Latex-fruit syndrome.
Natural rubber latex immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity is probably one of the most relevant challenges that has been faced in the treatment of allergies during recent years. Additionally, allergen cross-reactivity has arisen as another very important problem, in the difficulty in diagnosing it and in its clinical implications. It is clear that some latex allergens cross-react with plant-derived food allergens, the so-called latex-fruit syndrome, with evident clinical consequences. Although the foods most frequently involved are banana, avocado, kiwi, and chestnut, several others are also implicated. Investigations point to a group of defense-related plant proteins, class I chitinases, which cross-react with a major latex allergen, hevein, as the panallergens responsible for the syndrome. This review focuses on our current understanding of the latex-fruit syndrome.
Blanco
Carlos
C
Servicio de Alergia, Hospital Universitario Dr. Negrín, c/Barrenco de la Ballena s/n, 35012 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. cblague@gobiernodecanarias.org
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000502:physiology; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005638:Fruit / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects; D013577:Syndrome
D000485:Allergens; D010940:Plant Proteins; C053376:pathogenesis-related proteins, plant