Comprehensive Study of Patients' Compliance with Sublingual Immunotherapy in House Dust Mite Perennial Allergic Rhinitis.

Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that has been associated with patient adherence issues. The aim of the study was to increase the knowledge on compliance of patients allergic to house dust mites, receiving sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed in 53 Spanish allergy units.

Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) expresses several nsLTP isoforms characterized by different immunoglobulin E-binding properties.

Background: Pomegranate allergy is associated with sensitization to non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs). Our aim was to identify and characterize the non-specific nsLTPs expressed in pomegranate at the molecular level and to study their allergenic properties in terms of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding and cross-reactivity with peach nsLTP (Pru p 3).

Methods: A non-equilibrium two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoretic approach based on acid-urea PAGE and sodium dodecyl sulfate PAGE was set up to separate pomegranate nsLTPs.

Protein unfolding strongly modulates the allergenicity and immunogenicity of Pru p 3, the major peach allergen.

Background: Allergen-specific immunotherapy for food allergies, including peach allergy, has not been established. Use of allergens with reduced allergenic potential and preserved immunogenicity could improve the safety and efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Objective: We sought to create a hypoallergenic derivative of the major peach allergen Pru p 3 and to characterize its biochemical and immunologic properties.

Comparison of IgE-binding capacity, cross-reactivity and biological potency of allergenic non-specific lipid transfer proteins from peach, cherry and hazelnut.

Background: Whether the observed clinical pattern of non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP)-mediated food allergies is attributable to a primary sensitization by Pru p 3 from peach and subsequent cross-reactivity with Rosaceae- and non-Rosaceae-derived foods expressing homologous allergens is still unclear.

Objective: To investigate the allergenic properties of nsLTPs from Rosaceae and non-Rosaceae foods.

Methods: In peach-, cherry- or hazelnut-allergic patients, prevalence of sensitization, IgE-binding capacity, cross-reactivity and allergenic potency of Pru p 3 was compared with Pru av 3 (cherry) and Cor a 8 (hazelnut).

Identification and characterization of the major allergen of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) as a non-specific lipid transfer protein (Pha v 3).

Background: Green bean (GB) has been reported to cause allergic reactions after ingestion, contact or inhalation of particles deriving from processing or cooking. Up-to-date no food allergens have been fully characterized in GB.

Objective: To characterize the GB major allergen(s) on a molecular level and to verify the involvement of non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) in GB allergy.

Pichia pastoris is superior to E. coli for the production of recombinant allergenic non-specific lipid-transfer proteins.

Non-specific lipid-transfer proteins (nsLTP) from food and pollen are clinically important allergens, especially in patients recruited from the Mediterranean area. For the use of recombinant nsLTPs in allergy diagnosis and preclinical allergy studies the preparation of nsLTPs in a properly folded and biologically active form is required. Using hazelnut nsLTP (Cor a 8) as a model allergen, heterologous over-expression in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris was compared.

Molecular characterisation of Lac s 1, the major allergen from lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

Background: IgE sensitisation to non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTP), e.g., Pru p 3 the major allergen from peach and most important allergenic LTP, is strongly associated with severe symptoms in food allergic patients.

Sublingual immunotherapy for hazelnut food allergy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a standardized hazelnut extract.

Background: Food allergy may be life-threatening, and patients affected need to receive accurate diagnoses and treatment. Hazelnut has often been implicated as responsible for allergic reactions, and trace quantities can induce systemic reactions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of sublingual immunotherapy with a standardized hazelnut extract in patients allergic to hazelnut.