Allergen,Individual-Grass pollen Timothy Grass Ghass (Phleum Pratense)

Grass pollens are the principal causes of respiratory allergic disease globally. The IgE reactivity to these allergens is manifested by about 40% of allergic patients and 20% of the general population. Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) is one of the most common grass species that produces pollen allergens.

Allergenicity of timothy grass results from a number of allergen components, such as Phl p 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13. Among these allergen molecules, Phl p 1 is the most important and the key allergen of timothy grass triggering specific IgE reaction in more than 90% of sensitized individuals, followed by Phl p 5 affecting 65-90% of grass pollen allergic patients. Phl p 12 sensitization was found to increase with age. The allergen molecules of timothy grass show extensive cross-reactivity with grasses belonging to the family Poaceae and subfamily Pooideae and some corn and maize species.

An allergy to Timothy grass triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Associated Tests: Allergy - Adult (Comprehensive) Panel , Allergy Screening 

Written by : Supriya Kulkarni, Lead-Content & Training

Reviewed by : Dr. Alap Christry M.D. AVP-Lab Operations & Scientific Business Head-Clinical Chemistry