Analysis of Protein Sequence Identity, Binding Sites, and 3D Structures Identifies Eight Pollen Species and Ten Fruit Species with High Risk of Cross-Reactive Allergies.

Fruit allergens are proteins from fruits or pollen that cause allergy in humans, an increasing food safety concern worldwide. With the globalization of food trade and changing lifestyles and dietary habits, characterization and identification of these allergens are urgently needed to inform public awareness, diagnosis and treatment of allergies, drug design, as well as food standards and regulations. This study conducted a phylogenetic reconstruction and protein clustering among 60 fruit and pollen allergens from 19 species, and analyzed the clusters, in silico, for cross-reactivity (IgE), 3D protein structure prediction, transmembrane and signal peptides, and conserved domains and motifs.