Detection of specific IgE antibodies in sera of Japanese birch-allergic patients using recombinant allergens Bet v 1, Bet v 2 and Bet v 4.

BACKGROUND Birch pollen is the major allergen in pollinosis in northern Japan. IgE reactivity to individual birch pollen allergens has been shown to differ between populations of birch pollen-allergic patients living in different countries. In this study, we examined the IgE profiles to recombinant birch pollen allergens in birch-sensitive patients living in Sapporo. METHODS This study used the sera of 40 patients with specific IgE toward birch pollen extract. Their sera were analyzed for specific IgE reactivity to individual birch pollen allergens (recombinant Bet v 1, Bet v 2 and Bet v 4) and natural birch pollen extract using Pharmacia CAP SystemTM. RESULTS Of 40 sera with positive CAP results for natural birch pollen extract, 39 (97.5%) had specific IgE towards Bet v 1; 6 (15%) contained specific IgE against Bet v 2. Bet v 4 reactivity was documented in only one subject (2.5%). CONCLUSIONS The present data suggest that the specific IgE reactivity profiles to birch pollen allergen in birch-sensitive patients in Sapporo correspond to those in Scandinavia, possibly due to the heavy birch pollen exposure in this area. This observation provides useful information for future birch allergen-specific immunotherapy in Japan.