The potential allergenicity of two 2S albumins from soybean (Glycine max): a protein microarray approach

Legume Allergens Pea, Chickpea, Lentil, Lupine and Beyond

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

In the last decade, an increasing trend towards a supposedly healthier vegan diet could be observed. However, recently, more cases of allergic reactions to plants and plant-based products such as meat-substitution products, which are often prepared with legumes, were reported. Here, we provide the current knowledge on legume allergen sources and the respective single allergens. We answer the question of which legumes beside the well-known food allergen sources peanut and soybean should be considered for diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

RECENT FINDINGS

These "non-priority" legumes, including beans, pea, lentils, chickpea, lupine, cowpea, pigeon pea, and fenugreek, are potentially new important allergen sources, causing mild-to-severe allergic reactions. Severe reactions have been described particularly for peas and lupine. An interesting aspect is the connection between anaphylactic reactions and exercise (food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis), which has only recently been highlighted for legumes such as soybean, lentils and chickpea. Most allergic reactions derive from IgE cross-reactions to homologous proteins, for example between peanut and lupine, which is of particular importance for peanut-allergic individuals ignorant to these cross-reactions. From our findings we conclude that there is a need for large-scale studies that are geographically distinctive because most studies are case reports, and geographic differences of allergic diseases towards these legumes have already been discovered for well-known "Big 9" allergen sources such as peanut and soybean. Furthermore, the review illustrates the need for a better molecular diagnostic for these emerging non-priority allergen sources to evaluate IgE cross-reactivities to known allergens and identify true allergic reactions.

Advances in the Study of Probiotics for Immunomodulation and Intervention in Food Allergy

Food allergies are a serious food safety and public health issue. Soybean, dairy, aquatic, poultry, and nut products are common allergens inducing allergic reactions and adverse symptoms such as atopic dermatitis, allergic eczema, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Probiotics are assumed as an essential ingredient in maintaining intestinal microorganisms' composition. They have unique physiological roles and therapeutic effects in maintaining the mucosal barrier, immune function, and gastrointestinal tract, inhibiting the invasion of pathogenic bacteria, and preventing diarrhea and food allergies. Multiple pieces of evidence reveal a significant disruptive effect of probiotics on food allergy pathology and progression mechanisms. Thus, this review describes the allergenic proteins as an entry point and briefly describes the application of probiotics in allergenic foods. Then, the role of probiotics in preventing and curing allergic diseases by regulating human immunity through intestinal flora and intestinal barrier, modulating host immune active cells, and improving host amino acid metabolism are described in detail. The anti-allergic role of probiotics in the function and metabolism of the gastrointestinal tract has been comprehensively explored to furnish insights for relieving food allergy symptoms and preventing food allergy.

Effect of O-linked glycosylation on the antigenicity, cellular uptake and trafficking in dendritic cells of recombinant Ber e 1

Ber e 1, a major Brazil nut allergen, has been successfully produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris expression system as homogenous recombinant Ber e 1 (rBer e 1) with similar physicochemical properties and identical immunoreactivity to its native counterpart, nBer e 1. However, O-linked glycans was detected on the P.pastoris-derived rBer e 1, which is not naturally present in nBer e 1, and may contribute to the allergic sensitisation. In this study, we addressed the glycosylation differences between P. pastoris-derived recombinant Ber e 1 and its native counterparts. We also determined whether this fungal glycosylation could affect the antigenicity and immunogenicity of the rBer e 1 by using dendritic cells (DC) as an immune cell model due to their role in modulating the immune response. We identified that the glycosylation occurs at Ser96, Ser101 and Ser110 on the large chain and Ser19 on the small polypeptide chain of rBer e 1 only. The glycosylation on rBer e 1 was shown to elicit varying degree of antigenicity by binding to different combination of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) at different frequencies compared to nBer e 1 when tested using human DC-T cell assay. However, both forms of Ber e 1 are weak immunogens based from their low response indexes (RI). Glycans present on rBer e 1 were shown to increase the efficiency of the protein recognition and internalization by murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (bmDC) via C-type lectin receptors, particularly the mannose receptor (MR), compared to the non-glycosylated nBer e 1 and SFA8, a weak allergenic 2S albumin protein from sunflower seed. Binding of glycosylated rBer e 1 to MR alone was found to not induce the production of IL-10 that modulates bmDC to polarise Th2 cell response by suppressing IL-12 production and DC maturation. Our findings suggest that the O-linked glycosylation by P. pastoris has a small but measurable effect on the in vitro antigenicity of the rBer e 1 compared to its non-glycosylated counterpart, nBer e 1, and thus may influence its applications in diagnostics and immunotherapy.

