Lipid transfer protein syndrome: clinical pattern, cofactor effect and profile of molecular sensitization to plant-foods and pollens.

BACKGROUND

Multiple plant-food sensitizations with a complex pattern of clinical manifestations are a common feature of lipid transfer protein (LTP)-allergic patients. Component-resolved diagnosis permits the diagnosis of the allergen sensitization profile.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to clinically characterize and describe the plant-food and pollen molecular sensitization profile in patients with LTP syndrome.

METHODS

Forty-five subjects were recruited, after being diagnosed with multiple plant-food allergies sensitized to LTP, but not to any other plant-food allergen, according to the molecular allergen panel tested (Pru p 3 (LTP), Pru p 1 (Bet v 1-like), Pru p 4 (profilin) and those included in a commercial microarray of 103 allergenic components). IgE-mediated food-allergy symptoms and pollinosis were collected. Patients were skin prick tested with a plant-food and pollens panel, and specific IgE to Tri a 14 was evaluated.

RESULTS

A heterogeneous group of plant-foods was involved in local and systemic symptoms: oral allergy syndrome (75.6%), urticaria (66.7%), gastrointestinal disorders (55.6%) and anaphylaxis (75.6%), 32.4% of which were cofactor dependent (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, exercise). All tested subjects were positive to peach and Pru p 3, Tri a 14 and to some of the LTPs included in the microarray. Pollinosis was diagnosed in 75.6% of subjects, with a broad spectrum of pollen and pollen-allergen sensitization. Plane tree and mugwort were the statistically significant pollens associated with Pru p 3.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Several plant-foods, taxonomically unrelated, independent of peach involvement, are implicated in LTP syndrome. Local symptoms should be evaluated as a risk marker for anaphylaxis because they are frequently associated with cofactor-dependent anaphylaxis. The association of these symptoms with pollinosis, especially plane tree pollinosis, could be part of this syndrome in our area.