[Clinical importance of cross-reactivity between allergens]

Cross reactivity describes the development of symptoms as a consequence of the presence of specific IgE to a protein without the subject having had previous contact with that protein. Cross-reactivity depends on factors such as the individual's immune response, the type and intensity of exposure and, above all, the type of allergen. The identification of pan-allergens, which are present in various animal and vegetable sources and which show great structural and sequential similarity, even among species with little taxonomic relation, explains the existence of distinct, well-defined cross-reactivity syndromes. Knowledge of these phenomena could have important diagnostic and therapeutic consequences.