Allergens and allergic sensitization in Asia and the Tropics - Volume II

Building on the success of 'Allergens and allergic sensitization in Asia and the Tropics', we are pleased to relaunch Volume II of this Research Topic.

The prevalence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased in the Asia-Pacific region, which is also one of the most densely populated zones of the world. This trend is also being observed in countries in tropical regions. This rapid rise could be explained by global warming, extensive urbanization, the associated environmental pollution and improved sanitation.

While allergic sensitization and the nature of allergenic sources have been extensively characterized in western industrialized countries, such exhaustive analysis is quite lacking and remains to be broadly performed for Asian and tropical countries. Particularly, some patterns of sensitization could be specific to these geographic zones displaying from temperate to tropical climates and endemic flora and fauna.

The geographical specificities can be exemplified by cedar pollen, the main cause of hay fever in Japan or Blomia tropicalis, the most prominent mite species in the tropics. Whereas sensitization to birch pollen or the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mite are predominant in western industrialized countries.

Moreover, certain foods consumed mainly in the Asian region could lead to the development of Asia-specific food allergies. Therefore, it is important to search for similarities and differences between these particularities and those present in both, western industrialized and tropical countries.

The aim of this Research Topic is to provide updates on the patterns of allergic sensitization in Asian and tropical countries with an emphasis on similarities and differences with western industrialized countries. We welcome review and original research articles including but not limited to the following topics:

1) Sensitization profile of allergic populations from specific Asian/Tropical countries. Comparative analysis with western industrialized countries.

2) Molecular allergen profiling of predominant sensitizations in Asian/Tropical countries

3) Characterization of specific allergens sensitizing Asia/Tropical countries

4) IgE cross-reactivities in Asian/Tropical countries. Comparative analysis with western industrialized countries.

5) Environmental/genetic/cultural factors associated to Asian/tropical specificities of allergic sensitization

6) Allergen Immunotherapy in Asian/tropical countries