Narrative review reveals Ailanthus altissima as an emerging aeroallergen in urban populations, highlighting the need for standardized diagnostic extracts and aerobiological surveillance.
Key Points
To evaluate the emerging role of Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) pollen as a respiratory aeroallergen and identify regional diagnostic, aerobiological, and clinical evidence gaps.
Synthesized evidence from published clinical case reports, sensitization investigations, molecular allergen characterizations, and aerobiological monitoring records.
Compared ecological distribution, pollen dynamics, and diagnostic considerations of Ailanthus altissima against established aeroallergens such as ragweed and Platanus.
Identified Ailanthus altissima pollen as an emerging but under-recognized trigger for allergic rhinitis and asthma, particularly in colonized urban centers.
Documented substantial clinical gaps, including an absence of standardized diagnostic extracts, incomplete molecular characterization, and a lack of routine aerobiological monitoring or regional sensitization data.