Pollen-derived extracellular vesicles promotes allergic airway inflammation

Background: Asthma remains a global health burden, affecting over 300 million individuals worldwide, with its pathogenesis involving complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental allergens. Pollen is a well-established trigger of allergic asthma. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its allergenic activity remain incompletely understood. Recent advances have highlighted the emerging role of plant-derived extracellular vesicles in immune modulation. Notably, pollen-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have been identified as carriers of allergenic proteins. Therefore, this study investigates whether pollen contains extracellular vesicles(EVs) and whether these vesicles can induce allergic airway inflammation. Methods: using a murine asthma model. Results: . PDEVs enhanced inflammatory cytokine production IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33 expression, and promoted eosinophilic, neutrophilic infiltration in murine. Conclusion: Our findings suggest extracellular vesicles present in pollen grains, which may represent a critical mechanism underlying pollen-induced airway inflammation. Targeting PDEVs may offer new therapeutic strategies for allergic airway diseases prevention and treatment.