The forgotten 2S albumin proteins: Importance, structure, and biotechnological application in agriculture and human health

2S albumin proteins are a group of important seed storage proteins (SSPs) essential to seeds at early and late developmental stages, by providing amino acids and other nutrients during germination and for seed defense. 2S albumins possess a well-conserved cysteine supporting the stability of temperature, pH, and proteolysis. The 3D structure rich in alpha-helices and positively charged is particularly suited for antibacterial and antifungal activity, which is presented by many 2S albumins. However, the hypervariable region present in 2S albumins induces allergenic reactions. Because of that, 2S albumins have never been recognized for their biotechnological potential. However, the development of servers used for the rational design of antimicrobial molecules has now brought a new application to 2S albumins, acting as a model to design antimicrobial molecules without the toxic or allergenic effects of 2S albumins. Therefore, this review is focused on discussing the importance of 2S albumins to seed development and defense and the biochemical, structural and functional properties of these proteins thought to play a role in their antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the application of 2S albumins to design synthetic antimicrobial peptides is discussed, potentially bringing new functions to these forgotten proteins.

Genomic changes and biochemical alterations of seed protein and oil content in a subset of fast neutron induced soybean mutants

BACKGROUND

Soybean is subjected to genetic manipulation by breeding, mutation, and transgenic approaches to produce value-added quality traits. Among those genetic approaches, mutagenesis through fast neutrons radiation is intriguing because it yields a variety of mutations, including single/multiple gene deletions and/or duplications. Characterizing the seed composition of the fast neutron mutants and its relationship with gene mutation is useful towards understanding oil and protein traits in soybean.

RESULTS

From a large population of fast neutron mutagenized plants, we selected ten mutants based on a screening of total oil and protein content using near infra-red spectroscopy. These ten mutants were regrown, and the seeds were analyzed for oil by GC-MS, protein profiling by SDS-PAGE and gene mapping by comparative genomic hybridization. The mutant 2R29C14Cladecr233cMN15 (nicknamed in this study as L10) showed higher protein and lower oil content compared to the wild type, followed by three other lines (nicknamed in this study as L03, L05, and L06). We characterized the fatty acid methyl esters profile of the trans-esterified oil and found the presence of five major fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids) at varying proportions among the mutants. Protein profile using SDS-PAGE of the ten mutants did exhibit discernable variation between storage (glycinin and β-conglycinin) and anti-nutritional factor (trypsin inhibitor) proteins. In addition, we physically mapped the position of the gene deletions or duplications in each mutant using comparative genomic hybridization.

CONCLUSION

Characterization of oil and protein profile in soybean fast neutron mutants will assist scientist and breeders to develop new value-added soybeans with improved protein and oil quality traits.

Simplified Tracking of a Soy Allergen in Processed Food Using a Monoclonal Antibody-Based Sandwich ELISA Targeting the Soybean 2S Albumin Gly m 8

Soybean allergens in food samples are currently detected in most cases using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on antibodies raised against bulk soybean proteins or specifically targeting soybean trypsin inhibitor, conglycinin, or glycinin. The various commercial ELISAs lack standardized reference material, and the results are often inaccurate because the antibodies cross-react with proteins from other legumes. Furthermore, the isolation of allergenic proteins involves laborious denaturing extraction conditions. To tackle these challenges, we have developed a novel sandwich ELISA based on monoclonal antibodies raised against the soybean 2S albumin Gly m 8 and a recombinant Gly m 8 reference protein with native-analogous characteristics. The antibodies do not cross-react with other legume proteins, and the extraordinary stability and solubility of Gly m 8 allows it to be extracted even from complex matrices after processing. The Gly m 8 ELISA therefore achieves greater specificity and reproducibility than current ELISA tests.

