. Der p 5, Der p 21, Der p 7, Der p 20, Der p 10, Der p 11

• Sensitization to HDM allergens among different age groups

1. Sensitization to group 1 allergens is higher than group 2 allergens sensitization, which might be explained by the fact that Der p 1 can be found in breast milk

2. 1 year: decrease in sensitivity to group 1 allergens, increased sensitivity to group 2 allergens

3. Der p 23 sensitization remains significant in all age groups
4. Der p 5, Der p 7 and Der p 21 sensitivity becomes pronounced starting from the age of 3-6 years
5. Lowest incidence of sensitivity was observed to Der p 10, Der p 11 and Der 9 20

• Results of the Bayesian Network analysis of personal profiles indicated the leading role of Der p 1 and Der f 2 and that the leading role in the formation of sensitivity to group 5 allergens may belong to Der p 21.

Summary:

In the present study, in-vitro IgE tests using molecular components represent important innovations in the diagnosis of rare diseases, such as inborn errors with HIE (Hyper-IgE). Thus, IgE sensitisation profiles can be evaluated, even in cases in which the patient’s cognitive defect does not allow for correct allergological classification. The use of allergen multiplex tests improves both, the management of skin pathology and the quality of life of the individual patients.

Here, a proteomic test combined with IgE testing were performed to study inborn errors with an atopic dermatitis-like clinical picture associated with a deregulated IgE response. Four patients with rare diseases, such as recessive X–linked ichthyosis, Comel–Netherton syndrome, monosomy 1p36 syndrome, and a microduplication of Xp11.4 associated with extremely high levels of IgE were evaluated by comparative genomic hybridisation microarray analysis and specific IgE evaluation using allergen macroarray (ALEX2) and allergen microarray (ISAC).

In patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, IgE reactivity to LTP-related food allergens was detected, impacting the quality of life. The avoidance of LTP-related foods from the diet resulted in a marked improvement of the patient’s clinical condition.

Furthermore, reactivity to CCDs (Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants) was evidenced in one patient. Although sensitisation to CCDs has no clinical impact, it is important to remember that IgE testing without blocking CCD-specific IgE antibodies can give false IgE test results.

In another patient, reactivity to autoreactive allergenic components was shown. Interestingly, the patient was positive for both Asp f 6 and Ole e 9 considered to be a signature of patients with atopic dermatitis in the Mediterranean area.

Summary:

In this study, the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer was used to assess the spectrum and frequency of sensitization to food allergens in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. 75% of the patients demonstrated co-sensitization to at least one food allergen: • Hazelnut (28%) • Apple (26%) • Peanut (22%) • Celery (14%) • Soy (13%) • Fish carp (11%) etc. Interestingly, the frequency of sensitization to cross-reactive proteins PR-10 was 21% in patients with allergic rhinitis without food co-sensitization compared to 51% in patients suffering from both, allergic rhinitis and food sensitization.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1823124/v1

Summary:

Since fungi may colonize and damage airways and they develop on different kinds of foods, they can have great impact on the immune system. This study aimed to evaluate the relation between sensitization to molecular components of moulds and yeast (Mala s 5, Mala s 6, Mala s 11, Sac c, Alt a 1, Alt a 6, Asp f 1, Asp f 3, Asp f 4, Asp f 6, Cla h 8, Pen ch) and the occurrence of food hypersensitivity reactions in 100 atopic dermatitis patients. The sensitization profiles demonstrated that patients with reactions to hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts, fish and egg had higher levels of sIgE to Asp f 3, Cla h 8, Alt a 6, Alt a 1, Mala s 6 and Asp f 6.

DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2022.2074968

Summary:

This study evaluated the prevalence of IgE responses towards a comprehensive panel of house dust mite (HDM) allergens using the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer. Thus different serological reactivity profiles were found to be associated with different clinical manifestations. Interestingly, asthmatic patients with HDM allergy recognize a larger spectrum of allergens, especially the prevalence and the level of sIgE to Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 20 and Der p 21 were higher in asthmatic patients, whereas sensitization to fewer components is more related to rhinitis. Group 1 and group 2 allergens as well as Der p 23 were identified as seroprevalent as well as serodominant representing allergens that quantitatively make the most important contribution to HDM IgE response. However, the most interesting novelty offered by this study using the ALEX2 test is the possibility to determine IgE reactivities toward major and minor HDM allergens. Interestingly, 51% of the evaluated patients scored positive for at least one minor allergen with a high prevalence for Der p 5 (26%), Der p 7(28%), Der p 20 (14%) and Der p 21 (30%). The rate of IgE reactivity to Der p 10 and Der p 11 was very small, 6% and 1%, respectively. The differences in IgE reactivities to minor HDM allergens might be explained by different routes of sensitization. Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 20 and Der p 21 are mainly present in faecal particles sensitizing through the respiratory tract. In contrast, Der p 10 and Der p 11 are mainly found in the HDM body sensitizing preferentially through the skin or the gut due to cross-reactivities with homologous food allergens, in the case of Der p 10.

