Far UV Exposure (UV₂₂₂) Decreases Immune-Based Recognition of Common Airborne Allergens

Airborne allergens (aeroallergens) significantly contribute to respiratory allergies and asthma. Traditional methods such as cleaning and allergen avoidance have shown mixed results in improving health outcomes in sensitized individuals, and effective control of airborne protein allergens remains a practical challenge within the built environment. To address this challenge, this study developed a controlled experimental system to generate respirable particles (≤ 10 μm) containing common aeroallergens from mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen, in both dust and purified forms. Allergens were aerosolized into a 10 m3 controlled environment chamber where the contents were either exposed to a calibrated UV222 irradiation field or left untreated (control). Respirable aerosols containing allergens were subsequently collected by condensation capture at 10 min intervals over the course of an hour to evaluate allergen stability. Aeroallergens were quantified using an antibody-based immunoassay, which relies on intact protein conformation for antibody-allergen recognition, binding, and quantification. In a time frame relevant to indoor air exchange rates (30 min), statistically significant reductions in airborne allergen levels were observed in response to UV222 doses ≤ 16.8 mJ/cm2 when compared to otherwise identical control conditions. These results suggest that UV222 may be engineered for use as an aeroallergen intervention strategy.