Specific IgE-binding of rHev b 12 is restricted to fruit-allergic patients

Abstract

Rationale Lipid transfer proteins (LTP) have been identified as relevant allergens. Their role in latex allergy is unclear. This study aimed to produce a recombinant latex-LTP (rHev b 12) to examine its IgE-binding properties. Methods A recombinant generated Maltose-Binding-Protein (MBP)-rHev b 12 fusion protein was coupled to ImmunoCAP for the determination of specific IgE. 48 sera of atopic patients (14 from Spain, 34 from Germany) with fruit-allergy were examined. 25 of these sera displayed positive latex-specific IgE values. Results rHev b 12-specific IgE was measured in four Spanish peach-allergic patients (CAP-values: 0.88-2.27 kU/L), whereby one had an additional latex-sensitization. Two sera from cherry-allergic German patients with latex-sensitization displayed also rHev b 12-specific IgE antibodies (0.68 and 0.96 kU/L). All other sera and the MBP controls revealed negative results (<0.35 kU/L). Conclusions Latex-LTP (rHev b 12)-specific IgE-binding in peach- and cherry-allergic patients seem to be a result of partially common IgE-binding epitopes with the LTPs of peach (homology to Pru p 3: 65%) and cherry (homology to Pru av 3: 61%). Although rHev b 12 seems to have minor relevance as a latex allergen in Central Europe, its significance as a cross-reactive allergen in Mediterranean countries like Spain has to be kept in mind.