Antibody Cross-Reactivity between Proteins of Chia Seed ( Salvia hispanica L.) and Other Food Allergens

Chia seeds are becoming increasingly common in Europe because of their functional and nutritional properties. Despite this, few studies have focused on the allergic potential and antibody cross-reactivity among storage proteins in chia seed and other plants. The aim of this study was to identify chia seed's immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding proteins ( Salvia hispanica L.) and to investigate the antibody cross-reactivity among its storage proteins and those of other seeds. Extracted chia seed proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Immunodetection was performed with commercial antibodies against sesame seed, hazelnut, and peanut and sera from 33 patients with a hazelnut allergy and five with a sesame allergy. Cross-reactivity of certain antibodies with storage proteins of chia seed, sesame seed, and hazelnut was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition, blot inhibition, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. IgG binding proteins were identified at molecular weight (MW) 70, 49, 34, 23, and 20 kDa by applying commercial antibodies. Furthermore, the interaction of chia proteins with sera from sesame-allergic patients led to identify IgE binding proteins at MW 49, 45, 31, 20, and 12 kDa, while IgEs in sera from hazelnut-allergic patients reacted with proteins at MW 300, 140, 49, 45, 31, 20, and 6 kDa. The results of ELISA inhibition and blot inhibition indicated chia seed proteins are similar to sesame seed and hazelnut proteins in the primary structure. The antisesame antibodies' binding to sesame proteins was more strongly inhibited by the chia globulin fraction (GLO) than the antihazelnut antibodies' binding to hazelnut proteins. SPR results confirmed the presence of IgG binding proteins in GLO and the high similarity of epitopes on globulins of chia seed and sesame seed. Thus, chia seed consumption might lead to cross-sensitization in patients with a sesame allergy.

Food Allergens: Is There a Correlation between Stability to Digestion and Allergenicity?

Food allergy is a major health problem in the Western countries, affecting 3-8% of the population. It has not yet been established what makes a dietary protein a food allergen. Several characteristics have been proposed to be shared by food allergens. One of these is resistance to digestion. This paper reviews data from digestibility studies on purified food allergens and evaluates the predictive value of digestibility tests on the allergenic potential. We point out that food allergens do not necessarily resist digestion. We discuss how the choice of in vitro digestibility assay condition and the method used for detection of residual intact protein as well as fragments hereof may greatly influence the outcome as well as the interpretation of results. The finding that digests from food allergens may retain allergenicity, stresses the importance of using immunological assays for evaluating the allergenic potential of food allergen digestion products. Studies assessing the allergenicity of digestion products, by either IgE-binding, elicitation or sensitizing capacity, shows that digestion may abolish, decrease, have no effect, or even increase the allergenicity of food allergens. Therefore, the predictive value of the pepsin resistance test for assessing the allergenic potential of novel proteins can be questioned.

Current challenges facing the assessment of the allergenic capacity of food allergens in animal models

Food allergy is a major health problem of increasing concern. The insufficiency of protein sources for human nutrition in a world with a growing population is also a significant problem. The introduction of new protein sources into the diet, such as newly developed innovative foods or foods produced using new technologies and production processes, insects, algae, duckweed, or agricultural products from third countries, creates the opportunity for development of new food allergies, and this in turn has driven the need to develop test methods capable of characterizing the allergenic potential of novel food proteins. There is no doubt that robust and reliable animal models for the identification and characterization of food allergens would be valuable tools for safety assessment. However, although various animal models have been proposed for this purpose, to date, none have been formally validated as predictive and none are currently suitable to test the allergenic potential of new foods. Here, the design of various animal models are reviewed, including among others considerations of species and strain, diet, route of administration, dose and formulation of the test protein, relevant controls and endpoints measured.