DOI: 10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.195

Summary:

This study compared the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer and the ImmunoCAP ISAC multiplex arrays in atopic children by relating their sensitization profile to clinical data. Good overall agreement was found for egg, cow’s milk, peanut, codfish/prawn, soy and wheat components. Comparing both tests, the ALEX test provides more sIgE results, including whole extracts and components helping clinicians to study cross-sensitization patterns.

DOI: 10.1186/s12948-022-00177-w

Summary:

The effect of IgG depletion on sIgE levels was determined with two allergen multiplex tests, the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer and the ImmunoCAP ISAC. The authors report direct evidence that IgG competition hampers sIgE binding. The impact of IgG competition on sIgE levels to molecular allergens was stronger for food than for airborne molecules. Furthermore, IgG competition can completely block sIgE binding, resulting in false negative reports which needs to be considered for allergen multiplex-based precision medicine approaches.

DOI: 10.1111/all.14536

Summary:

In the present study, the clinical utility of the ALEX2 multiplex test compared to the ImmunoCAP singleplex test was evaluated in patients with nut allergy. Both techniques demonstrated similar sensitivities regarding walnut, hazelnut, peanut and Pru p 3 sensitizations. Based on the results of this technical validation, the ALEX2 platform was found to be a suitable technique to diagnose patients with nut allergy, except for those suffering from allergy to almond, pistachio and sunflower seeds. This could be explained by the low sensitivity detected for the whole extracts from almond, sunflower seed and pistachio.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.08.022

Summary:

In the present article, research on the verification and validation of the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer in relation to the ImmunoCAP ISAC test was performed. The results obtained with the two test systems were comparable. However, the ALEX2 test comprised important features, such as unique allergen molecules and extracts and an automatic inhibition of CCD-specific IgE antibodies. Based on the determination of dominant sensitizing molecules - indications for AIT, the risk of anaphylaxis and further treatment tactics can be established.

DOI: 10.51620/0869-2084-2021-66-8-480-484

Summary:

This article presents a case of a patient diagnosed with food allergy manifesting as atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis, which evolved into childhood asthma. Diagnosis was based on the evaluation of IgE-reactivity profiles and allergen challenge. The described case shows a typical route of an allergy march from food allergy (cow’s milk, egg) manifested as atopic dermatitis to inhalation allergy (birch, timothy grass, Alternaria alternata) and asthma. The reported case presented several risk factors for the classic atopic march: atopic dermatitis in infancy, atopy in family, male gender and primary sensitization to many food allergens. The use of the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer allows to monitor IgE sensitizations, predict the risk of anaphylaxis and assist in making decisions about dietary treatment and early allergen immunotherapy.

DOI: 10.2147/JAA.S372928

Summary:

The purpose of the present study was to analyse the IgE reactivity to kiwi allergens using the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer and to evaluate the clinical reactions to kiwi in a patients cohort of atopic dermatitis patients. Therefore, the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of this multiplex examination was compared with the clinical reaction to kiwi. Hundred patients suffering from atopic dermatitis were examined and 15% suffered from kiwi allergy. Regarding the results of specific IgE to molecular kiwi components, Act d 1, Act d 2 and Act d 10 gave a diagnostic sensitivity of 33%. Act d 1 and Act d 2 was found to be highly specific. Furthermore, the sensitization profile to molecular allergens of latex, banana, avocado, pollen and seeds was evaluated in patients suffering from clinical reactions to kiwi. Out of the 15 patients with clinical symptoms to kiwi, one patient reacted to Hev b 6.02 (hevein precursor) and Pers a (Avocado) and the occurrence of latex fruit syndrome was expected.

DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2022.2095985

Summary:

Since not all patients with shellfish allergies experience adverse allergic symptoms after mollusk ingestion, this multicenter study aimed to investigate the sensitization profile of 247 individuals with self-reported adverse reactions to shrimp with or without cross-reactivity to mollusks. Of these, 48% reported an adverse reaction to mollusks ingestion. Patients underwent skin prick testing, and the IgE-reactivity was measured using the in-vitro Allergy Xplorer ALEX2. The ALEX2 test was chosen, because it enables the broad evaluation of shellfish allergens, including Pen m 1 (tropomyosin), Pen m 2 (arginine kinase), Pen m 3 (myosin light chain), and Pen m 4 (sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein) all from Black-Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), Cra c 6 (the troponin-c from brown shrimp, Crangon crangon), Der p 10 (tropomyosin), and Der p 11 (paramyosin) both from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, as well as of shellfish extract including crab, lobster, northern shrimp, white shrimp, squid, mussel, oyster, clam, and scallop. Among the patient group reactive to mollusks, the allergens Pen m 1, Pen m 2 and Pen m 4 dominated, compared to mollusk tolerant subjects. Kiwi allergy in atopic dermatitis patients – analysis of specific IgE results in ALEX2 multiplex examination.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100685

This is the first study using a multiplex technology to investigate IgE sensitizations to parvalbumins from 10 fish species, along with fish extracts from raw and heated fish material. Serum samples from 263 clinically well-defined fish allergic patients from a multinational cohort were analyzed regarding their sensitization patterns in a research version of the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer.

