IDENTIFICATION OF ALLERGENS IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES - IGE CROSS-REACTIVITIES WITH THE IMPORTANT BIRCH POLLEN ALLERGENS BET-V-1 AND BET-V-2 (BIRCH PROFILIN)

Background: In this study serum samples collected from 20 patients with birch pollen allergy were investigated. All patients had experienced allergic symptoms after contact with or ingestion of particular fresh fruits and vegetables known as birch pollen-related foods. Methods: Serum samples were tested by means of immunoblotting for IgE reactivities with proteins in extracts of birch pollen apple, pear celery, carrot, and potato. Anti-Bet v 1 and anti-Bet v 2 antibodies were used to investigate cross-reactivity. Inhibition studies were performed by preincubation of sera with recombinant Bet v 1 and Bet v 2. Results: IgE binding to proteins, corresponding to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and to Bet v 2 (birch pollen profiln) could be observed. An allergen homologous to Bet v 1 could be detected in apple, pear and celery when a Bet v 1-specific monoclonal antibody was used. Testing a polyclonal rabbit anti-Bet v 2 antibody with extracts of the respective plants revealed the presence of profilins in every source tested. Inhibition with recombinant Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 led to complete blocking or marked reduction of IgE binding to proteins of comparable molecular weights in the respective food extracts, indicating IgE cross-reactivity. Conclusion: Our results indicate that many plant-derived food agents contain proteins with high homology to the birch pollen allergens Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 and must therefore be considered as potentially threatening for patients with tree pollen allergy.