Allergens In Products Research Articles

Good manufacturing practice- and good distribution practice-compliant cold storage and refrigerated transport of allergen products: what is important?

Abstract Background All currently available products for diagnosis and therapy of type I allergies are protein extracts from allergenic source material. The extracted proteins have different properties and their structure is differently labile to temperature variations. Despite various pharmaceutical formulations to increase product stability, with few exceptions, allergen products must be refrigerated to ensure that their quality and native protein structure do not change during storage and transport. Maintaining quality is a challenge in complex distribution chains. Methods Regulatory requirements and guidelines that apply to cold storage and transport of allergen products are summarized and the responsibilities of the stakeholders are explained. Results The storage conditions determined in stability studies correspond to the transport conditions. These stability data can also be used to assess tolerable conditions during transport. According to a good distribution practice (GDP) contracts must be concluded between the responsible pharmaceutical entrepreneur and the qualified distribution service provider that regulate storage and transport in accordance with the product requirements. Conclusion Monitoring of storage and transport conditions is achieved by transport in qualified means of transport (e.g. truck). Alternatively, qualified transport packaging with active or passive cooling (e.g. cold packs) and qualified “data loggers” that record the transport temperatures can be used. Regardless of the system used, it must be demonstrated—by validating the transport conditions, routes and packaging at different times of the year and over the entire duration of transport—that regulatory requirements are met and that the quality of the products is maintained during shipment.

ADJUSTING THE LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF HYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSE AND APPLIED TO EXTRACT PROTEINS IN NATURAL RUBBER LATEX

Natural rubber latex (NRL) with “low protein content” is regarded as less allergenic latex for medical gloves, medical products, condoms, etc. Therefore, this study was conducted to strengthen the fundamental approach of making “low protein NRL” via oligosaccharide hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (oligoHEC) treatment. OligoHEC (Mw ~10,000 g/mol) is degradation product of HEC (Mw ~90,000 g/mol) by 1.5% H2O2 treatment combined with hydrothermal at temperature for 30 minutes at 121°C, pressurized rate of 0.38 mPa by autoclave equipment. OligoHECs were employed to form electrical bonds with the proteins. The target of this study is protein content of NRL ≤ 50 µg/g of rubber, we surveyed the effect of oligoHEC treatment towards the solution proteins content of NRL. Results show that oligoHEC at low concentration (0.25%) effectively extracted the proteins molecules. Interestingly, allergenic proteins content of NRL serum was decreased proportionally (< 50 µg/g of rubber) with the upsurge of oligoHEC concentration, suggesting deactivation of allergenic. These preliminary results indicate a potential approach to produce low allergenic risk NRL products with adding of oligoHEC

The History, Present and Future of Allergen Standardization in the United States and Europe.

The topic of standardization in relation to allergen products has been discussed by allergists, regulators, and manufacturers for a long time. In contrast to synthetic medicinal products, the natural origin of allergen products makes the necessary comparability difficult to achieve. This holds true for both aspects of standardization: Batch-to-batch consistency (or product-specific standardization) and comparability among products from different manufacturers (or cross-product comparability). In this review, we focus on how the United States and the European Union have tackled the topic of allergen product standardization in the past, covering the early joint standardization efforts in the 1970s and 1980s as well as the different paths taken by the two players thereafter until today. So far, these two paths have been based on rather classical immunological methods, including the corresponding benefits like simple feasability. New technologies such as mass spectrometry present an opportunity to redefine the field of allergen standardization in the future.

Label-free proteomic analysis reveals differentially expressed Wolbachia proteins in Tyrophagus putrescentiae: Mite allergens and markers reflecting population-related proteome differences