Main findings:

• Up to 90% of the patients showed no IgE to parvalbumins and extracts from ray.

• Up to 21% tested negative for some bony fish species.

• Up to 38% were negative to cod parvalbumins, which is the most commonly used molecule in fish allergy diagnosis. Thus, this fish allergy marker may not be sufficient for accurate fish-allergy diagnosis.

• 17% tested negative to parvalbumins, but positive to the respective fish extracts, underlining the requirement for extracts for accurate diagnosis.

• Of the species analyzed, negativity to mackerel emerged as the best predictive marker of negativity to additional bony fish, such as herring or swordfish.

To conclude, this study demonstrates the need for extracts from both raw and heated fish and the parvalbumins from several evolutionary distant species for next-generation fish allergy diagnosis.

doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.08.019

Short summary:

This study is the first to evaluate potential differences in IgE sensitisation profiles of cockroach-sensitised patients with perennial respiratory allergy symptoms from two different geographic areas: coastal China (Hong Kong, HK) and central Europe (Austria). Molecular profiling using the ALEX² Allergy Xplorer identified differences between cockroach-sensitised allergic patients from HK and Austria in terms of primary sensitisers and molecular IgE reactivity patterns. Tropomyosin from American cockroach (Per a 7) was shown to be significantly associated with asthma symptoms and might be suitable as a biomarker for more severe respiratory allergy symptoms.

Summary:

In addition to skin prick testing and/or IgE reactivity with cockroach extract, using the ELISA-based multiplex allergy test ALEX² comprising a broad panel of cockroach allergens, the aim was to assess the patients’ molecular IgE reactivity patterns and to determine the primary sensitising allergen sources and to differentiate between co- and cross-sensitisations in the studied cohorts. Molecular IgE reactivity profiles were analysed via multiplex assay for sensitisation to allergens and extracts from cockroach, house dust mite, shellfish, and 3 additional insect species. In the HK group, genuine sensitisation to cockroach was found in 45%, but none of the patients in the Austrian cohort was truly sensitised to that allergen source, thus cockroach is not a relevant primary sensitising allergen source in Austria. Most patients from HK were cross-sensitised to other insects and/or shellfish, presumably by broad reactivity to tropomyosin and arginine kinase. About half of the Austrian subjects lacked IgE to these pan-allergens, indicating co- but not cross-sensitisation to insects and/or shellfish. Regarding IgE recognition frequencies, arginine kinases (64% HK, 10% Austria) and tropomyosins (42% HK, 15% Austria) were most frequently recognised; Bla g 4 (lipocalin) was detected in HK patients only (42%). IgE sensitisation to Per a 7 was significantly higher in patients with asthma than patients without asthma. Sera from HDM-sensitised subjects from HK showed a higher proportion of sensitisation to minor mite allergens.

doi: 10.1016/j.jacig.2022.04.003

Since fish allergy diagnosis is still an important challenge for allergists, the present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of an in-vitro multiplex assay, the ALEX² Allergy Xplorer, using a comprehensive panel of fish allergens and the cross-reactivity patterns between different molecular components in 56 fish allergic patients.

The ALEX² Allergy Xplorer was used to assess a broad sensitisation profile of fish allergens including ß-parvalbumins from cod (Gadus morhua- Gad m 1), carp (Cyprinus carpio- Cyp c 1), herring (Clupea arengus- Clu h 1), salmon (Salmo salar- Sal s 1), mackerel (Scomber scombrus- Sco c 1), tuna (Thunnus albacares- Thu a 1) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius- Xip g 1), α-parvalbumin from thornback ray (Raja clavata- Raj c-parvalbumin), and aldolase + enolase from cod (Gad m 2 + 3). The single ß-parvalbumins Clu h 1, Cyp c 1, Gad m 1, Sal s 1, Sco s 1, Thu a 1 and Xyp g 1 scored positive in 75.0%, 67.8%, 62.5%, 80.3%, 80.3%, 78.8% and 73,2% patients, respectively. 14.3% scored positive for the α-parvalbumin (Raj c-parvalbumin), and 16.1% for the aldolase + enolase (Gad m 2 + 3) components. 92.8% reacted to at least one ß-parvalbumin and 96.4% to at least one of the allergens tested. Overall sensitivity was higher than the sensitivity obtained using commercial extracts of cod, salmon, and tuna for skin prick test (75.8%) and IgE detection (92.3%).

To conclude, the ALEX² allergy test revealed a high diagnostic sensitivity, and it is therefore an essential tool to investigate the cross-reactivity patterns between different molecular components and furthermore looking for potentially safe fish species.

doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.06.010

Since diagnosis of food allergies can be challenging, the authors of this study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of molecular multiplex test sytstems, the ImmunoCAP ISAC and the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer, in patients with pollen-food syndrome.

