Wheat allergy (WA) poses a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse clinical phenotypes—ranging from classic food allergy and wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) to baker’s asthma. An additional diagnostic aspect is serological cross-reactivity with grass pollen. Undoubtedly, the transition from extract-based diagnostics to precise component-based diagnostics (CRDs) facilitates the management of wheat allergy. It has significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy for WDEIA ω-5-gliadin (Tri a 19), although considering new knowledge about wheat proteins, it seems necessary to include them in the diagnostic scheme, especially where Tri a 19 remains negative despite clinical symptoms. Therefore, in this review, we evaluate the clinical utility of new wheat molecules with a high risk of anaphylaxis. We pay particular attention to Tri a 37 (α-purothionin), a thermally stable allergen associated with a 4-fold increase in the risk of severe anaphylaxis, and Tri a 36 (LMW glutenin), which shows higher sensitivity than Tri a 19 in specific pediatric cohorts. In addition, we emphasize the role of Tri a 14 (nsLTP) in distinguishing true wheat sensitization from pollen-related cross-reactivity caused by profilins (Tri a 12) or carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). Beyond diagnostics, the review discusses dynamic changes in sensitization profiles in relation to the allergic march and the phenomenon of spontaneous remission in children. New management strategies are also discussed, including the potential of omalizumab (based on the data from the OUtMATCH study) in facilitating the reintroduction of allergens into the diet.
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic condition that affects children’s quality of life. Studies show that adding bacterial lysates (BLs) to treatment can improve outcomes, but their effects on the immune system are still not fully understood. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory impact of sublingually administered polyvalent mechanical BL (PMBL) on the expression of T helper (Th) cell-associated transcription factors and cytokines in children with grass pollen-induced AR. Methods: Immunological analyses were performed on blood samples collected during a previously conducted randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT04802616). Children aged 5–17 years with grass pollen-induced AR received either sublingual PMBL or placebo in three 10-day treatment cycles, each followed by a 20-day break. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected at baseline before the grass pollen season (V1) and after completion of the study treatment during natural peak pollen exposure (V2) and analysed by flow cytometry to assess the expression of transcription factors and cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, Th10, Th17, and Treg-like immune responses. Results: In the PMBL group, there was a significant increase in the expression of T-bet, E4BP4, FoxP3, IFN-γ, and IL-10, along with a reduction in GATA3 and IL-4 expression (p < 0.001). The placebo group exhibited increased expression of GATA3 (p < 0.001), RORγT (p < 0.001), and IL-4 (p = 0.004) and a reduction in T-bet expression (p = 0.007). Between-group comparisons at V2 revealed significantly higher expression of Th1-, Th10-, and Treg-associated markers, and lower Th2- and Th17-associated markers in the PMBL group compared to placebo. Conclusions: Sublingual PMBL administration modulates the expression of Th cell-associated transcription factors and cytokines in children with grass pollen-induced AR, consistent with enhanced Th1-, Th10-, and Treg-like immune responses and reduced Th2-associated activity.