Tyrophagus putrescentiae is an astigmatid mite of great economic, medical and veterinary importance. The microbiome, especially intracellular bacteria, may affect allergy/allergen expression. We targeted Wolbachia proteins, allergen comparisons and markers in Wolbachia–mite interactions in three mite populations. A decoy database was constructed by proteogenomics using the T. putrescentiae draft genome, Wolbachia transcriptome assembly and current T. putrescentiae-related sequences in GenBank. Among thousands of mite-derived proteins, 18 Wolbachia proteins were reliably identified. We suggest that peroxiredoxin, bacterioferritin, ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein and DegQ family serine endoprotease indicate a higher-level bacterium–bacterium–host interaction. We produced evidence that the host–Wolbachia interaction is modulated through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), mannose-binding lectins/mannose receptors, the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway with TNF-α, and others. We observed Tyr p 3 suppression in mites with Wolbachia, linking trypsin to PRR modulation. Nine out of the 12 current WHO/IUIS official allergens were reliably identified, but the remaining three allergens, Tyr p 1, 8 and 35, were detected as only trace hits. This study provides numerous markers for further Wolbachia–host interaction research. For accuracy, mite allergens should be considered according to abundance in species, but mite populations/strains, as well as their microbiome structure, may be key factors. SignificanceThe astigmatid mites occurring in homes are significant producers of allergens that are highly dangerous to humans and domesticated animals. Mites are tightly associated with microorganisms that affect their biology and consequently allergy signatures. Mite populations were found to be infected with certain intracellular bacteria, but some populations lacked an intracellular bacterium. Our previous research showed that some populations of Tyrophagus putrescentiae are infected with Wolbachia, but some populations host additional bacteria of interest. Thus, there are not only interactions between the mites and Wolbachia but also likely an additional level of interaction that can be found in the interaction between different bacteria in the mites. These “higher-level” signatures and consequences that bacteria affect, including allergen production, are not understood in mites. In this study, we identified Wolbachia-specific proteins in mites for the first time. This study provides Wolbachia- and mite-derived markers that can be clues for describing “higher-level” mite-bacterium-bacterium interactions. Indeed, the microbiome contribution to allergies can potentially be derived directly from bacterial proteins, especially if they are abundant.

Climate, Carbon Dioxide, and Plant-Based Aero-Allergens: A Deeper Botanical Perspective.

There is global evidence of a general increase in the incidence and prevalence of respiratory diseases including allergic rhinitis and associated asthma. This increase in turn, has been related, in part, to concurrent increases in carbon dioxide (CO2) and temperature on pollen production and allergic disease generated from plant-based sources of pollen. Such links to anthropogenic climate change has suggested three significant and interrelated consequences associated with respiratory allergies or disease. First, warmer temperatures and a longer frost-free growing season can influence pollen season length and temporal exposure to airborne aeroallergens. Second, both warmer temperatures and additional CO2 can increase the amount of pollen, the seasonal intensity, from spring through fall. Thirdly, there is evidence from oak and ragweed that rising levels of CO2 could increase the allergen concentration of the pollen and symptom severity. However, while these outcomes are of obvious consequence, they do not fully encompass all of the plant derived changes that could, directly or indirectly, influence aeroallergen production, exposure, and consequences for public health. In this overview, I will delve deeper into other plant-based links to climate/CO2 that are consequential either directly or indirectly to allergic rhinitis and associated disease. Such interactions range from pollen morphology to fire occurrence, from volatile organic compounds to potential changes in pesticide usage. The goal in doing so is to provide a broader context and appreciation for the interactions between plant biology and climate that can also affect allergen production and human impact but which, to date, have received little recognition or research.

Standardisation of allergen products: 4. Validation of a candidate European Pharmacopoeia standard method for quantification of major grass pollen allergen Phl p 5.

The aim of the BSP090 project is the establishment of European Pharmacopoeia Chemical Reference Substances (CRSs) in combination with corresponding standard ELISA methods for quantification of major allergens in allergen products. Here, we present data of a Phlp5-specific sandwich ELISA that proved suitable for the quantification of Phlp5, one of the major Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) pollen allergens. A Phlp5-specific ELISA system was assessed with respect to accuracy, precision, inter-assay (within laboratory) and inter-laboratory variations, in a ring trial including 14laboratories in Europe and the USA. Model samples containing recombinant Phlp5a CRS as well as native grass pollen extracts were analysed. Each participant was instructed to perform at least one preliminary assay to familiarise with the protocol, followed by three independent assays. The candidate standard ELISA proved suitable to quantify recombinant and native Phlp5 with satisfactory precision (93% of results within ±30% acceptance range). Inter-assay variation (max. GCV 24%) and especially inter-laboratory variation (max. GCV 13%) showed conclusive results. When assessing accuracy by means of recovery of recombinant spikes from a grass pollen extract matrix, similarly satisfactory spike recovery results were observed for the two spikes with higher concentrations (all within ±30% acceptance range), whereas recovery of the lowest concentration spike was slightly poorer with mean results of six laboratories exceeding acceptance range. Based on the collaborative study results, the assessed Phlp5-specific immunoassay is appropriate to be proposed as European Pharmacopoeia standard method.