For this study, 53 patients with suspected food allergic reactions were included. The diagnosis of food allergy was based on a clear medical history, SPTs with extracts followed by multiplex IgE testing. To compare both test methods, the frequencies of 40 common allergen components present on both tests were analysed. By using the ISAC as reference, sensitivity, and specificity of the ALEX2 were calculated.

The average sensitivity was 78.2% and the average specificity 98.1%. Furthermore, they observed 83.2% sensitivity and 88% specificity of PR-10 sIgE testing with ALEX2 compared with ISAC.

For better evaluation of the diagnostic value of multiplex tests in a real-life clinical setting, they additionally correlated detected sIgE levels with SPT results and clinical symptoms. Here, positive SPT results were mostly confirmed by both test methods for Ara h 8, Cor a 1, and Mal d 1-sIgE.

Concerning clinical reactions and sIgE test results, a significant correlation was observed for Mal d 1, Cor a 1 and Gly m 4 by ALEX2. For profilin sIgE reactivity, Hev b 8 was found to be a good marker in both tests.

The authors concluded that multiplex testing is beneficial to understand patient-specific individual sensitisation profiles and to provide personalised management recommendations.

doi: 10.1111/all.15329

Short summary: In this study, a mathematical model for predicting the probability of asthma control based on the FeNO dynamics after 3 months of treatment, the number of cat allergens to which sensitisation is detected and the duration of exposure to a domestic cat after molecular allergy testing was developed.

Summary: The aim of this study was to develop a model for predicting asthma control status in school-aged children, who are sensitised to cat allergens. In this retrospective study, 302 patients were included. Inclusion criteria involved diagnosis of bronchial asthma, age 6-17 years and sensitisation to at least one of the following cat allergens Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4, Fel d 7. Patients were selected upon careful history taking, spirometry, skin-prick test with Fel d 1 standardised extract (5,000 BAU / mL), measurement of total IgE and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) before and after 3 months of treatment.

To obtain a comprehensive sensitisation profile, serum samples were analysed using the ALEX² test. The following sensitisation prevalences were measured:

• Fel d 1 in 291 (96.36%) children

• Fel d 2 in 18 (5.96%) children

• Fel d 4 in 59 (19.54%) children

• Fel d 7 in 75 (24.83%) children

Combined sensitisations were also observed:

• Fel d 1, Fel d 7 in 32 (10.60%) patients

• Fel d 1, Fel d 4 in 22 (7.28%) patients

• Fel d 1, Fel d 4, Fel d 7 in 22 (7.28%) patients

• Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4, Fel d 7 in 12 (3.97%) patients

To evaluate the correlation between controlled asthma and sensitisation to cat allergens, the Searman’s rank correlation coefficient was calculated. A correlation was found between the presence of asthma control and the number of cat allergens to which the child is sensitised, which emphasises the importance of multiple sensitisations. Regarding the structure of sensitisation, a correlation was found between the presence of asthma control and sensitisation to Fel d 4 and Fel d 7. According to the Consensus document on dog and cat allergy, sensitisation to two or more allergens is associated with more severe respiratory symptoms and is a marker of severe asthma.

doi: 10.36740/WLek202206110

The aim of the present study was to analyze the performance of two different multiplex allergy test systems, ImmunoCAP ISAC® and ALEX2® Allergy Explorer using serum samples of 49 patients preselected based on positive ImmunoCAP ISAC® results. A good overall agreement (94%) and positive agreement percentage values between ISAC and ALEX2® has been observed. 59% of the qualitative discrepancies were related to weak positive results. Remarkably, the overall agreement of dichotomous results (negative, positive) was found to be identical (94.3%). However, the CCD inhibition step to block CCD-specific IgE antibodies used in the ALEX2® test revealed to be innovative and essential to obtain higher clinical specificity. Anti-CCD antibodies are reported up to 30%. Interestingly, the patient with the highest reactivity against MUXF3 (CCD) on ISAC (8.5 ISU) revealed, besides two double positive results for wasp venom (Pol d 5 and Ves v 5), 7 ISAC+/ALEX− results all of which were native proteins of plant origin and/or plant food related allergens (Cry j 1, Cup a 1, Cyn d 1, Gly m 6, Jug r 2, Sal k 1, Tri a aA_TI). Here false positive results were generated using the ISAC test.

ALEX2® was able to score plus points with the following aspects:

measurement of total IgE

absorption of sIgE against CCDs

more comprehensive allergen panel

inclusion of minor allergen components enhances clinical value

Conclusions: The method comparison between ISAC and ALEX2 multiplex tests showed a high concordance for those allergen components present on both platforms.

doi: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0191

To investigate the molecular sensitisation profile of mite allergic patients in a region with high environmental house dust and storage mite occurrence, a specific molecular allergen panel using the Allergy Explorer ALEX2 was correlated with clinical parameters.

