Published in

Springer, Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 6(23), p. 277-285, 2023

DOI: 10.1007/s11882-023-01080-3

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The Role of Defensins as Pollen and Food Allergens

Journal article published in 2023 by Valentina Cosi ORCID, Gabriele Gadermaier ORCID
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.

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Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Defensin-polyproline–linked proteins are relevant allergens in Asteraceae pollen. Depending on their prevalence and amount in the pollen source, they are potent allergens, as shown for the major mugwort pollen allergen Art v 1. Only a few allergenic defensins have been identified in plant foods, such as peanut and celery. This review provides an overview of structural and immunological features, IgE cross-reactivity, and diagnostic and therapeutic options regarding allergenic defensins. Recent Findings We present and critically review the allergenic relevance of pollen and food defensins. The recently identified Api g 7 from celeriac and other allergens potentially involved in Artemisia pollen-related food allergies are discussed and related to clinical severity and allergen stability. To specify Artemisia pollen-related food allergies, we propose the term “defensin-related food allergies” to account for defensin-polyproline–linked protein-associated food syndromes. Summary There is increasing evidence that defensins are the causative molecules in several mugwort pollen-associated food allergies. A small number of studies have shown IgE cross-reactivity of Art v 1 with celeriac, horse chestnut, mango, and sunflower seed defensins, while the underlying allergenic molecule remains unknown in other mugwort pollen-associated food allergies. As these food allergies can cause severe allergic reactions, identification of allergenic food defensins and further clinical studies with larger patient cohorts are required. This will allow molecule-based allergy diagnosis and a better understanding of defensin-related food allergies to raise awareness of potentially severe food allergies due to primary sensitization to Artemisia pollen.