The role of profilin and lipid transfer protein in strawberry allergy in the Mediterranean area

Background: Whether the observed clinical pattern of non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP)-mediated food allergies is attributable to a primary sensitization by Pru p 3 from peach and subsequent cross-reactivity with Rosaceae- and non-Rosaceae-derived foods expressing homologous allergens is still unclear. Objective: To investigate the allergenic properties of nsLTPs from Rosaceae and non-Rosaceae foods. Methods: In peach-, cherry- or hazelnut-allergic patients, prevalence of sensitization, IgE-binding capacity, cross-reactivity and allergenic potency of Pru p 3 was compared with Pru av 3 (cherry) and Cor a 8 (hazelnut). Results: Frequency of sensitization to corresponding nsLTPs was 88, 85, and 77% in peach-, hazelnut- and cherry-allergic patients, respectively. Concomitant allergic reactions to cherry and hazelnut were reported in 51 and 44% of peach-allergic patients, respectively. In contrast to cherry allergy, hazelnut allergy was not strictly associated to peach allergy. Sensitization to Cor a 8 or Pru av 3 was strongly correlated with IgE reactivity to Pru p 3, even when subjects tolerated peach. Specific IgE was highest for Rosaceae LTPs, and cross-inhibition experiments confirmed a stronger IgE-binding capacity of Pru p 3 than Cor a 8. The biological potency of Pru p 3 and Pru av 3 was similar but stronger for both nsLTPs than that of Cor a 8. Conclusion: Clinical cross-reactivity of food-allergic patients in the Mediterranean area is likely attributed to a primary sensitization to Pru p 3 and serological cross-reactivity with homologous food nsLTPs. In comparison to Cor a 8, Rosaceae nsLTPs showed a stronger IgE-binding capacity and allergenic potency indicating a different epitope pattern.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 77%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparison of IgE-Binding Capacity, Cross-Reactivity and Biological Potency of Allergenic Non-Specific Lipid Transfer Proteins from Peach, Cherry and Hazelnut

Hartz

Lauer

Moncín

et al. 2010

“…Corecognition between strawberry pollen and strawberry juice is, however, conceivable. Zuidmeer et al [32 ]demonstrated that strawberry also contains allergens with high molecular weights (20–28, 40–80 kDa). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Allergy in Strawberry Greenhouse Workers

Patiwael¹,

Vullings²,

Jong³

et al. 2009

Background: Employees in strawberry greenhouses are highly exposed to several (potential) allergenic agents. However, no occupational allergy in this branch has been described before. First, the presence of work-related allergic symptoms in strawberry workers was explored. Second, we aimed to prove the concept that an IgE-mediated allergy could be responsible for work-related symptoms. To test the possibility of an IgE response secondary to cross-reactivity to birch or grass pollen, inhibition experiments were performed. Methods: First, a questionnaire survey concerning work-related allergic symptoms among strawberry workers in the Netherlands was carried out. Second, 3 workers with work-related symptoms were investigated in detail. Skin tests, serum-specific IgE tests with home-made extracts of strawberry pollen and other possible allergenic agents of the strawberry greenhouse environment were executed. Furthermore, immunoblots and nasal provocations with strawberry pollen extract were performed. In addition, inhibition experiments were performed. Results: 29 of 75 questionnaire respondents (38.7%) reported work-related symptoms. Sensitization to strawberry pollen was found in skin tests in all 3 employees with work-related symptoms. ELISA and immunoblotting with strawberry pollen showed positive results in 2 employees. Birch and grass pollen failed to inhibit IgE binding to strawberry pollen in 1 of 2 employees. Partial inhibition was seen in the second employee. Nasal provocation validated clinically relevant allergy to these pollens in 2 of 3 subjects. Conclusions: Allergic symptoms attributable to the workplace are present among a proportion of strawberry greenhouse employees. An IgE-mediated occupational allergy to strawberry pollen may contribute to these symptoms.

“…The same protocol was used for RAST inhibitions, with a 2-hour pre-incubation of 50 µl of serum with 50 µl of inhibitor diluted in PBS/AT (0.3% BSA and 0.2% Tween, pH 7.4) before the addition of Sepharose-coupled allergen. For grape LTP inhibition, 8-fold serial dilutions of extracts (initial concentrations 5 mg/ml) from grape, peach, apple, hazelnut, olive pollen, Parietaria and peanut or purified natural (n) or recombinant (r) grape (nVit v 1), strawberry (rFra a 3) [15], hazelnut (nCor a 8) [unpubl. data], maize (nZea m 14) [16], sunflower (nHel a 3) [17] or wheat rLTP [18] used at a concentration of 50 µg/ml.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Severe Immediate Allergic Reactions to Grapes: Part of a Lipid Transfer Protein-Associated Clinical Syndrome

Vassilopoulou

Zuidmeer

Akkerdaas

et al. 2007

Background: Grape allergy is considered rare; grape lipid transfer protein (LTP; Vit v 1), an endochitinase and a thaumatin-like protein (TLP) have been reported as grape allergens. A considerable number of patients have referred to our department for severe reactions to grapes, and several IgE binding proteins were detected. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify and characterise the allergens involved in severe allergic reactions to grapes and describe the population in which they occur. Methods: Patients with reported severe allergic reactions to grapes (n = 37) are described. Grape allergens were purified/fractionated by a combination of chromatographic techniques, identified by proteomic analysis and biochemically characterised. Immunoreactivity was assessed by blot (inhibitions) and RAST (inhibitions), and skin prick tests were performed with the isolated allergens. Results: All subjects were polyallergic, sensitised and reactive to several additional foods and pollen. All patients were sensitised to grape LTP. A 28-kDa expansin, a 37.5-kDa polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein, a 39-kDa β-1,3-glucanase and a 60-kDa protein were identified as minor grape allergens. Endochitinase and TLP did not play a role. Inhibition experiments revealed the possible cross-reactive role of LTP for clinical sensitivities to other LTP-containing plant foods, but also the involvement of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants of minor allergens in IgE cross-reactivity. Conclusions: LTP is the major grape allergen, while additional minor allergens may contribute to clinical reactivity. Severe grape allergy presents in atopic patients who frequently react to other LTP-containing, plant-derived foods. The ‘LTP syndrome’ is the appropriate term to describe this condition.