Differences in the intrinsic immunogenicity and allergenicity of Bet v 1 and related food allergens revealed by site-directed mutagenesis
A. Roulias, U. Pichler, M. Hauser, M. Himly, H. Hofer, P. Lackner, C. Ebner, P. Briza, B. Bohle, M. Egger, M. Wallner & F. Ferreira

Abstract:
Allergic reaction to birch pollen Bet v 1 can be effectively treated with immunotherapy, an intervention that does not necessarily ameliorate symptoms of Bet v 1-associated food allergies. Thus, using a Bet v 1-mutant as template, low IgE-binding derivatives of apple Mal d 1 as well as hazelnut Cor a 1 were produced, which resulted in an unexpected change of their immunologic properties. Therefore, the Bet v 1 structure must harbour allergy-promoting properties, which are not shared with food homologues.

The article can be found here

Reviewed by Hans Brandstetter