An in-depth knowledge of allergen cross-reactivity is imperative when selecting allergens for immunotherapy. Because limiting the number of allergens in a vaccine preparation may be necessary to achieve the optimal therapeutic dose for each allergen, the cross-reactivity of clinically relevant allergens should be taken into account when making allergen selections. When cross-reactivity between pollens is substantial, selection of a single pollen within the cross-reactive genus or subfamily may suffice.
The recognition of distinct antigens by the same IgE antibody, cross-reactivity is demonstrable by in vivo and in vitro tests, and clinically manifests as reactions caused by antigens homologous to different species.
Led by resident botanist Dan Mork, we’ve put together a handy reference chart identifying known patterns of allergen cross-reactivity. View below or download and print.