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Tomato profilin Lyc e 1: IgE cross-reactivity and allergenic potency
S Westphal1, W Kempf, K Foetisch
1Department of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany.
Allergy
|April 15, 2004
Summary
Tomato profilin is identified as a new minor allergen responsible for allergic reactions. This protein shows cross-reactivity with other profilins, potentially causing symptoms in tomato-allergic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Food allergy research
- Molecular allergology
- Plant allergen characterization
Background:
- Limited data exists on tomato allergens.
- Profilins are suspected to cause allergic reactions to tomatoes.
- Understanding tomato allergens is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize tomato profilin as a potential allergen.
- To investigate the IgE reactivity and cross-reactivity of tomato profilin.
- To confirm the allergenic activity of tomato profilin.
Main Methods:
- Amplification and cloning of tomato profilin cDNA.
- Recombinant protein expression in E. coli and purification.
- Immunoblot, ELISA, IgE-inhibition, and basophil histamine release assays.
Main Results:
- Tomato profilin identified as a new minor allergen.
- Recombinant profilin showed IgE reactivity in 22% of patients.
- Strong cross-reactivity observed with other food and pollen profilins.
- Tomato profilin induced histamine release from human basophils.
Conclusions:
- Tomato profilin is a biologically active minor allergen.
- It has the potential to cause clinical symptoms in allergic patients.
- Further research on profilin-related allergies is warranted.