What Characteristics Confer Proteins the Ability to Induce Allergic Responses? IgE Epitope Mapping and Comparison of the Structure of Soybean 2S Albumins and Ara h 2

Ara h 2, a peanut 2S albumin, is associated with severe allergic reactions, but a homologous protein, soybean 2S albumin, is not recognized as an important allergen. Structural difference between these proteins might explain this clinical discrepancy. Therefore, we mapped sequential epitopes and compared the structure of Ara h 2, Soy Al 1, and Soy Al 3 (Gly m 8) to confirm whether structural differences account for the discrepancy in clinical responses to these two proteins. Commercially synthesized peptides covering the full length of Ara h 2 and two soybean 2S albumins were analyzed by peptide microarray. Sera from 10 patients with peanut and soybean allergies and seven non-atopic controls were examined. The majority of epitopes in Ara h 2 identified by microarray are consistent with those identified previously. Several regions in the 2S albumins are weakly recognized by individual sera from different patients. A comparison of allergenic epitopes on peanut and soybean proteins suggests that loop-helix type secondary structures and some amino acids with a large side chain including lone electron pair, such as arginine, glutamine, and tyrosine, makes the peptides highly recognizable by the immune system. By utilizing the peptide microarray assay, we mapped IgE epitopes of Ara h 2 and two soybean 2S albumins. The use of peptide microarray mapping and analysis of the epitope characteristics may provide critical information to access the allergenicity of food proteins.

Ber e 1 protein: the versatile major allergen from Brazil nut seeds

Due mainly to its extremely high content of sulphur amino acids, Ber e 1 protein, the major allergen from Brazil nut, has attracted much scientific and press attention. Ber e 1 was the main target protein in early biotechnology transgenic work, in early processing studies of plant storage proteins, in plant vacuolar targeting studies and as the main protein in early nutritional supplementation experiments. Ber e 1 was also one of the first food allergens to be unintentionally transferred from one plant to another and was involved in the first reported case of systemic allergic reaction caused by a food allergen transferred in semen. In this review, many of the Ber e 1 unique biotechnological and structural functions are discussed with a particular emphasis on its use as model protein for studies of intrinsic allergenicity of food proteins.

Microarray of allergenic component-based diagnosis in food allergy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The determination of specific IgE (sIgE) against allergenic components fixed in a solid support that is provided as a microarray of high capacity and allows a more precise evaluation in the food allergy diagnosis. In this review, we will analyze the results obtained to date with this technology applied to the component-based diagnosis of food allergy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Microarrays of proteins or glycoproteins allow us to know the profile of sensitization of a patient with food allergy. At present, a commercially available technique exists which allows sIgE to be detected against 103 allergenic molecules. Several laboratories worldwide have explored and optimized this technique for few allergen extracts and the results have been promising with high reliabilities and sensitivities and above all, good correlations with previous existing conventional assays.

SUMMARY

In recent years, as a result of advances in molecular biology, together with the development of new technologies of producing high-capacity solid-phase matrices such as microarrays, the diagnosis of food allergy has improved and the basic situation of analyzing sIgE against an allergenic source has now become real the possibility of analyzing sIgE against an allergenic protein or glycoprotein. This change has not only led to a more precise diagnosis of sensitization, but can also be used to explain the different hazards of certain molecular sensitizations, crossreactivity phenomena in many cases and can even change the clinical management according to the information provided. Further studies are clearly needed to evaluate more precisely the scope of this new technique.

The frontiers of mass spectrometry-based techniques in food allergenomics

In the last years proteomic science has started to provide an important contribution to the disclosure of basic aspects of food-related diseases. Among these, the identification of proteins involved in food allergy and their mechanism of activation of toxicity. Elucidation of these key issues requires the integration of clinical, immunological, genomic and proteomic approaches. These combined research efforts are aimed to obtain structural and functional information to assist the development of novel, more reliable and powerful diagnostic protocols alternative to the currently available procedures, mainly based on food challenge tests. Another crucial aspect related to food allergy is the need for methods to detect trace amounts of allergenic proteins in foods. Mass spectrometry is the only non-immunological method for high-specificity and high-sensitivity detection of allergens in foods. Nowadays, once provided the appropriate sample handling and the correct operative conditions, qualitative and quantitative determination of allergens in foods and ingredients can be efficiently obtained by MALDI-TOF-MS and LC-MS/MS methods, with limits of detection and quantification in the low-ppb range. The availability of accurate and fast alternatives to immunological ELISA tests may also enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies and food processing technologies to aid patients with food allergy or intolerance, and to support allergen labelling and certification processes, all issues where the role of proteomic science is emerging.

