Allergen against apple allergy discovered

Specific allergen detected against apple allergy

10/18/2012

People who are especially allergic to birch, alder and hazel often also suffer from a food allergy. Around 50 percent of birch pollen allergy sufferers do not tolerate nuts as well as some raw fruits, which include apples, pears, plums, peaches, cherries and almonds. Also some spices can be problematic. The research results of scientists from the Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research of the "MedUni" Vienna may be able to provide relief for those affected. With allergen, birch pollen allergy sufferers are desensitized to apples.

at „apple allergy“ Itching and redness in the mouth and throat
In Germany alone, experts estimate the number of pollen allergy sufferers at around 25 million. Many suffer from a so-called cross-allergy, which leads to food intolerances. In birch pollen allergy, cross allergy mainly affects nuts and fruits of the rose family, such as apples and pears. Those affected complain of swelling, redness and itching in the mouth and throat when eating these foods.

Although vaccination in pollen allergy can bring hay fever under control, on cross-allergies, however, this has usually no effect. Researchers at the MedUni Vienna have recently discovered an apple allergen (Mal d 1), with which a „apple allergy“ good to handle. As part of their investigation, they dripped the artificially prepared molecule Mal d 1 under the tongue of birch pollen allergy sufferers, who also suffered from a cross allergy. The drops suggested to the immune system the consumption of an apple. As expected, the immune response responded, showing the first signs of tolerance. The scientists assume that those affected react less sensitively with a longer duration of treatment. For allergy sufferers, the study results could significantly improve their quality of life, since they have to limit their diets due to the cross-allergic in some significant significant. A planned clinical trial should underpin the results. (Ag)

Picture: Günther Gumhold