Comparison of IgE-binding capacity, cross-reactivity and biological potency of allergenic non-specific lipid transfer proteins from peach, cherry and hazelnut.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hartz
Christina
C
Division of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany.
Lauer
Iris
I
del Mar San Miguel Moncin
Maria
M
Cistero-Bahima
Anna
A
Foetisch
Kay
K
Lidholm
Jonas
J
Vieths
Stefan
S
Scheurer
Stephan
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D052179:Antigens, Plant / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D031211:Corylus; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D019083:Mediterranean Region; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015995:Prevalence; D011485:Protein Binding; D027861:Prunus; D027824:Rosaceae
D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D002352:Carrier Proteins; C527352:Cor a 8 allergen, Corylus avellana; D010940:Plant Proteins; C514372:Pru av 3 allergen, Prunus avium; C463181:Pru p 3 allergen; C511920:lipid transfer proteins, plant; D007073:Immunoglobulin E