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.