Apple Allergy Profile in Children: New Allergen Discoveries

Jenn Hoskins
15th August, 2024

Apple Allergy Profile in Children: New Allergen Discoveries

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study, conducted in Mexico, aimed to identify allergenic proteins in apples affecting children
  • Researchers found 11 allergenic proteins, with Mal d 1 being the most common, affecting 79% of patients
  • Several newly identified proteins were not previously documented as apple allergens, highlighting regional differences in allergen sensitization
Apple (Malus domestica) is a common fruit that can cause allergic reactions, particularly among the pediatric population in Mexico. The main symptoms often arise due to cross-reactivity with pollen allergens, but the specific proteins responsible for these reactions are not well-documented. A recent study conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría aimed to identify new potential allergenic proteins in apples using advanced immunoproteomic techniques[1]. The study involved 14 pediatric patients confirmed to have immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated apple allergy. Researchers used serum samples from these patients to test for immunoreactivity to apple protein extracts through two-dimensional (2D) western blot assays. The identified proteins were analyzed using nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). The results revealed 11 non-redundant proteins, including Mal d 2 and Mal d 1. Notably, Mal d 1 showed a high frequency of sensitization (79%) among the patients, solidifying its status as the primary allergenic protein in apples. Interestingly, the study also identified several proteins not previously documented as apple allergens in the International Union of Immunological Societies databases. Three of these newly identified proteins could be classified as pan-allergens, which are proteins that can cause allergic reactions across different species and sources. This study's findings provide crucial insights into the specific allergenic proteins in apples that affect the Mexican pediatric population. Understanding these proteins is essential for improving the accuracy of allergy diagnoses and tailoring more precise therapeutic and avoidance strategies. This aligns with previous research emphasizing the importance of molecular allergy diagnosis in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and providing more targeted treatments[2]. The discovery of new allergenic proteins in apples also highlights the variability of allergen sensitization across different populations. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of sensitization to molecular food allergens can vary significantly by region[3]. For instance, a systematic review of European populations found that sensitization to molecular food allergens was generally low, with the highest prevalence seen for PR-10 proteins such as Cor a 1.04. This variability underscores the need for localized studies to better understand and manage food allergies in different demographic groups. Furthermore, the study's findings are consistent with research on other food allergens, such as shrimp. A study comparing shrimp allergens in Hong Kong and Thailand found significant differences in the major allergens between the two populations, indicating that the relevant allergenic components can be population-dependent[4]. Similarly, the identification of unique apple allergens in the Mexican pediatric population suggests that allergenic profiles can differ based on geographic and genetic factors. In conclusion, the study conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría provides valuable information on the specific allergenic proteins in apples that affect Mexican children. By identifying new potential allergens, the study enhances our understanding of apple allergy and supports the development of more precise diagnostic and treatment methods. This research also emphasizes the importance of conducting localized studies to account for regional differences in allergen sensitization, ultimately contributing to the broader field of molecular allergy diagnosis and precision medicine.

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References

Main Study

1) Immunoproteomic profile of Malus domestica in Mexican pediatric patients. Evidence of new allergen prospects.

Published 14th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1039/d4fo00064a

Related Studies

2) Component resolved diagnosis: when should it be used?

https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-7022-4-28

3) Prevalence of sensitization to molecular food allergens in Europe: A systematic review.

https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12175

4) Comprehending the allergen repertoire of shrimp for precision molecular diagnosis of shrimp allergy.

https://doi.org/10.1111/all.15370


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