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.