IgE-binding to vicilin-like antimicrobial peptides is associated with systemic reactions to macadamia nut.

Background: Macadamia nut can induce fatal allergic reactions and changes in dietary habits will raise their consumption in industrialised countries. Until now diagnosis of macadamia nut allergy by sIgE solely relies on the macadamia nut extract, but single components are lacking.

Methods: Macadamia nut proteins recognised by IgE from 2 macadamia nut extract positive sera were identified by mass spectrometry (vicilin-like antimicrobial peptides: VLAP).