All subjects with a positive skin prick test exhibited a positive response to one of the tested molecular allergens. 66% of the cohort recognised Der p 1, 78% Der p 2 and 86% Der p 23. The great advantage of the ALEX2 test was the additional evaluation of IgE responses to mid-tier and minor house dust mite allergens. Der p 5 revealed IgE-reactivity in 44%, Der p 7 in 36%, Der p 20 in 10% and Der p 21 in 40%. Der p 7 levels were higher among rhinitis patients. In contrast, the atopic dermatitis relative risk was increased in patients sensitised to Der f 2, Der p 2, and Der p 23. Sensitisation to Der p 10 decreases the risk to have atopic dermatitis.

The use of multiple molecular panels allows the improvement of patient management and to evaluate the risk for atopic dermatitis or other conditions like asthma or rhinitis.

doi: 10.1159/000523869

In the present study, storage mite sensitisation profiles were determined in two different (moderate and severe) asthma phenotypes.

Methodically, IgE Western Blotting, determination of blood eosinophils as well as serological analysis using the Allergy Explorer ALEX2 were performed.

Mite group 2 allergens were most frequently recognised. Lep d 2 (83%) was the most recognised, followed by Gly d 2 (69%) and Tyr p 2 (47%) in 133/164 asthmatic patients. The majority of storage mite sensitised individuals (99%) were simultaneously sensitised to house dust mites. In respect of group 2 allergen interactions, above 90% showed a sIgE response to Der p 2.

Actually, Lep d 2 and Gly d 2 may be speculated as potential biomarkers in milder forms of asthma presentations. However, storage mite sensitisation demands specific attention, as current diagnostic and therapeutic tools are based on Dermatophagoides allergens. Individual sensitisation patterns need to be carefully evaluated for precise diagnosis and targeted allergen-specific immunotherapy.

doi:10.3390/ijms23084297

So far, shrimp allergy has been considered to result from IgE-cross-reactivity following sensitisation to Der p 10, the tropomyosin from Dermatophagoides pteronissimus. Because tropomyosin-specific IgE was found to be a good predictor of shrimp allergy in HDM-allergic individuals, singleplex assays with shrimp tropomyosin found their way into serological routine diagnosis.

However, evidence accumulated that additional allergens cause shrimp allergy and cross-reactivity with house dust mites, such as arginine kinase (Pen m 2), myosin light chain (Pen m 3), sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein (Pen m 4), hemocyanin, triose- phosphatase-isomerase (TPI), and troponin C (Cra c 6).

In the present study, 79 individuals who experienced allergic reactions to shrimps and displayed shrimp-specific IgE in ImmunoCAP® were analysed with the Allergy Explorer ALEX2® and immunoblotting.

The ALEX2® test revealed that 42% of the patients displayed IgE to Pen m 1 (tropomyosin, 19% exclusively), 20% to Pen m 2 (arginine kinase, 3.7% exclusively), 10% to Pen m 3 (myosin light chain, 2.5% exclusively), and 11% to Cra c 6 (troponin C).

Thus, tropomyosin represented no major allergen in this cohort. Notably, 30% of the patients recognised Pen m 4 and 16% showed exclusive IgE-reactivity with confirmed clinical relevance. Therefore, Pen m 4 was considered as important as Pen m 1 for the diagnosis of shrimp allergy in Central Europe.

All recombinant allergens together achieved a sensitivity of 68%. It is expected that the inclusion of hemocyanin and ubiquitin might enhance this value as 10% and 9% of the patients recognised the corresponding proteins of 70 and 5–7 kDa, respectively, in the immunoblot.

doi: 10.1111/all.15290

In a huge patient cohort of more than 10,000 patients from Ukraine, the molecular sensitisation profile to house dust mites was determined with ALEX2 Allergy Explorer. Sensitisation to at least one HDM allergen has been established in 2875 people (27%). The number of sensitised children was 2.26 times higher than that of adults: 69% children vs 31% adults.

Patients were grouped by their sensitisations. Sensitisations to group 2 allergens (Der f 2 – 73%, Der p 2 – 72%) were the most common among the entire group, followed by polysensitisation to group 1 (Der p 1 – 55%, Der f 1 – 54%), group 2 (Der p 2, Der f 2) allergens and Der p 23 (56%). Sensitisations to Der p 21 was found in 27%, to Der p 5 in 28% and to Der p 7 in 23% of the patients. Lowest sensitisation levels were registered for: Der p 20 (8%), Der p 10 (6%) and Der p 11 (0.6%).

To conclude, the key sensitising HDM allergens in Ukraine are Der p 2 and Der f 2. The second most prevalent among adults is monosensitisation to Der p 23, and among children polysensitisation to group 1, group 2 allergens and Der p 23.

doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.848616

In this retrospective study, blood samples from people who spent a year wintering in Antarctica and reported increased or new allergic reactions to environmental allergens after their return, were analysed.

Due to the low sample volumes, the objective was to obtain the maximal possible scientific outcome achievable on a retrospective basis. Therefore, ALEX® Allergy Explorer was chosen as it contains a very broad variety of allergen extracts and molecular allergens.