The effects of thermal treatments on the antigenicity and structural properties of soybean glycinin.

The effects of thermal treatments on the antigenicity and structural properties of soybean glycinin were investigated. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) result indicated that the antigenicity of the soybean glycinin decreased to the lowest level when the heat treatment time was 50min and the temperature was set at 110°C. The reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-Gel electrophoresis results showed that the heat treatment had promoted the formation of small molecular weight protein subunits and concentrated protein. The free sulfhydryl (-SH) group of glycinin had increased significantly (p<.05) under the conditions of temperature between 90 and 120°C and 40 to 50min heat treatments. The maximum fluorescence wavelength of the intrinsic fluorescence also changed significantly when compared with the control. The circular dichroism showed that the number of disordered structures had also increased significantly. These results provided evidence that the heat-induced structural modifications of glycinin will alter the antigenicity of soybean glycinin. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The relationship between antigenicity and structural properties of heat-treated soybean globulin was studied by different protein structural research methods. The results showed that the antigenicity of the protein was minimized at 110°C 50min, which could be used in food safety production. This study chose to analyze the changes in the antigenicity and structural characteristics of soybean glycinin, both prior to and after heat treatments, for the purpose of promoting the development of low allergenic food products.

Personalized medicine and allergen immunotherapy: the beginning of a new era?

The concept of personalized medicine as a diagnostic and therapeutic approach tailored to the medical needs of each patient is currently revolutionizing all fields of medicine and in particular allergology. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) meets the three main needs for precision medicine: identification of molecular mechanism of disease, diagnostic tools for the mechanism and treatment blocking the mechanism itself. AIT adapts to the spectrum of specific IgE of each individual subject, changing the course and natural history of the disease, so is a clear model of precision and personalized medicine. This first step before the prescription of AIT is to define the sensitization profile of the patient; after that, the healthcare professional has numerous levers for adapting the treatment to the physio-pathological mechanisms involved. AIT allows to adapt treatments to the profile of the patients, but also to the its preferences, to ensure optimal treatment efficacy, resulting in an agile and personalized approach, with the aim to ensure adherence to the treatment, which is usually quite low. AIT also broadens the field of possibilities for healthcare professionals and patients, by allowing to choose the galenic formulation according to patient preferences and on the basis of their clinical history, adapting the product composition to the patient’s sensitization profiles and the underlying biological mechanisms identified at the diagnostic stage, while guaranteeing quality of the prescribed product as the production of allergens and allergoids is today more regulated than in the past years. In the management of AIT, it is also possible to involve patients in decisions throughout their care pathway thanks to multiple services, offering personalized follow-up and support, to ensure the highest treatment efficacy levels, and recalling medication intake, medical appointments and prescription renewals.

Molecular cloning, expression, purification and in silico epitope prediction of cobalamin-independent methionine synthase (Mor a 2), as a novel allergen from Morus alba pollen

IntroductionMorus alba (white mulberry) pollen is an aero-allergen source that can trigger allergic diseases. Cobalamin-independent methionine synthase (MetE) in M. alba pollen has been proved to be one of the major allergens for some patients living in Istanbul (Turkey). The aim of the present study was the recombinant production and identification of MetE (Mor a 2), a novel allergen from M. alba pollen. The IgE binding reactivity of rMor a 2 produced for the first time was evaluated and some structural features were investigated by in silico methods to better understand its immunogenicity.Material and methodsThe gene encoding Mor a 2 was cloned in fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe ura4-D18h- strain, using pSLF1073 vector. This is the first report of the production of recombinant pollen allergen in S. pombe. After the purification, immunoreactivity of rMor a 2 was confirmed by immunoblotting using sera of patient allergic to M. alba pollen. Besides, B-cell epitopes of rMor a 2 were predicted using various bioinformatic tools, namely Bioinformatics Predicted Antigenic Peptides, BepiPred 2.0 and Immune Epitope Database whereas T-cell epitopes were estimated using NetMHCIIpan-3.2 and NetMHCII 2.3 servers.ResultsThe immunoblotting analysis yielded 11 of 11 positive reactions to rMor a 2. In silico predictions exerted seven B-cell epitopes (22-33, 384-394, 407-423, 547-553, 571-577, 671-678, 736-741) and seven T-cell epitopes (54-62, 161-170, 197-205, 347-358, 622-630, 657-665, 756-764).ConclusionsThese findings may help the use of rMor a 2 in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases associated with M. alba and/or MetE.

