ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION Ragweed pollen is one of the most important sources of allergenic proteins in different parts of the Americas, and it is widespread globally. Although ragweed pollination begins in midsummer and extends to late autumn, its pollinating season varies depending on the geographical location. Immunotherapy with ragweed allergen vaccine has been established as a variably effective therapeutic regimen for ragweed-allergic patients. There are many other allergenic weeds, both related and unrelated to ragweed. Ragweeds, by far, are the most important clinically and hence have been studied thoroughly. Investigators, using molecular biological techniques, have succeeded in advancing the knowledge of the allergenic constituents of ragweed and have provided information on the molecular structure of its allergens and their potential cross-reactivity. Special attention is given in this chapter to the integration of the morphological, taxonomical, and aerobiological aspects, as well as the biochemical and clinically relevant aspects of weed pollen allergens.
