Cross-reactivity between pollen allergens from common Pooideae grasses and rye

In Germany, specific pollen extracts are currently used for immunotherapy of rye ( Secale cereale ) allergy. Like most common grasses, S. cereale belongs to the Pooideae subfamily. Using sera from grass pollen-allergic patients, immunoblotting and ELISA inhibition studies demonstrate that a five-grass allergenic extract from Anthoxanthum odoratum , Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense inhibits over 90% of IgE binding to rye allergens. This result confirms the high degree of homology between allergens from S. cereale and common grass species. We conclude that a five-grass pollen mixture is appropriate for desensitization of patients who are allergic to rye pollen without the need for additional rye pollen extracts.