Molecular allergen sensitization drives phenotypes of severe asthma in
children: evidence from a megacity cohort (SAMP)
Abstract
Background : Several major sensitization profiles have
been described in children with asthma, but it remains unclear how these
profiles relate to asthma phenotypes. The aim of this study was to
determine allergenic sensitization profiles in a megacity cohort (SAMP).
Methods : This was a cross-sectional analysis performed
from 2011 to 2015 including preschool and school-age children with
severe and moderate asthma from the SAMP cohort. We performed ALEX
multiplex array and carried out cluster analysis. Results: Data
from 367 children were analysed: 224 of preschool age and 143 of school
age, respectively 84 (38%) and 114 (80%) presented at least one
allergic sensitization. At preschool age, three clusters were
identified: Cluster 1, Few sensitizations to inhaled allergen molecular
families and non-type 2 (T2) inflammation (n=61); Cluster 2, Predominant
sensitization to HDM molecular families. (n=16); Cluster 3, Severe
asthma with multiple sensitizations to inhaled and food allergen
molecular families (n=7). At school age, five clusters were identified:
Cluster 1, Few sensitizations to inhaled allergen molecular families and
non-T2 inflammation (n=43); Cluster 2, Predominant sensitization to HDM
molecular families (n=31); Cluster 3, Predominant sensitization to PR-10
family (n=25); Cluster 4, Severe asthma with predominant sensitization
to tropomyosin family (n=11); Cluster 5, Severe asthma with multiple
sensitizations to inhaled and food allergen molecular families (n=4).
Conclusion: These results underline the heterogeneity of
sensitization profiles in severe allergic childhood asthma. The most
severe asthma phenotypes were associated with multiple sensitizations to
both inhaled and food allergen molecular families as expected, and to
the tropomyosin molecular family, a novel finding.