Specific IgE measurements corresponded well to the general allergen situation in various locations. Thus, where there was no pollen exposure, the kinetics also showed a reduction in specific IgE. Five participants showed the highest specific IgE levels after returning to the "normal" world. For house dust and storage mite specific IgE, the examination revealed different kinetics. Six out of 10 had the highest specific IgE concentrations at the inner Antarctic measurement time point.

To conclude, long-term residence in Antarctica can reduce sensitisation to absent allergen sources.

doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10020448

In the present study, specific IgE results of 100 atopic dermatitis patients using the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer were evaluated to perform a Cluster analysis which can help in estimating allergic reactions. For example, their results strongly point towards cross-reactivity for crustacean-allergic patients to desert locust, house cricket and stable flies.

DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2021.1978942

The present study is the first investigating that the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer is a reliable and useful stand-alone tool in the bottom-up for the diagnosis of tree nut allergy in children. In 169 children, skin prick tests, extract- and molecular allergen-specific IgE antibodies were examined for clinical relevance.

In singleplex tests, rAna o 3, nCor a 9/rCor a 14, and nJug r 1/nJug r 4 were found to be important in predicting clinical reactivity to cashew/pistachio, hazelnut, and walnut, respectively. However, disadvantages of singleplex tests include high costs and excessive blood sampling in multi-sensitised patients, and a limited number of components.

Using the ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer, tree nut allergens were found to be predictors for clinical reactivity. In detail, rPis v 1/rAna o 3, rPis v 1/nPis v 2/nPis v 3/rAna o 3, nCor a 9/nCor a 11/rCor a 14, and nJug r 1/nJug r 2/nJug r 4/nJug r 6 were significant in predicting clinical reactivity to cashew, pistachio, hazelnut, and walnut, respectively. However, there was moderate variability in the cut-off levels of these components. It seems logical to use a few empirical cut-off levels for different TN components. Hence, the investigation of different cut-off values and combinations of the components with SPT, sIgE and each other revealed that at the threshold of 1.0 kAU/L, rPis v 1 and rCor a 14 optimised predicting clinical reactivity to pistachio and hazelnut with 85.3 and 89.3% accuracy, respectively. A combination of nJug r 1 and nJug r 2 positivities had highest accuracy (89.5%) in predicting clinical reactivity to walnut. Furthermore, all patients with higher concentrations of rPis v 1 (≥15.0 kUA/L), rCor a 14 (≥5 kUA/L) and nJug r 1/nJug r 2 (≥15 kUA/L) were clinically reactive to pistachio, hazelnut and walnut, respectively.

doi: 10.1016/j.alit.2021.10.001

Precision medicine including personalised diagnostic and therapeutic strategies requires the depiction of the disease-eliciting allergens by demonstrating the presence of allergen-specific IgE antibodies.

In order to implement precision medicine in patients with atopic dermatitis, the present study investigated the IgE molecular profile to D.pteronissinus in patients with clinically relevant house dust mite sensitisation. Skin prick tests with mite extracts and a panel of 9 individual molecular house dust mite allergens (using ALEX2® Allergy Explorer) were used to perform atopic dermatitis endotyping. 86% of patients presented IgE reactivity to major allergens (Der p 23, Der p 2, Der p 1) and 65% to mid-tier allergens (Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 21). Der p 23 was the most prevalent allergen recognised in this population.

To conclude, the available house dust mite molecular panel precisely identifies the large majority (>97%) of D.pteronissinus allergic subjects suffering from type-2 atopic dermatitis.

doi: 10.3390/life11121418

In this study setup, three different allergy test systems - the Allergy Explorer ALEX2®, ISAC112® and ImmunoCAP® were compared according their technical performance and diagnostic capacity for the diagnosis of various allergies.

ALEX2® showed improved diagnostic capacity for Alternaria and apple allergy compared with ISAC112®, due to the better performance of Alt a 1 and the inclusion of Mal d 3, respectively. It is important to consider that in terms of CRD, extensively wide panels of allergens allow the inclusion of clinically relevant allergens such as Der p 23, absent in ISAC112®.

ALEX2® performed well in technical validation assays by measuring repeatability and inter-assay, inter-batch and inter-lab reproducibility.

doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2021.11.019

In the present study, a cohort of 140 allergic individuals presenting distinct clinical phenotypes (e.g., atopic dermatitis, adverse food reactions, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma) were analysed by two different in-vitro diagnostic allergy tests - Allergy Explorer-ALEX2® and ImmunoCAP ISAC112®. A significant conformity was observed when dichotomised data (94.3% concordant results) were analysed. Especially for species-specific marker allergens - perfect correlations were detected. The Allergy Explorer ALEX2® test includes a larger number of allergens, allowing a broader molecular detection. Furthermore, the presence of several allergens only on ALEX2® revealed as an important feature. However, heterogeneous results emerged comparing panallergens.