Multiple protein extract microarray for profiling human food-specific immunoglobulins A, M, G and E

Existing food immunoglobulin (Ig) tests require large volumes of serum, are limited to one immunoglobulin class, are not amenable to high throughput analysis and only give a limited picture of the immunological response to food antigens. Conversely a new generation of Component Resolved Diagnostic systems using pure proteins is highly specific and totally dependent on the availability of the protein in its recombinant or natural origin form. Here we demonstrate a proof-of-concept of a microarray test based on protein extracts of food components. Our approach relies on innovations on three different fronts: the novelty of using arrayed food samples sequentially extracted with detergent and chaotropic agents, the ability to measure four different Ig classes simultaneously and the ability to analyse the generated data via a suitable bioinformatics/statistical analysis interface. This approach combines high numerical power of microarrays with automation, high throughput analysis and enables detailed investigation of the Ig profiles to food antigens. The prototype shown contains extracts of approximately 350 food ingredients that cover most of the food products found in the UK. Here we showed that the use of a sequential extraction technique to solubilise and then denature food samples has its benefits in the assessment of variations in antigenicity when tested with human sera. A patient dependent degree of class specificity was observed with human sera (IgG specificity correlates well with IgA>IgM>>>>>IgE). Besides generating a simultaneous profile for IgA, IgM, IgG and IgE the array system has shown good discrimination between challenge responders in atopic and non-atopic individuals. Poly- and mono-specific IgE responders were easily identified. The mathematical modelling of specific IgE content showed good correlations when compared with established IgE antibody testing assay (UniCAP). Although in its proof-of-principle stages, the immune profiling technique described here has the potential to provide unique insights into exposure/sensitization and establish relationships between specific immunoglobulin classes and subclasses against food protein antigens. In further developments, the immune profiling technique could also be extended to other related areas such as parasite and bacterial gut infection. Full analyses of large longitudinal and retrospective clinical trials are on going to determine the positive and negative predictive values of the technique.

Microarrays: Molecular allergology and nanotechnology for personalised medicine (II)

Progress in nanotechnology and DNA recombination techniques have produced tools for the diagnosis and investigation of allergy at molecular level. The most advanced examples of such progress are the microarray techniques, which have been expanded not only in research in the field of proteomics but also in application to the clinical setting. Microarrays of allergic components offer results relating to hundreds of allergenic components in a single test, and using a small amount of serum which can be obtained from capillary blood. The availability of new molecules will allow the development of panels including new allergenic components and sources, which will require evaluation for clinical use. Their application opens the door to component-based diagnosis, to the holistic perception of sensitisation as represented by molecular allergy, and to patient-centred medical practice by allowing great diagnostic accuracy and the definition of individualised immunotherapy for each patient. The present article reviews the application of allergenic component microarrays to allergology for diagnosis, management in the form of specific immunotherapy, and epidemiological studies. A review is also made of the use of protein and gene microarray techniques in basic research and in allergological diseases. Lastly, an evaluation is made of the challenges we face in introducing such techniques to clinical practice, and of the future perspectives of this new technology.

A new 2S albumin from Jatropha curcas L. seeds and assessment of its allergenic properties

Significant effort has been made world-wide to boost biofuels with the expectation of a positive contribution to renewable fuel and greenhouse gas reduction. Jatropha curcas L. has proved to be an opportunistic crop in tropical areas, particularly in unfavorable environments. For this reason, analyses of toxicity and allergy caused by its seeds and pollen are necessary. A 12kDa, allergenic 2S albumin, denoted Jat c 1, was isolated from Physic nut (J. curcas) seeds. Jat c 1 binds IgE attached to rat mast cells, inducing histamine release. It also showed strong cross-reactivity with the major allergens from castor bean, Ric c 1 and Ric c 3.

Development of a novel peptide microarray for large-scale epitope mapping of food allergens

BACKGROUND

The peptide microarray is a novel assay that facilitates high-throughput screening of peptides with a small quantity of sample.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to use overlapping peptides of milk allergenic proteins as a model system to establish a reliable and sensitive peptide microarray-based immunoassay for large-scale epitope mapping of food allergens.

