Search Results (353)

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an IgE-mediated allergy, triggered by a carbohydrate—galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). AGS is marked by a delayed onset of symptoms, typically occurring 3–8 h after the ingestion of red meat or other mammalian-derived products. The primary risk factor is believed to be tick bites, which sensitize individuals through the introduction of α-Gal via tick saliva. Diagnosis of AGS is based on a combination of anamnesis and detection of α-Gal-specific IgE antibodies. We evaluated 28 patients with a history of unexplained anaphylaxis, angioedema, and/or urticaria, in whom the diagnostic work-up included the assessment of serum IgE specific to alpha-gal. Elevated alpha-gal-specific IgE levels were detected in five patients. Among them, four reported anaphylactic episodes following meat consumption. In three cases, symptoms developed during the evening or nighttime, typically 3 to 6 h after the last meal. One patient experienced anaphylaxis within one hour after a meal. Another patient presented angioedema up to 24 h after meat consumption and was also tested positive for specific IgE against beef and pork allergens. The AGS case series showed variability in clinical picture and time to reaction. In patients presenting idiopathic anaphylaxis and nonspecific symptoms after red meat consumption, AGS should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Full article

Background: The peach allergen Pru p 7, a member of the Gibberellin-Regulated Protein (GRP) family, has emerged as a key marker of severe fruit-induced allergies. It is hypothesized to mediate cross-reactivity between fruit allergens and cypress pollen. Given the increasing prevalence of food allergies and the complex patterns of cross-sensitization, the role of Pru p 7 in clinical allergy diagnostics warrants further investigation. Objective: This study aims to characterize the sensitization profile to Pru p 7 in a cohort of patients with suspected fruit allergy and to assess its relationship with cypress pollen allergy, particularly to Cup s 7, a homologous GRP from Cupressus sempervirens. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients evaluated at the Allergy Unit of the Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo. Specific IgE (sIgE) levels to peach extract, Pru p 7, and Cup a 1 (cypress extract) were assessed using the ImmunoCAP^® system (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, USA). Statistical associations between sensitizations were evaluated using chi-square tests and Spearman’s correlation. Results: Sensitization to peach extract, Pru p 7, and cypress pollen was detected in 38%, 30%, and 45% of patients, respectively. Significant associations were observed between peach and cypress (χ² = 8.80, p = 0.003), peach and Pru p 7 (χ² = 8.23, p = 0.004), and cypress and Pru p 7 (χ² = 6.55, p = 0.01). Notably, all patients sensitized to Pru p 7 also tested positive for both peach and cypress allergens, supporting the hypothesis of pollen–food cross-reactivity. Conclusions: Pru p 7 is a clinically relevant allergen that may account for severe allergic responses in patients not sensitized to classical peach allergens. Its cross-reactivity with Cupressaceae-derived GRPs, such as Cup s 7, highlights the importance of molecular diagnostics in evaluating food allergies, particularly in regions with significant exposure to cypress pollen. Full article

Pistachio (Pistacia vera) is widely consumed among tree nuts but capable of triggering severe IgE-mediated reactions in allergic individuals. Due to the similarity of cashew-borne and pistachio-borne allergen proteins and DNA, traditional detection methods, such as ELISA and PCR, often suffer from cross-reactivity, limiting their ability to discriminate between these two allergens. This study presents a sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous detection of pistachio and cashew allergens in processed food with a screening detection limit (SDL) equal to 1 mg/kg. The method was validated for specificity, SDL, β error, precision, and ruggedness, and applied to various matrices (cereals, chocolate, sauces, and meat products). Ruggedness testing showed that all considered parameters must be carefully monitored by the operator, and sample preparation must be carried out without any modification in parameter values, under strictly controlled conditions. Good reproducibility was achieved for pistachio detection, while ongoing investigations should be carried out to overcome existing constraints for cashew. The LC-MS/MS method described in this work is a discriminatory method suitable for official food allergen control to selectively differentiate pistachio from cashew allergens, overcoming the limitations of PCR and ELISA when cross-reactivity occurs. It represents a validated tool for pistachio detection and a promising approach toward improving cashew allergen analysis. Full article

The prevalence of food allergies has been steadily increasing in recent years. β-lactoglobulin (β-LG), the main allergenic protein of milk and dairy allergies, is more commonly observed in infants and children. In this study, a β-LG-specific aptamer was selected using the combinatorial chemistry process known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), and a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D)-based aptasensor was developed using a novel surface functionalization technique, which mimics an artificial cell membrane on the QCM-D sensor surface, creating a physiologically relevant environment for the binding of the target to the sensor. Through SELEX combined with next-generation sequencing (NGS), the aptamer Apt 356 was identified. Its binding to β-LG was confirmed via dot blot analysis. The selected Apt 356 was then used for the development of a QCM-D-based sensor. To fabricate the sensor, the quartz surface was functionalized with a supported lipid bilayer (SLB). The β-LG-specific aptamer was immobilized onto this SLB. The results demonstrated that the QCM-D system allows real-time observation and evaluation of the binding of β-LG. While there have been some studies on aptasensors for the β-LG protein, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first QCM-D-based aptasensor developed specifically for β-LG protein detection. Full article

Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) is a vital parasite that causes fasciolosis. Liver fluke infections affect livestock animals, and the Fasciola species (Fasciola spp.) vaccine has been tested for many types of these diseases. Currently, computer-based vaccine design represents an attractive alternative for constructing vaccines. Thus, this study aimed to design the epitopes of linear B-cells (BCL) and helper T lymphocytes (HTL) using an immunoinformatic approach and to investigate in silico and the mice’s immune response. A non-conserved host region, overlapping F. gigantica cathepsin B proteins (FgCatB), and the highest conserved residue percentages were the criteria used to construct epitopes. The GPGPG linker was used to link epitopes in the multi-epitope Fasciola gigantica cathepsin B (MeFgCatB) peptide. The MeFgCatB peptide has high antigenicity, non-allergenicity, non-toxicity, good solubility, and a high-quality structure. The molecular docking between the MeFgCatB peptide and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) was evaluated. The IgM, IgG1, and IgG2 levels were elevated in silico. In mice, the MeFgCatB peptide was synthesized and administered as an injection. The MeFgCatB-specific IgG1 and IgG2a levels were elevated after week 2, showing a predominance of IgG1. The rFgCatB1, rFgCatB2, and rFgCatB3 were detected using the MeFgCatB peptide-immunized sera. The MeFgCatB peptide-immunized sera were detected at approximately 28–34 kDa in the whole body. In addition, the MeFgCatB immunized sera can positively signal at the caecal epithelium in the NEJ, 4WKJ, and adult stages. In summary, the MeFgCatB peptide is able to induce mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses with Th2 dominating and to detect the native protein of F. gigantica. The MeFgCatB peptide should help against F. gigantica in future experiments. Full article

Allergic diseases, particularly respiratory allergies like asthma and allergic rhinitis, are a growing public health concern influenced by environmental factors such as climate change and air pollution. The exposome framework enables a comprehensive assessment of how lifelong environmental exposures shape immune responses and allergic sensitization. Peru’s diverse ecosystems and climates provide a unique setting to investigate regional variations in allergic sensitization. This study characterized these patterns in five Peruvian regions with distinct climatic, urbanization, and socioeconomic characteristics. A total of 268 individuals from Lima, Piura, Tarapoto, Arequipa, and Tacna were analysed for allergen-specific IgE responses using a multiplex IgE detection system. The results revealed significant geographical differences in sensitization frequencies and serodominance profiles, based on descriptive statistics and supported by Chi-square comparative analysis. House dust mites were predominant in humid regions, while Arequipa exhibited higher sensitization to cat allergens. In Tacna, olive pollen showed notable prevalence alongside house dust mites. Tarapoto’s high humidity correlated with increased fungal and cockroach allergen sensitization. Notably, some allergens traditionally considered minor, such as Der p 5 and Der p 21, reached sensitization prevalences close to or exceeding 50% in certain regions. These findings provide the most detailed molecular characterization of allergic sensitization in Peru to date, highlighting the importance of region-specific allergy management strategies. Understanding environmental influences on allergic diseases can support more effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive approaches tailored to diverse geographical contexts. Full article

The rising demand for sustainable and health-promoting foods has encouraged the development of tempeh from non-soy plant materials. This study investigated tempeh alternatives made from sorghum, proso millet, white bean, buckwheat, yellow pea, and quinoa, focusing on their phenolic acid (PA) content. Seventeen PAs and two flavan-3-ols were quantified using LC-MS/MS in free, conjugated, and insoluble forms, and total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Four PAs—shikimic acid, 3-hydroxycinnamic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and 2-hydroxycinnamic acid—were not detected. Solid-state fermentation increased the total PA (TPA) content by an average of 11.3%, reaching 160.6 µg/g, with the most significant rise in conjugated and insoluble fractions. The highest TPA values were observed in sorghum-based tempeh, particularly quinoa:sorghum (2:1; 293 µg/g), sorghum:yellow pea (2:1; 277.6 µg/g), and buckwheat:sorghum (1:1; 271 µg/g). The most abundant PAs were ferulic (18 µg/g), vanillic (14.6 µg/g), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic (8 µg/g), and caffeic acids (6.7 µg/g). TPC values reached up to 9.51 mg GAE/g in tempeh samples. These findings support the use of non-soy substrates to develop nutritious, allergen-free, gluten-free tempeh products with enhanced phenolic profiles and functional food potential. Full article

