Kiwifruit Allergy in Children: Characterization of Main Allergens and Patterns of Recognition

• Main Authors: Ana Moreno Álvarez (Author), Leticia Vila Sexto (Author), Luda Bardina (Author), Galina Grishina (Author), Hugh. A. Sampson (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2015-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2227-9067; 10.3390/children2040424
• Keywords: actinidin; SDS-PAGE immunoblotting; pediatric; kiwifruit; food allergy; Pediatrics; RJ1-570
• Source: Children, Vol 2, Iss 4, Pp 424-438 (2015)

Kiwifruit allergy has been described mostly in the adult population, but immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated allergic reactions to kiwifruit appear to be occurring more frequently in children. To date, 13 allergens from kiwifruit have been identified. Our aim was to identify kiwifruit allergens in a kiwifruit allergic-pediatric population, describing clinical manifestations and patterns of recognition. Twenty-four children were included. Diagnosis of kiwifruit allergy was based on compatible clinical manifestations and demonstration of specific IgE by skin prick test (SPT) and/or serum-specific IgE determination. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting were performed with kiwifruit extract, and proteins of interest were further analyzed by mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. For component-resolved in vitro diagnosis, sera of kiwifruit-allergic patients were analyzed by an allergen microarray assay. Act d 1 and Act d 2 were bound by IgE from 15 of 24 children. Two children with systemic manifestations recognized a protein of 15 kDa, homologous to Act d 5. Act d 1 was the allergen with the highest frequency of recognition on microarray chip, followed by Act d 2 and Act d 8. Kiwifruit allergic children develop systemic reactions most frequently following ingestion compared to adults. Act d 1 and Act d 2 are major allergens in the pediatric age group.