doi: 10.1111/cea.14016

In this study, specific IgE antibodies of 100 patients with atopic dermatitis to the whole ALEX2® panel were evaluated. Patients with severe AD, showed high levels of specific IgE to proteins of the NPC2 family (storage mites), lipocalin (dog), arginine kinase (moulds, cockroach, house dust mite, shrimp), uteroglobin (cat, rabbit), Mn superoxide dismutase (moulds), PR-10 protein (beech, apple, hazelnut), peritrophin-like domain (house dust mite) and rye pollen. In a subgroup of patients with bronchial asthma, high IgE values against molecular components from house dust mites, storage mites, grass pollen and moulds were observed.

doi: 10.3390/ijms22105286

Molecular diagnostic tests improve laboratory diagnostics of IgE-mediated allergies. Here, ALEX2- Allergy Explorer was used to determine the sensitisation profile towards moulds and yeast in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. The relation between the sensitization to molecular components of moulds and yeast and the severity of atopic dermatitis, and the occurrence of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis was evaluated. Their results demonstrated that the sensitization to Mala s 6, Mala s 11, Sac c, Asp f 6, Cla h and Cla h 8 correlates to the severity of atopic dermatitis. The sensitization to Sac c, Alt a 6, Cla h, Cla h 8 was observed significantly more frequently in patients suffering from bronchial asthma to Mala s 6 in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. In patients with severe form of atopic dermatitis (AD), a very high level of specific IgE was recorded to Mala s 11 (in 36%) and to Asp f 6 (in 12%)

doi: 10.3390/jof7030183

Specific IgE reactivity to a comprehensive panel of house dust mite allergens such as Der f 1, Der p 1, Der f 2, Der p 2, Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 10, Der p 11, Der p 20, Der p 21 and Der p 23 was tested in patients with respiratory symptoms using Allergy Explorer (ALEX2®). Prevalence and IgE levels of Der f 1, Der f 2, Der p 1 and Der p 20 were significantly higher in asthmatic patients, whereas subjects negative for minor allergens resulted more frequently suffering from rhinitis. Asthmatic patients had IgE reactivity to a larger number of HDM allergens than patients with only rhinitis.

doi: 10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.195

Plasma from Canadian and Austrian children/adolescents with peanut/tree nut sensitisation and a cohort of sensitised, high‐risk, pre‐school asthmatics were measured with three multiplex IgE test platforms: ALEX®, MeDALL‐chip (Mechanisms of Development of Allergy) (Thermo Fisher), and EUROLINE (EUROIMMUN). Using two regression methods, they demonstrated the ability to model allergen‐specific relationships for peanut and tree nut sIgE testing at the extract and molecular‐level, in order from highest to lowest: Ara h 2, Ara h 6, Jug r 1, Ana o 3, Ara h 1, Jug r 2, and Cor a 9.

doi: 10.1111/all.14529

A new in vitro multiplex allergen assay (ALEX) which allows simultaneous measurement of specific IgE against the whole allergen extract as well as its components were used. The data showed that in Brazil the inclusion of the molecular components Blo t 5 and/or Blo t 21 major allergens and Blo t 2 can increase the sensitivity and specificity of the assay for the diagnosis of allergy to B. tropicalis. Furthermore, monosensitisation to Blo t 2 was found in some individuals. Regarding the sensitization profile of individuals sensitized to D. pteronyssinus, they demonstrated that molecular components Der p23 and Der p 7, in addition to Der p 1 and Der p 2 are essential for an accurate diagnosis.

doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12004

González-Pérez et al. confirmed the dominant role of sIgE sensitization to Der p 2 and Der p 23 (86%) and Der p 1 (74%) among an asthmatic population in Spain with moderate-to-severe symptoms. Their results also demonstrated that more than 70% of the patients were sensitized to any of the major allergens, however an inclusion of allergens such as Der p 5, Der p 7 and Der p 21 enhanced diagnosis of mite-sensitized asthmatics up to >94%.

doi: 10.1159/000510118

Another study compared allergy tests such as singleplex assay ImmunoCAP® (detecting Der p 1, 2, 10 and 23), the multiplex assay ImmunoCAP® ISAC (detecting Der p 1, 2 and 10) and Allergy Explorer (ALEX®) versions 1 and 2 (detecting Der p 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 11, 20, 21 and 23). In general, sensitivity of molecular tests was lower compared to singleplex extract-based testing. However, sensitivity increased the more HDM allergen molecules were included in the test. Therefore, sensitivity of ALEX2® was higher compared to all other molecular assays. A clear correlation according to sensitivity between molecular test systems with HDM sIgE levels was observed implicating that higher sIgE levels lead to better sensitivity of molecular testing. Der p 1, 2 and 23 were confirmed to be major allergens. Moreover, Der p 23 is the third major HDM allergen and therefore essential to include in molecular test systems. Importantly, ALEX2® performed statistically equal to extract-based diagnosis in patients with allergen-specific IgE levels higher that 1.0 kU/L with a sensitivity of 97.2%.

