Molecular properties of food allergens

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Jan;115(1):14-23; quiz 24. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2004.10.022.

Abstract

Plant food allergens belong to a rather limited number of protein families and are also characterized by a number of biochemical and physicochemical properties, many of which are also shared by food allergens of animal origin. These include thermal stability and resistance to proteolysis, which are enhanced by an ability to bind ligands, such as metal ions, lipids, or steroids. Other types of lipid interaction, including membranes or other lipid structures, represent another feature that might promote the allergenic properties of certain food proteins. A structural feature clearly related to stability is intramolecular disulfide bonds alongside posttranslational modifications, such as N-glycosylation. Some plant food allergens, such as the cereal seed storage prolamins, are rheomorphic proteins with polypeptide chains that adopt an ensemble of secondary structures resembling unfolded or partially folded proteins. Other plant food allergens are characterized by the presence of repetitive structures, the ability to form oligomers, and the tendency to aggregate. A summary of our current knowledge regarding the molecular properties of food allergens is presented. Although we cannot as yet predict the allergenicity of a given food protein, understanding of the molecular properties that might predispose them to becoming allergens is an important first step and will undoubtedly contribute to the integrative allergenic risk assessment process being adopted by regulators.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / chemistry
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Allergens / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Food Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Metals / metabolism
  • Plant Proteins, Dietary / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins, Dietary / immunology*
  • Plant Proteins, Dietary / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Steroids / metabolism
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Ligands
  • Metals
  • Plant Proteins, Dietary
  • Steroids