Broad-Spectrum Grass Pollen Immunotherapy: Revisiting the Role of Species Diversity in Allergy Treatment

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Martin Feindor - , Allergy Therapeutics Ltd., Bencard Allergie GmbH (Author)
  • Simon Hewings - , Allergy Therapeutics Ltd. (Author)
  • Jennifer Goodman - , Allergy Therapeutics Ltd. (Author)
  • Hannah Young - , Allergy Therapeutics Ltd. (Author)
  • Carmen Galan - , University of Córdoba (Author)
  • Patrick Huber - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Jeroen Buters - , Technical University of Munich (Author)
  • Christoph Bergmann - , Klinik RKM 740 (Author)
  • Mandy Cuevas - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Author)
  • Erika Jensen-Jarolim - , AllergyCare - Allergiediagnose, Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • José Oteros - , University of Córdoba (Author)
  • Martin M. Sailer - , Heidelberg University , HNO Sailer Göppingen (Author)
  • Marcus Joest - , MVZ Dermatologisches Zentrum Bonn GmbH (Author)
  • Pascal Werminghaus - , Praxis Derichs, Hirschfeld+Werminghaus (Author)
  • Anke Graessel - , Allergy Therapeutics Ltd., Bencard Allergie GmbH (Author)
  • Dolores Hernandez - , Allergy Therapeutics Ibérica S.L (Author)
  • Murray Skinner - , Allergy Therapeutics Ltd. (Author)
  • Matthias F. Kramer - , Allergy Therapeutics Ltd., Bencard Allergie GmbH (Author)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review examines whether allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for grass pollen allergy should expand beyond the recent trend towards a mono-species approach based on Phleum pratense. It explores whether multi-species formulations better reflect natural exposure and could improve clinical outcomes. Recent Findings: Research from aerobiology and immunology shows that grass pollen exposure involves diverse species with distinct flowering periods, influenced by climate and geography. Molecular analyses reveal species-specific allergen profiles, including unique peptides and variations in major allergens such as Group 1 and 5. Patient data confirm symptom variability across the season. In-vitro studies have observed limits to the cross-reactivity of T-cell epitopes, and comparative clinical studies suggest benefits for multi-species treatment options. Summary: Evidence indicates that mono-species extracts alone do not represent the full allergenic spectrum of grass pollen. Broad-spectrum AIT formulations incorporating multiple grass species provide a more comprehensive repertoire of allergens and epitopes, potentially enhancing immunogenicity and therapeutic benefit. This supports the hypothesis that diversity does not equate to dilution in broad-spectrum formulations. The approach aligns with patient symptom patterns and may improve efficacy and asthma prevention. Future research could further refine species selection and leverage molecular diversity to optimize treatment strategies.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number4
JournalCurrent Treatment Options in Allergy
Volume13
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 9 Feb 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0009-0007-1117-2210/work/206635912

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Aerobiology, Allergen immunotherapy, Allergic rhinitis, Climate change, Grass pollen allergy