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause hypersensitivity reactions and lead to anaphylactic shock. These drugs also act as cofactors in allergic reactions. Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), found in plants, represent a unique group of allergens in which cofactors play a crucial role. This case report describes a 26-year-old female who developed anaphylactic symptoms after ingesting grapes and taking ketoprofen. The patient experienced swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as shortness of breath, dizziness, and loss of consciousness, after consuming grapes and taking ketoprofen. She had previously used ketoprofen and acetylsalicylic acid without issues but had developed urticaria on several occasions after consuming multi-ingredient dishes. Skin prick tests showed positive results for peanut and orange allergens. Further testing using the ALEX multiparametric test detected antibodies to several LTP allergens. Intradermal tests with ketoprofen yielded a positive result, although irritant reactions could not be ruled out. A provocation test with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) showed no adverse reactions. Skin tests with ibuprofen were negative, and provocation tests confirmed its tolerance. A diagnosis of LTP allergy and selective ketoprofen allergy was made, with the recommendation to avoid ketoprofen and follow a diet excluding foods from the LTP group. Full article

As a natural polymerized material, Chinese lacquer has numerous applications, although its processing is associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which will cause a health risk. This paper was mainly focused on the detection of volatiles in the Chinese lacquer and its possible allergy mechanisms based on the properties of the lacquer, such as the main components, chemical properties, and allergy mechanisms of the unit phenols, aldehydes, and ketones and terpenes in the volatiles. Based on the detection technology (such as GC/MS) and allergy mechanism, a variety of prevention and control strategies are proposed, including the use of cyclodextrin–chitosan embedding technology to reduce the antigenicity of lacquer phenols and the directional modification of the active site of laccase to inhibit the generation of quinone toxicity products, as well as the research and development of antioxidant protective equipment for different volatiles, the installation of ventilation and purification devices, and the addition of antioxidants. They are all aimed at providing scientific evidence and practical guidance for the safe use of lacquer, the health protection of the practitioners, and the sustainable development of the related industries. Full article

The efficacy of Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy is contingent upon the accurate identification of the insect responsible for the allergic reaction. The techniques used to detect specific IgE suffer from difficulties due to the cross-reactivity between Hymenoptera venoms (false positives), diagnostic ability, and the limited availability of allergenic components (false negatives). In this study, we analyzed the discrepancies in the results obtained with Euroline^® DPA-Dx and ImmunoCAP^® in the diagnosis of allergic reactions due to Hymenoptera stings in 151 patients. The results (positive/negative) of ImmunoCAP^® and Euroline^® agreed in 77/151 (50.99%) cases; with 15/151 (9.93%) cases positive for the same insect, and 61/151 (40.4%) cases positive for multiple insects. When the results were used to decide which venom to use for immunotherapy, there was a statistically significant discrepancy for Polistes dominula (21.8% of cases with ImmunoCAP^® compared to only 8.4% with Euroline^®). The presence of Polistes venom phospholipase (Pol d 1) in Euroline^® did not increase its ability to differentiate double sensitization to wasps. ImmunoCAP^® and Euroline^® exhibited comparable diagnostic performance in bee venom allergy. For vespid venom allergy—particularly involving Polistes species—ImmunoCAP^® appeared to show a slight diagnostic advantage, although this finding should be interpreted with caution. Full article

Celery allergy is a common food allergy, particularly among the European population. Currently, several diagnostic methods are available, including multiplex assays, which are useful for identifying celery-allergic patients. However, all of these methods have certain limitations. Api g 7 is a newly identified celeriac allergen belonging to the defensin protein family. Its clinical relevance lies in the high risk of severe systemic reactions among patients sensitized to this molecule. Patients sensitized to Api g 7 are often co-sensitized to Art v 1, the major mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) allergen, due to structural similarity between these two molecules. This molecular homology plays a key role in the pathogenesis of celery–mugwort syndrome. Although Api g 7may be a major celery allergen, none of the currently available commercial diagnostic tests are capable of detecting sIgE against it. This highlights the need for the development of new, commercially available diagnostic tools in allergology. Full article

Type I allergies are triggered by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity reactions upon allergen exposure. Dogs are diagnosed with allergic dermatitis based on history, clinical signs, and allergen-specific IgE detection. Using the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST)–immunoblot assay, this study measured IgE concentrations and analyzed the proportion of dogs showing allergen-specific IgE positivity, and IgE concentrations of environmental and food allergens in South Korea. We examined data from canine serum using the MAST assay in 2023; the allergen panel included 130 allergens. Data were analyzed, with results greater than zero regarded as positive for the prevalence measurements and concentrations compared among subgroups. Overall, 2663 samples were evaluated to assess the proportion of dogs showing allergen-specific IgE positivity and mean concentrations of environmental and food allergens. Among the environmental allergens, Alternaria spp. had the highest IgE prevalence, whereas Japanese cedar had the highest mean IgE concentration. Allergen-specific differences were observed among subgroups categorized by age, sex, and breed. To our knowledge, this research is the first large-scale study to analyze canine serum using a MAST assay to assess the IgE prevalence of allergen-specific IgE positivity and concentration and to examine data by age, sex, and breed. These findings provide information for diagnosis and management of canine allergies. Full article