Diet Therapy In Food Allergy And Fungal Pathology

Nowadays allergic diseases are the most common diseases and affect the economic performance of different countries of the world. These diseases often affect children, adolescents and young adults, who should actively study or work. The main factors that determine the possibility of developing sensitization to various groups of allergens are the presence of exposure and the properties of a particular allergen. Global climate changes on the planet have affected the amount of pollen of plants and fungi. The use of new technologies in the food industry has radically changed the generally accepted understanding of the composition of a particular product. It is important to identify the causative allergenic product in order to prescribe optimal diet therapy.

Crystal structure of timothy grass allergen Phl p 12.0101 reveals an unusual profilin dimer

Timothy grass pollen is a source of potent allergens. Among them, Phl p 1 and Phl p 5 are thought to be the most important, as a majority of timothy grass-allergic individuals have IgE antibodies directed against these two allergens. The profilin from timothy grass (Phl p 12) has been registered as a minor allergen, with up to 35% of individuals in populations of grass pollen allergic patients showing IgE binding to Phl p 12. Profilins are primarily minor allergens and are known for a high likelihood of co-sensitization as well as cross-reactivity situations caused by their sequence and structure similarity. The crystal structure of Phl p 12.0101 was determined and it revealed that this allergen may form an unusual dimer not previously observed among any profilins. For example, the Phl p 12 dimer has a completely different geometry and interface when compared with the latex profilin (Hev b 8) dimer that has its crystal structure determined. The structure of Phl p 12.0101 is described in the context of allergenic sensitization and allergy diagnostics. Moreover, the structure of the Phl p 12.0101 dimer is discussed, taking into account the production of recombinant allergens and their storage.

Final Health and Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Soybean MON 87701

Soybean MON 87701 expresses the cry1Ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis. The encoded Cry1Ac protein confers resistance against specific lepidopteran pests. Updated bioinformatics analyses of the inserted DNA and flanking sequences in soybean MON 87701 have not indicated a potential production of harmful toxins and allergens or polypeptides caused by the genetic modification. Genomic stability of the functional insert and consistent expression of the cry1Ac gene, have been shown over several generations of soybean MON 87701. Data from several field trials performed in USA, Canada, Chile and Argentina during 2005-2006 show that soybean MON 87701 is compositionally, morphologically and agronomically equivalent to its conventional counterpart and other commercial soybean cultivars. Subchronic feeding studies with rats as well as nutritional assessment with broilers have not revealed relevant adverse effects of MON 87701. These studies indicate that MON 87701 is nutritionally equivalent to and as safe as conventional soybean cultivars. The Cry1Ac protein produced in soybean MON 87701 do not show sequence resemblance to known toxins or IgE-dependent allergens, nor has the whole GM plant been reported to cause changes in IgE-mediated allergic reactions in patients reactive to soybean or in non-ectopic control individuals. Soybean is not cultivated in Norway, and there are no cross-compatible wild or weedy relatives of soybean in Europe. Based on current knowledge and considering the intended uses, which exclude cultivation, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that soybean MON 87701 with the Cry1Ac protein:&#x0D; &#x0D; - Is compositionally, morphologically and agronomically equivalent to its conventional counterpart and other commercial soybean cultivars&#x0D; - Is unlikely to introduce a toxic or allergenic potential in food or feed compared to conventional soybean cultivars&#x0D; - Is nutritionally equivalent to and as safe as its conventional counterpart and other conventional soybean cultivars&#x0D; - Does not represent an environmental risk in Norway.

Production of Recombinant Cannabis Sativa Allergen, Can s 3, and Development of a Two-site Immunoassay

As cultivation of Cannabis sativa and production of related products increases throughout the world, exposure to Cannabis allergens is also likely to increase. Our goal was to produce recombinant Can s 3 allergen (rCan s 3) and develop an immunoassay for Can s 3 quantification.

