Lack of detectable allergenicity of transgenic maize and soya samples.
BACKGROUND
The safety issues regarding foods derived from genetically modified (GM) plants are central to their acceptance into the food supply. The potential allergenicity of proteins newly introduced in GM foods is a major safety concern.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to monitor, in potentially sensitive human populations, the allergenicity effects of 5 GM materials obtained from sources with no allergenic potential and already under commercialization in the European Union.


METHODS
We have performed skin prick tests with protein extracts prepared from transgenic maize (MON810, Bt11, T25, Bt176) and soya (Roundup Ready) samples and from nontransgenic control samples in 2 sensitive groups: children with food and inhalant allergy and individuals with asthma-rhinitis. We have also tested IgE immunoblot reactivity of sera from patients with food allergy to soya (Roundup Ready) and maize (MON810, Bt11, Bt176) samples, as well as to the pure transgenic proteins (CryIA[b] and CP4 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase).


RESULTS
None of the individuals undergoing tests reacted differentially to the transgenic and nontransgenic samples under study. None of the volunteers tested presented detectable IgE antibodies against pure transgenic proteins.


CONCLUSIONS
The transgenic products under testing seem to be safe in terms of allergenic potential. We propose postmarket testing as an important screening strategy for putative allergic sensitization to proteins introduced in transgenic plants.
Batista
Rita
R
Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal. rbatista@itqb.unl.pt
Nunes
Baltazar
B
Carmo
Manuela
M
Cardoso
Carlos
C
José
Helena São
HS
de Almeida
António Bugalho
AB
Manique
Alda
A
Bento
Leonor
L
Ricardo
Cândido Pinto
CP
Oliveira
Maria Margarida
MM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D012449:Safety; D012882:Skin Tests; D013025:Glycine max / Q000276:immunology*; D003313:Zea mays / Q000276:immunology*
D007073:Immunoglobulin E