The insight into house dust mites: which Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus proteins and cross-reactive allergens play pivotal role in sensitization among Polish patients with suspicion of allergy?

PURPOSE: The profiles of house dust mite (HDM) sensitization may differ in various geographical regions, which could affect the course of allergic diseases. The identification of these discrepancies could help to introduce improved methods of HDM allergy management, more suited to the local needs. The study aimed to analyze the pattern of sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) allergen components and allergens that may cross-react with the allergen components among Polish children and adults with suspicion of allergy.

METHODS

The sensitization to DP allergens and homologous proteins was assessed in 17,821 Polish individuals suspected of allergy. The specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) were detected with the ALEX2® test between 2019 and 2023 in various laboratories across the country.

RESULTS

Almost 25% of the study participants had sIgE to any DP molecule (DP_m), and in this group, sIgE to Der p 2 was detected most frequently. The most common profile of sensitization was monosensitization to Der p 2. Polysensitization occurred in 61.3% of patients with sIgE to any DP_m. Among patients sensitized to Der p 23, 91.2% were co-sensitized to Der p 1 and/or Der p 2. The most common pattern of sensitization to tropomyosins included sIgE to all five proteins from the family.

CONCLUSION

Major DP_ms, in various combinations, most frequently cause sensitization in the study group. Tropomyosin is a panallergen with high cross-reactivity potential, which was proved by the sensitization profile to tropomyosins in our study group.