Pru p 3, a marker allergen for lipid transfer protein (LTP)-sensitization also in Central Europe

Abstract

In the Mediterranean area, lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are important causes of plant food allergies often associated with severe allergic reactions. There, peach LTP (Pru p 3) seems to be the primary sensitizer, whereas in Central Europe little is known about the importance of LTP-sensitization. In this region allergen extract based diagnosis is often complicated by co-sensitization to Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, its cross-reactive food allergens and profilins. We investigated the role of LTP-sensitization in Central European patients displaying strong allergic reactions to plant-derived food. Analysis of IgE-reactivity revealed that ten of thirteen patients were sensitized to Pru p 3, nine to Bet v 1and two to profilin. Our results showed that LTP-sensitization represents a risk factor for severe allergic symptoms in Central Europe. Furthermore, the strong IgE reactivity detected in immunoblots of plant food extracts indicated that Pru p 3 can be used as a marker allergen for LTP-sensitization also in Central European patients.

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