Sensitisation profiles to nonspecific-lipid transfer proteins (ns-LTP): gaining insights into the kaleidoscope of IgE reactivity profiles and clinical phenotypes.

Nonspecific-lipid transfer proteins (ns-LTPs) have increasingly been recognized to constitute a significant cause of plant food allergy. Sensitization to ns-LTPs was predominantly observed in adults and appeared mainly associated with severe generalized reactions. However, we established that in northern Europe sensitization to ns-LTP can also occur in children and that the sensitization profile assessed by quantification of specific IgE antibodies is not predictive for the clinical phenotype. We hypothesize that a more functional approach with basophil activation experiments (BAT) could be of better predictive value to ascertain the clinical relevance of a sensitization to ns-LTP, as basophil activation requires cross-linking of IgE/FcεRI complexes and therefore more closely mirrors the in vivo situation.We aim at deciphering the clinical relevance of a sensitization to two ns-LTP, i.e. Pru p 3 from peach (Prunus persica) and Mal d 3 (Malus domesticus) from apple, by applying basophil activatation experiments, which might enter mainstream diagnostics as an instrument to discriminate between clinical relevant and irrelevant ns-LTP sensitization. Additionally, the functional activity of so-called blocking IgG4 antibodies will be evaluated.

Keywords:FOOD ALLERGY, ALLERGY, DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Disciplines:Immunology, Paediatrics and neonatology, Nursing