Association Between Peach and Olive Pollen Non-Specific Lipid Transfer Protein Allergy and HLA Class II Phenotype

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Allergology

Background:

• Co-sensitization to olive pollen (Ole e 7) and peach (Pru p 3) non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) is prevalent in Southern Spain.
• The role of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II alleles in nsLTP sensitization remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between specific HLA class II alleles and sensitization to Ole e 7 and Pru p 3.
• To explore the potential role of HLA-nsLTP epitope binding affinity in allergy development.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of HLA class II alleles in patients with monosensitization (Ole e 7 or Pru p 3) and bisensitization.
• In silico prediction of T-cell epitopes from nsLTPs using the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB).
• Analysis of HLA-epitope binding affinity to assess presentation potential.

Main Results:

• Increased frequencies of HLA-DRB1*11 and DQB1*03 were observed in Pru p 3-monosensitized patients.
• A higher frequency of HLA-DRB1*04 was found in Ole e 7-monosensitized patients.
• High binding affinity of Pru p 3 epitopes to DRB1*11 and Ole e 7 epitopes to DRB1*04 was predicted, suggesting favored presentation. Low DQB1*05 frequency and poor binding affinity suggested a protective role.

Conclusions:

• Specific HLA class II alleles, particularly DRB1*11 and DRB1*04, are significantly associated with nsLTP sensitization.
• HLA-epitope binding affinity may play a crucial role in determining individual susceptibility to nsLTP allergy.
• HLA-DQB1*05 may act as a protective factor against nsLTP sensitization.