Poppy Seed Allergy: Molecular Diagnosis and Cross-Reactivity With Tree Nuts

Area of Science:

• Food allergy research
• Immunology
• Clinical diagnostics

Background:

• Poppy seed (PS) allergy can cause severe reactions, particularly in individuals with existing tree nut and seed allergies.
• Diagnostic criteria and sensitization patterns for PS allergy are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of poppy seed (PS) extract and individual PS allergens.
• To investigate cross-reactivities between PS allergens and allergens from tree nuts and buckwheat.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 36 PS-sensitized patients, including oral food challenges (OFC).
• Identification of novel PS allergens and comparison of diagnostic performance of specific IgE (sIgE) to PS extract versus individual allergens.
• Assessment of cross-reactivity using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Main Results:

• Four novel PS allergens identified: Pap s 1 (vicilin), Pap s 1 (27-424) (α-hairpinin), Pap s 2 (legumin), and Pap s 3.
• High sensitivity and specificity for PS extract and α-hairpinin sIgE in diagnosing PS allergy.
• Significant cross-reactivity observed between PS vicilin/legumin and hazelnut/buckwheat, and α-hairpinin sIgE with almond.

Conclusions:

• Poppy seed (PS) extract and α-hairpinin-specific IgE (sIgE) are highly sensitive diagnostic markers for PS allergy.
• Vicilin and legumin sIgE levels suggest a role in concurrent sensitization to hazelnut and buckwheat.