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Published on: October 25, 2018
[Plant food allergy: apple as a model]
Branko Pevec1, Mira Radulović-Pevec, Asja Stipić-Marković
1Department of Clinical Immunology, Pulmonology and Rheumatology, Sveti Duh General Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia. branko.pevec@zg.htnet.hr
Summary
Plant food allergies range from mild to severe reactions due to diverse allergens and cross-reactivity. Apple, a common food, serves as a model to explore plant food hypersensitivity mechanisms and management.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Food Science
Context:
- Plant food allergies present a wide clinical spectrum, from oral symptoms to anaphylaxis.
- Allergen similarity and cross-reactivity between foods, pollens, and venoms complicate sensitization.
- Apples are nutritionally significant yet a frequent cause of allergic reactions.
Purpose:
- To review allergic sensitization mechanisms in plant food hypersensitivity.
- To explore clinical manifestations, allergen variability, and diagnostic/therapeutic strategies.
- To utilize apple as a model for understanding plant food allergies.
Summary:
- Plant food allergies stem from diverse allergens and cross-reactive homologous proteins.
- Apple allergens are well-characterized, with homologues in other foods, making it a suitable model.
- The review covers sensitization, clinical presentations, allergen variability, and management of plant food allergies.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of plant food allergy using apple as a model.
- Enhances understanding of cross-reactivity and allergen variability in food hypersensitivity.
- Informs diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for managing plant food allergies.
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