Abstract
The soybean allergen Gly m 4 is known to cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, unlike other Bet v 1 homologues, which induce mainly local allergic reactions. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether the food Bet v 1 homologue Gly m 4 can be a sensitizer of the immune system. Susceptibility to gastrointestinal digestion was assessed in vitro. Transport through intestinal epithelium was estimated using the Caco-2 monolayer. Cytokine response of different immunocompetent cells was evaluated by using Caco-2/Immune cells co-culture model. Absolute levels of 48 cytokines were measured by multiplex xMAP technology. It was shown that Gly m 4 can cross the epithelial barrier with a moderate rate and then induce production of IL-4 by mature dendritic cells in vitro. Although Gly m 4 was shown to be susceptible to gastrointestinal enzymes, some of its proteolytic fragments can selectively cross the epithelial barrier and induce production of Th2-polarizing IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13, which may point at the presence of the T-cell epitope among the crossed fragments. Our current data indicate that Gly m 4 can potentially be a sensitizer of the immune system, and intercommunication between immunocompetent and epithelial cells may play a key role in the sensitization process.
Highlights
Soy-induced allergic symptoms can be systemic and even fatal in some cases [1]
The present study aims to elucidate whether the soybean Gly m 4 allergen can be a sensitizer of the immune system
We focused on a possible impact of Que-3,40 -di-Glc on gastrointestinal digestion of Gly m 4 and looked at transport of its fragments through the Caco-2 epithelial barrier and cytokine/chemokine production by immunocompetent cells
Summary
Soy-induced allergic symptoms can be systemic and even fatal in some cases [1]. Gly m 4, belonging to the family of Bet v 1 homologues, is one of the most clinically significant allergens isolated from soybeans Glycine max, together with other major allergens, such as Gly m 8 [2]. The birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 is a sensitizer responsible for the development of pollen and food allergic cross-reactions. It is known that many other food. Bet v 1 homologues tend to cause mild local symptoms, like oral allergy syndrome, in. Gly m 4 is able to induce severe reactions in allergic patients [4]. That is why Gly m 4 has been selected as a marker allergen for severe food-allergic reactions to soy [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