METHODS

A milk peptide microarray was developed by using commercially synthesized peptides (20-mers, 3 offset) covering the primary sequences of alpha(s1)-casein, alpha(s2)-casein, beta-casein, kappa-casein, and beta-lactoglobulin. Conditions for printing and immunolabeling were optimized using a serum pool of 5 patients with milk allergy. Reproducibility of the milk peptide microarray was evaluated using replicate arrays immunolabeled with the serum pool, whereas specificity and sensitivity were assessed by using serial dilution of the serum pool and a peptide inhibition assay.

RESULTS

Our results show that epitopes identified by the peptide microarray were mostly consistent with those identified previously by SPOT membrane technology, but with specific binding to a few newly identified epitopes of milk allergens. Data from replicate arrays were reproducible (r > or = 0.92) regardless of printing lots, immunolabeling, and serum pool batches. Using the serially diluted serum pool, we confirmed that IgE antibody binding detected in the array was specific. Peptide inhibition of IgE binding to the same peptide and overlapping peptides further confirmed the specificity of the array.

CONCLUSION

A reliable peptide microarray was established for large-scale IgE epitope mapping of milk allergens, and this robust technology could be applied for epitope mapping of other food allergens.

Current immunological approaches for management of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma

A large population world over is affected with allergic diseases and asthma. Pharmacotherapy for allergic diseases and asthma is effective in controlling symptoms but on discontinuation of medication, symptoms reoccur. In contrast, immunotherapy modifies and corrects the underlying pathological immune responses in an antigen-specific manner. Immunotherapy shows an increase in IgG (blocking antibody) that competes with IgE for allergen, inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators. Recent studies suggest that immunotherapy acts by modifying CD4+ T-cell responses either by immune deviation, T-cell anergy and/or both. Current immunological approaches for management of allergies and asthma involve immunization with native allergen, modified allergen, peptides/cDNA of allergen, anti-IgE, adjuvants coupled allergen, including immunostimulatory DNA sequences, cytokines, and bacterial products. These approaches modulate the immune response and are intended to give long-term benefit.

Soybean (Glycine max) allergy in Europe: Gly m 5 (beta-conglycinin) and Gly m 6 (glycinin) are potential diagnostic markers for severe allergic reactions to soy

BACKGROUND

Soybean is considered an important allergenic food, but published data on soybean allergens are controversial.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify relevant soybean allergens and correlate the IgE-binding pattern to clinical characteristics in European patients with confirmed soy allergy.

METHODS

IgE-reactive proteins were identified from a soybean cDNA expression library, purified from natural soybean source, or expressed in Escherichia coli. The IgE reactivity in 30 sera from subjects with a positive double-blind, placebo-controlled soybean challenge (n = 25) or a convincing history of anaphylaxis to soy (n = 5) was analyzed by ELISA or CAP-FEIA.

RESULTS

All subunits of Gly m 5 (beta-conglycinin) and Gly m 6 (glycinin) were IgE-reactive: 53% (16/30) of the study subjects had specific IgE to at least 1 major storage protein, 43% (13/30) to Gly m 5 , and 36% (11/30) to Gly m 6. Gly m 5 was IgE-reactive in 5 of 5 and Gly m 6 in 3 of 5 children. IgE-binding to Gly m 5 or Gly m 6 was found in 86% (6/7) subjects with anaphylaxis to soy and in 55% (6/11) of subjects with moderate but only 33% (4/12) of subjects with mild soy-related symptoms. The odds ratio (P < .05) for severe versus mild allergic reactions in subjects with specific IgE to Gly m 5 or Gly m6 was 12/1.

CONCLUSION

Sensitization to the soybean allergens Gly m 5 or Gly m 6 is potentially indicative for severe allergic reactions to soy.

Clinical usefulness of microarray-based IgE detection in children with suspected food allergy

BACKGROUND

Component-resolved diagnostics using microarray technology has recently been introduced into clinical allergology, but its applicability in children with food allergy has hardly been investigated so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of microarray-based IgE detection in the diagnostic workup of food allergy and to compare this new diagnostic tool with established methods of allergen-specific IgE detection.

METHODS

We investigated 130 infants and children with suspected allergy to cow's milk (CM) or hen's egg (HE). Serum IgE measurements, skin prick tests, allergen microarray assays and controlled oral food challenges with HE and CM were performed.

