title: Maturity and storage influence on the apple (Malus domestica) allergen Mal d 3, a nonspecific lipid transfer protein.
abstract: Consumption of apples can provoke severe allergic reactions, in susceptible individuals, due to the presence of the allergen Mal d 3, a nonspecific lipid transfer protein, found largely in the fruit skin. Levels of Mal d 3 were determined in peel as a function of apple cultivar, position of the fruit growing on the tree, apple maturity, and postharvest storage by ELISA. As the apples mature, Mal d 3 levels increased, although the rate was dependent on cultivar and tree position. During storage, levels of Mal d 3 decreased in all cultivars (cvs. Cox, Jonagored, and Gala), the rate of overall decrease being greatest under controlled atmosphere conditions. There was no correlation between Mal d 3 levels and total apple peel protein, indicating specific alterations in Mal d 3 expression. Thus pre- and postharvest treatments (i.e., storage) can modify the allergen load in apple peel, the highest levels being found in overly mature and freshly harvested fruits.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich NR47UA, United Kingdom. ana.sancho@bbsrc.ac.uk
authors.forename: Ana I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Sancho
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Foxall
authors.forename: Neil M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Rigby
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: Laurian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zuidmeer
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van Ree
authors.forename: Keith W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Waldron
authors.forename: E N Clare
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Mills
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis*; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005519:Food Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D005638:Fruit / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000276:immunology*; D027845:Malus / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D002352:Carrier Proteins; C463180:Mal d 3 allergen