US FDA perspective: getting back into high gear – driving cell and gene therapy forward through 2022 and beyond

<div class="authors authors-lg"><div class="author"><div class="author-img"><img src="https://bioinsights.blob.core.windows.net/uploads/Peter Marks_3765 copy.jpg" data-image="1"></div><div class="author-det"> Peter Marks, MD, PhD, is the director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the Food and Drug Administration. The center is responsible for assuring the safety and effectiveness of biological products, including vaccines, allergenic products, blood and blood products, and cellular, tissue, and gene therapies. </div></div></div>

Pollen Ole e 1 content variations in olive cultivars of different Portugal regions

Olive is recognized as a crop with great impact in agricultural, socioeconomic, environmental and public health sectors. The last is becoming more important during recent years as consequence of the increase of the pollen allergy in south Europe prompted by the widespread Olea pollen allergic reactions. The aim of the study was to quantify, for the first time, the variations of the Ole e 1 allergen amount in Olea pollen grains from four cultivars in three regions of Portugal. How weather parameters can affect the allergen production was also assessed. The study was conducted in three olive producer areas of Portugal from 2010 to 2013, Santarem (Central), Elvas (Southeast) and Mirandela (Tras-os-Montes region, Northeast). Mature pollen of four different cultivars (Cobrancosa, Arbequina, Picual and Verdeal) was collected during the olive flowering season. Ole e 1 was quantified using specific 2-site antibody ELISA. Pollen of the olive groves at the boundary Olea bioclimatic distribution in the Mirandela registered the higher allergen content for all varieties in each study year. Arbequina was the variety that showed the lower Ole e 1 allergen concentration, whereas the higher content was registered for Cobrancosa. The main meteorological parameters that influenced the allergen Ole e 1 concentration in the pollen grains were the rainfall and temperatures related variables. The knowledge of the allergenicity in different olive cultivars is an important tool in the selection of the most adequate for planting as ornamental crop and to adjust the pollen extracts used for diagnosis or even immunotherapy.

Modern drifts in bioengineered nanoparticles toward insect pest management: a review

The development of molecular tools for agricultural analysis promoted property crop production improvement to rising food security from stress caused by organic phenomenon factors, as well as the insect pest attack. Crop productivity has inflated quintuple over the past few decades due to high-yielding varieties, irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. However, the planet population is anticipated to grow staggeringly over subsequent four decades, from nine to ten billion individuals. It’s so imperative to extend the assembly of food grains to feed the population. As way as ancient agriculture technology is bothered, it still incorporates a good distance to travel. The molecular tools wont to shield crops from organic phenomenon stress during this instance like plant alpha-amylase inhibitors, vacuolar ATPase, hemoprotein P450 monooxygenase, enzyme modulating oostatic issue (TMOF), enzyme inhibitors (PIs), with the exception of sterol enzyme (CHOx), lipoxygenases (enzyme), and technology, etc. despite not being wholesome. Additionally to delivery ecologically property farming practices into our daily lives, bionanotechnology will give opportunities for developing nations and developed nations shortly. It should have an enormous impact on farming systems while not the employment of pesticides. There area unit considerations concerning the food safety risks related to transgenic plants since the unfold of antibiotic resistance, the changes within the nutrient composition of plants, and also the production of noxious proteins and allergens can not be answered currently. Besides victimization high-yielding varieties, irrigation, and fertilizers, it’s a potent role in minimizing the economic losses caused by insects. Within the current context of insect pest management, it’s imperative to develop bionanotechnology-based tools for pest management. However, their economical use necessity takes for reckoning the numerous ecological role useful insect play for the longer-term development of agriculture.

A year like no other: reflecting on the challenges of 2020, and looking to regain momentum for cell and gene therapy in 2021

<div class="authors authors-lg"><div class="author"><div class="author-img"><img src="https://cdn.insights.bio/uploads/Peter Marks_3765 sq.jpg" data-image="1"></div><div class="author-det"> <!--StartFragment--><b>Peter Marks</b> is the director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the Food and Drug Administration. The center is responsible for assuring the safety and effectiveness of biological products, including vaccines, allergenic products, blood and blood products, and cellular, tissue, and gene therapies.<!--EndFragment-->&nbsp; </div></div></div>

Expression and functionality of allergenic genes regulated by simulated gastric juice in Anisakis pegreffii.