RESULTS

We analyzed 145 oral challenges that served as reference parameters for assay performance assessment. On this basis, the panel of microarrayed allergen components was shown to represent a comprehensive repertoire of clinically relevant CM and HE proteins. Additionally, the implemented CM and HE components respectively sufficed for equivalent test performance as compared to the corresponding fluorescence enzyme immunoassay extract and skin testing. However, component-resolved diagnostics for HE and CM allergy did not make oral food challenges superfluous. Clinical IgE decision points predicting positive oral food challenges could be calculated for both in vitro test methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Allergen microarrays provide a new tool to diagnose symptomatic CM and HE allergy. They show performance characteristics comparable to the current diagnostic tests and may be indicated in small children in whom only small blood volumes are obtainable. However, they are not capable of replacing double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges in most cases.

Soy allergy in perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss studies on soy allergy.

RECENT FINDINGS

In Central Europe soy is a clinically relevant birch pollen-related allergenic food. Crossreaction is mediated by a Bet v 1 homologous protein, Gly m 4. Additionally, birch pollen allergic patients might acquire through Bet v 1 sensitization allergies to mungbean or peanut, in which Vig r 1 and Ara h 8 are the main cross-reactive allergens. Threshold doses in soy allergic individuals range from 10 mg to 50 g of soy and are more than one order of magnitude higher than in peanut allergy. No evidence was found for increased allergenicity of genetically modified soybeans.

SUMMARY

In Europe, both primary and pollen-related food allergy exist. The diagnosis of legume allergy in birch pollen-sensitized patients should not be excluded on a negative IgE testing to legume extracts. Bet v 1 related allergens are often underrepresented in extracts. Gly m 4 from soy and Ara h 8 from peanut are nowadays commercially available and are recommended in birch pollen allergic patients with suspicion of soy or peanut allergy, but negative extract-based diagnostic tests to screen for IgE specific to these recombinant allergens.

2S Albumin Storage Proteins: What Makes them Food Allergens?

2S albumin storage proteins are becoming of increasing interest in nutritional and clinical studies as they have been reported as major food allergens in seeds of many mono- and di-cotyledonous plants. This review describes the main biochemical, structural and functional properties of these proteins thought to play a role in determining their potential allergenicity. 2S albumins are considered to sensitize directly via the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The high stability of their intrinsic protein structure, dominated by a well-conserved skeleton of cysteine residues, to the harsh conditions present in the GIT suggests that these proteins are able to cross the gut mucosal barrier to sensitize the mucosal immune system and/or elicit an allergic response. The flexible and solvent-exposed hypervariable region of these proteins is immunodominant and has the ability to bind IgE from allergic patients sera. Several linear IgE-binding epitopes of 2S albumins spanning this region have been described to play a major role in allergenicity; the role of conformational epitopes of these proteins in food allergy is far from being understood and need to be investigated. Finally, the interaction of these proteins with other components of the food matrix might influence the absorption rates of immunologically reactive 2S albumins but also in their immune response.

A proteomic study to identify soya allergens--the human response to transgenic versus non-transgenic soya samples

BACKGROUND

In spite of being among the main foods responsible for allergic reactions worldwide, soybean (Glycine max)-derived products continue to be increasingly widespread in a variety of food products due to their well-documented health benefits. Soybean also continues to be one of the elected target crops for genetic modification. The aim of this study was to characterize the soya proteome and, specifically, IgE-reactive proteins as well as to compare the IgE response in soya-allergic individuals to genetically modified Roundup Ready soya versus its non-transgenic control.

METHODS

We performed two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of protein extracts from a 5% genetically modified Roundup Ready flour sample and its non-transgenic control followed by Western blotting with plasma from 5 soya-sensitive individuals. We used peptide tandem mass spectrometry to identify soya proteins (55 protein matches), specifically IgE-binding ones, and to evaluate differences between transgenic and non-transgenic samples.

RESULTS

We identified 2 new potential soybean allergens--one is maturation associated and seems to be part of the late embryogenesis abundant proteins group and the other is a cysteine proteinase inhibitor. None of the individuals tested reacted differentially to the transgenic versus non-transgenic samples under study.

CONCLUSION

Soybean endogenous allergen expression does not seem to be altered after genetic modification. Proteomics should be considered a powerful tool for functional characterization of plants and for food safety assessment.