doi: 10.1111/all.14271

To study the risk of subcutaneous allergen specific immunotherapy (SCIT)-induced neosensitisations, total IgE, sIgE reactivity and sIgG patterns to purifed natural allergen extract and allergen components were retrospectively measured using ALEX®. In 24% of SCIT-treated patients, they found new sIgE against allergen components of the allergen source treated by SCIT. In the SCIT-treated group, neosensitisation affected major and minor allergen components, and was accompanied by a strong induction of sIgG against major components. Patients undergoing SCIT might carry an enhanced risk of neosensitisation towards formerly unrecognized allergen components. According to anamnestic data, these neosensitisations might be of clinical relevance - supporting attempts towards personalized recombinant vaccines.

doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-63087-4

Nowadays, honey bee venom (HBV) allergy is treated by allergen immunotherapy (AIT) whose efficacy is low. Api m 10 was identified as a major allergen in HBV allergy, however the quantity of Api m 10 in the venom is of low abundance (approx. 1%). This may explain a potential link between underrepresentation in several therapeutic HBV preparations and treatment failure in dominantly Api m 10 sensitised HBV-allergic patients. In theory, this lack couled be compensated by spiking therapeutic HBV preparations with rApi m 10. However, Api m 10 is easily degraded. Therefore, alternative strategies need to be developed. To characterize the IgE response to Api m 10 in detail, linear IgE epitopes recognized by patients allergic to HBV were investigated. Synthetic peptides spanning the whole amino acid sequence of Api m 10 were coupled to macroarrays (Macro Array Diagnostics). Interestingly, one peptide, P54 (Api m 10160‐174; amino acid sequence: ADSDVTTLPTLIGKN), was recognized by 100% of the Api m 10‐positive sera and hence represents the dominant linear IgE epitope of Api m 10. A short immunodominant peptide is easier to produce, can be included in therapeutic preparations and thus may have relevant advantages over the use of full‐length rApi m 10.

doi: 10.1111/all.14187

This case study describes a young patient with poppy seed allergy. Hazelnut allergy was found to co-occur in this patient. However, the primary responsible allergen was considered to be poppy seed.

doi: 10.18176/jiaci.0493

To identify patterns of IgE sensitisation in patients with atopic dermatitis, ImmunoCAP ISAC® and Allergy Explorer‐ALEX® microarray analysis were performed. The olive tree pollen β‐1,3‐glucanase rOle e 9 and the manganese superoxide dismutase from Aspergillus rAsp f 6 were the molecules most significantly associated with AD occurrence and allowed to discriminate among the moderate and severe forms of disease. This publication demonstrates the importance of allergy tests using a large panel of molecular components to unveils important associations between IgE reactivity profiles and AD clinical presentation.

doi: 10.1111/cea.13555

In a selected population of 105 allergic patients, skin prick test (SPT), singleplex (ImmunoCAP®) and multiplex assays (Allergy Explerer ALEX®) were compared. IgE antibodies to pollen, dust mites and food allergens were detected. Their results demonstrated a substantial agreement between ALEX® and SPT. When IgE to extracts was detected, ALEX® and ImmunoCAP® showed comparable results for inhalant and food allergens. In addition, using molecular components a higher agreement was observed for inhalant and food allergen molecules. Finally, the authors appreciated that ALEX® comprises all advantages of a multiplex test, such as an easy to learn method and a precise identification of the disease-eliciting molecules. To their opinion, ALEX® gives a boost to research in Molecular Allergy.

doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.02.025

In a cohort of North American preschool asthmatics, peanut and animal allergens were identified as major allergen sources. The dataset of this study provides detailed information on molecular diagnosis in preschool asthma. In particular, seed storage proteins (Ara h 1, 2, 3, 6), uteroglobin from cat (Fel d 1), and lipocalin from dog (Can f 1) demonstrated the strongest linkage to clinical markers of asthma severity. Allergen molecules can be biomarkers for stratification and endotyping in future prospective trials.

doi: 10.1111/all.13927

Based on Heffler et al., the present study went a step further and performed a comparison between the results of ALEX® and ImmunoCAP® ISAC for specific allergen components (most common allergens in these patients) such as: IgE against tree pollen Bet v 1, grass pollen Phl p 1 and 5, house dust mite Der p 1 and 2 and cat Fel d 1. They concluded a good correlation between ALEX® and ISAC.

doi.org/10.1186/s13601-019-0270-y

A very interesting study of 43 patients with allergies comparing two multiplex test systems (ImmunoCAP® ISAC and ALEX®) based on allergen extracts and molecules, found a good correlation between these methods. Several advantages of ALEX® were monitored, such as the ability of measuring total IgE, the high number of 282 reagents (157 extractive allergens and 125 molecular components) compared to 112 different components (both extracts and molecular allergens) in ISAC as well as the inhibition of CCD (Cross-reactive Carbohydrate Determinants) reactivity further improves the specificity of the IgE assay.

doi: 10.1186/s40413-018-0186-3