To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying allergens and parasite immunity and discover the stage-enriched gene expression of fish-borne zoonotic nematodes in the stomach, we used RNA-seq to study the transcriptome profiles of Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae, AP) in simulated gastric juice. Mobile L3 larvae were incubated in simulated medium at 37°C in 5% CO2 (AP-GJ) and the control group larvae were collected in PBS under the same conditions (AP-PBS). We found that the sequences of A. pegreffii were highly similar to Toxocara canis sequences. Among the transcripts, there would be 138 up-regulated putative genes and 251 down-regulated putative genes in AP-GJ group. Several lipid binging-related genes were more highly expressed in AP-GJ larvae. Moreover, 17 allergen genes were up-regulated and 29 were down-regulated in AP-GJ larvae. Eleven allergen genes belonged to one or more of the following three categories: biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. According to KEGG analysis, the main pathways that were represented included protein processing in transcription, immune system, cancer, and infectious disease. In particular, the most significant changes in the expression of parasite-derived allergen products occurred in AP-GJ larvae. This study helps us to extend our understanding of the biology of the fish-borne zoonotic parasite A. pegreffii and could be helpful for more precise risk assessment and providing guidelines for allergic consumers.

Ultrasound-guided caudal epidural steroid injection for sciatica: simplicity, efficacy and safety

The possibility of precisely locating the sacral hiatus, which is greatly facilitated by echography, has rekindled interest in epidural infiltrations via this route, particularly as rare but serious complications have been reported for other epidural injection techniques, such as those using the foraminal route or particulate products. Products injected via the sacral hiatus have been shown to ascend efficiently to the lumbar spine. In recalcitrant sciatica, epidural injections of corticosteroids via the three principal routes (sacral hiatus, interlaminar, foraminal) have similar mean efficacies. Injection via the sacral hiatus, or caudal injection, has similar complications to interlaminar and foraminal injections, but these complications appear to be much rarer by this route, and avoidable if several indispensable technical precautions are applied: five-step asepsis, echographic control to check for the absence of pilonidal cysts, avoidance of canal catheterization, avoidance of the injection of air, allergenic products, anesthetic products or particulate products, and slow injection. The sacral hiatus route can be used to ensure epidural infiltration without a risk of dural leak, in patients on antiplatelet treatment, even after surgery. Further studies are required to increase the efficacy and safety of this technique and to evaluate the benefits of injecting therapeutic agents other than corticosteroids via this route.

Response to stress and allergen production caused by metal ions (Ni, Cu and Zn) in oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) plants

Heavy metals are the cause of one of the most significant biosphere contamination problems worldwide, as they can be highly reactive and toxic according to their oxidation levels. Their toxic effects are correlated with the elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative cellular damage occurring in plants. The aim of the present study was the investigation of the effects of three heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Zn) applied to the soil in biochemical defense-related responses and allergen production in the aromatic plant oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) from the Lamiaceae family. The concentrations of the three heavy metals used, were based on the 2002 Regulation of the Polish Ministry of the Environment on Soil Quality Standards [(i) agricultural land (group B): Ni 100 ppm, Ni 210 ppm, Cu 200 ppm, Cu 500 ppm, Zn 720 ppm and (ii) industrial land (group C): Ni 500 ppm, Cu 1000 ppm, Zn 1500 ppm, Zn 3000 ppm]. The investigated plants accumulated heavy metal ions in aerial parts to a variable extent. For plants grown in soil contaminated with Zn, phenotypic representation of the growth and development were strongly limited and dependent on zinc concentration. Phenotypic representation of plants grown in soil contaminated with Ni and Cu were characterized by normal growth, slightly lower or equal to that of the control plants. All tested metals (Ni, Cu, Zn) caused a concentration-dependent decrease in photosynthetic pigments especially in total chlorophyll content. Highest cellular damage levels were observed in plants treated with Cu and Zn. Increasing concentration of these metals (especially Zn) caused a further increase in cellular damage. 3000 ppm Zn caused highest increase in the concentration of proline compared with control plants, suggesting osmotic stress imposition. Treatment with 1000 ppm Cu led to increased concentration of the allergenic protein profilin in relation to control plants by profilin ELISA analysis, while increasing concentrations of Cu and Zn led to a decrease in the concentration of phenolic compounds and total antioxidant capacity. On the basis of these findings, Ni stress in oregano plants appears to be less damaging (in relation to Cu and Zn) and with lower allergenic potential, compared with 1000 ppm Cu. The present study provides novel biochemical insight in the defense and allergenic response of aromatic plants to metal ions present in the rhizosphere; however, more comprehensive research under realistic field conditions is needed to fully decipher this interaction.