Emerging Hop Japanese Pollinosis in Asia

Abstract

Hop Japanese (Hop J) pollen has been considered one of the major causative pollen allergens in Far East Asia in the autumn season. The sensitization rate, pollen count, and allergenicity of Hop J pollens are increasing in this region because of increased air pollution and global warming. However, commercial skin test agents for the diagnosis and allergen extracts for the allergen immunotherapy are not available. This review summarizes recent data on clinical impact of Hop J pollinosis in order to facilitate the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents for this region.