Behavior of profilins in atmosphere and in vitro, and their relationship with the performance of airborne pollen

In recent years, it has been demonstrated that the air carries not only airborne pollen but also plant particles of smaller size having allergenic activity and contributing to the real allergenic activity in the atmosphere. Moreover, several meteorological features drastically affect the occurrence of pollen grains in the air and allergen release from the grain itself. The purpose of this study was to analyze the dynamics of airborne pollen and allergen in two Mediterranean cities having contrasting meteorological conditions. The dynamics of pollen concentration were compared to the amounts of airborne pan-allergen profilin present in the atmosphere.