Pollen allergy has emerged as a critical global health challenge. Proactive pollen monitoring is imperative for safeguarding susceptible populations through timely preventive interventions. Current manual detection methods suffer from inherent limitations: notably, suboptimal accuracy and delayed response times, which hinder effective allergy management. Therefore, we present an automated pollen concentration detection system integrated with a novel GGD-YOLOv8n model (Ghost-generalized-FPN-DualConv-YOLOv8), which was specifically designed for allergenic pollen species identification. The methodological advancements comprise three components: (1) combining the C2f convolution in Backbone with the G-Ghost module, this module generates features through half-convolution operations and half-symmetric linear operations, enhancing the extraction and expression capabilities of detailed feature information. (2) The conventional neck network is replaced with a GFPN architecture, facilitating cross-scale feature aggregation and refinement. (3) Standard convolutional layers are substituted with DualConv, thereby reducing model complexity by 22.6% (parameters) and 22% GFLOPs (computational load) while maintaining competitive detection accuracy. This systematic optimization enables efficient deployment on edge computing platforms with stringent resource constraints. The experimental validation substantiates that the proposed methodology outperforms the baseline YOLOv8n model, attaining a 5.4% increase in classification accuracy accompanied by a 4.7% enhancement in mAP@50 metrics. When implemented on Jetson Nano embedded platforms, the system demonstrates computational efficiency with an inference latency of 364.9 ms per image frame, equating to a 22.5% reduction in processing time compared to conventional implementations. The empirical results conclusively validate the dual superiority in detecting precision and operational efficacy when executing microscopic pollen image analysis on resource-constrained edge computing devices; they establish a feasible algorithm framework for automated pollen concentration monitoring systems. Full article

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is triggered by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immune responses to airborne allergens. Recent studies highlight the pivotal role of T follicular helper 2 (Tfh2) cells in IgE production. Interleukin-37 (IL-37) has emerged as an intrinsic modulator of innate immunity and inflammatory processes. We aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of IL-37 on Tfh2 cells in the pathogenesis of AR. Methods: Blood samples were collected from AR patients and controls. The IL-37 levels and the frequency of Tfh2 cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry, respectively. The isolated Tfh2 cells were cultured or cocultured with naive B cells. The regulatory effects of IL-37 on Tfh2/B cells were assessed using ELISA, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Mouse models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR were established to explore the effect of IL-37 in vivo. Results: IL-37 suppressed the production of IL-4 and IL-21 by Tfh2 cells and downregulated C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) and B-cell lymphoma 6 protein (Bcl6) mRNA expression while upregulating B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp1) and signal transducers and activators of transduction5 (STAT5) mRNA. IL-37 decreased IgE production by B cells significantly, and the addition of anti-IL-18 receptor α alleviated this effect. In mouse models, IL-37 reduced nasal rubbing, sneezing, eosinophil counts, OVA-specific IgE, and Tfh2 proportions. Conclusions: IL-37 plays a crucial role in modulating Tfh2 cell responses in AR, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this condition. Full article

Background: Food allergies represent a growing public health concern, with accidental exposures in dining establishments posing significant risks. Although various guidelines and interventions have been proposed, practical implementation remains challenging. Objectives: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on major hazards in allergen management within dining settings and to evaluate emerging solutions designed to protect allergic consumers. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of peer-reviewed articles, surveillance reports, guidelines, and policy documents published in April 2025 was undertaken in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were selected based on relevance to allergen management in dining establishments. An inductive thematic synthesis was performed, and a basic quality appraisal was conducted to prioritize stronger evidence. Results: Three major hazard themes—hidden allergens, cross-contamination during food preparation, and poor communication between staff and allergic consumers—were identified from the reviewed literature. Emerging interventions included enhanced staff training, improved allergen labeling practices, and the application of digital technologies such as smartphone apps and rapid allergen detection devices. However, inconsistencies in implementation and a lack of systematic validation limit the effectiveness of these approaches. Conclusions: Mitigating food allergy risk in dining establishments requires an integrated approach that combines strict kitchen controls with continuous staff education, transparent labeling, clear communication, and supportive policies. While promising interventions exist, more research is required to validate their effectiveness and to encourage standardized, widespread implementation to ensure the safety of individuals with food allergies. Full article