Legumin allergens from peanuts and soybeans: effects of denaturation and aggregation on allergenicity

Legumin proteins Ara h 3 from peanuts and glycinin from soybeans are increasingly described as important allergens. The stability of an allergen's IgE binding capacity towards heating and digestion is considered an important characteristic for food allergens. We investigated the effects of heating and digestion on the IgE binding of Ara h 3 and glycinin. Both proteins are relatively stable to denaturation, having denaturation temperatures ranging from 70 to 92 degrees C, depending on their quaternary structure and the ionic strength. Aggregates were formed upon heating, which were partly soluble for glycinin. Heating slightly decreased the pepsin digestion rate of both allergens. However, heating did not affect the IgE binding capacity of the hydrolyzates, as after only 10 min of hydrolysis no IgE binding could be detected any more in all samples. Peanut allergen Ara h 1, when digested under equal conditions, still showed IgE binding after 2 h of hydrolysis. Our results indicate that the IgE binding capacity of legumin allergens from peanuts and soybeans does not withstand peptic digestion. Consequently, these allergens are likely unable to sensitize via the gastro-intestinal tract and cause systemic food allergy symptoms. These proteins might thus be less important allergens than was previously assumed.     

Significance of fruit and vegetable allergens: Possibilities of its reduction through processing

Fruit and vegetable allergies are prevalent commonly in adults, infants, and children all around the world, but more importantly in Europe and North America. The only solution is complete abstinence from the responsible food, which can be very difficult due to their presence in the form of hidden or undeclared ingredients. Various studies have shown the direct effect of processing on the secondary structure of proteins that can mitigate the allergic properties. The impact of these processing techniques on fruit and vegetable allergies have shown limited success due to the fact that they have multiple allergens that are especially heat stable. Apples, kiwi, peach, and melons are common fruits, whereas celery and carrot are the common vegetables that can result in allergic reactions for some portion of the population upon exposure.

Abbreviations: IgE: immunoglobulin E, OAS: oral allergy syndrome, nsLTP: nonspecific lipid transfer proteins, LTP: lipid transfer proteins, HPP: high-pressure processing, PEF: pulsed electric field, CD: circular dichroism, pI: isoelectric point, DBPCFCs: double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges     

Influence of food processing on the immunochemical stability of celery allergens

Celery roots were processed by microwave heating, cooking, drying, γ-irradiation, ultra high pressure treatment and high voltage impulse treatment. The immunochemical stabilities of the three known allergenic structures of celery were tested with sera from patients who were sensitised to celery. In addition, rabbit antisera were used to detect the allergens profilin and Api g 1 on celery immunoblots. The specificity and reactivity of IgE from the patients' sera were investigated by immunoblotting, by an enzyme allergosorbent test (EAST) and by dose-related IgE inhibition experiments. The results of all three methods agreed closely and indicated high antigenic and allergenic activity in native celery which was reduced by thermal processing. The heat-stability of the known celery allergens decreased in the following order: carbohydrate epitopes> profilin>Api g 1. In contrast, the allergenicity was only mildly reduced by non-thermal processing. The results obtained with human IgE were confirmed by an in vitro mediator-release assay that is based on rat basophil leukemia cells (RBL cells) which were passively sensitised with celery-specific murine IgE. With sera from mice that had been immunised with native celery, the native sample and non-thermal celery preparations elicited the strongest mediator release, whereas a weak response was obtained with samples from heat-processed celery. These results agreed closely with the data obtained in allergic patients whose IgE antibodies were directed against the major protein allergen Api g 1. Our results may be helpful in risk assessment and in selecting food preparations which can be consumed without symptoms by a subgroup of celery-allergic patients with a known sensitisation pattern. ©1997 SCI     

Pistachio nut allergy: An updated overview

Pistachio nut (Pistacia vera) is highly appreciated for its organoleptic characteristics and potential health benefits. However, this tree nut is also responsible for triggering moderate to severe IgE-mediated reactions in allergic individuals. Currently, pistachio nut allergy has gained some special attention, mainly due to its intrinsic relation with cashew nut allergy. Like for other nuts, the prevalence of pistachio nut allergy seems to be increasing at a global scale. Until now, there are five allergenic proteins officially listed for pistachio nut (Pis v 1, Pis v 2, Pis v 3, Pis v 4 and Pis v 5). Relevant data on their biochemical classification has become available, enabling establishing a correlation with the respective clinical symptoms. The establishment of an effective allergen risk assessment is a key issue for the food industry, policy makers and regulatory agencies. Thus, the availability of fast, specific and sensitive methods to detect trace amounts of allergens in processed foods is crucial. In the specific case of pistachio nut, there are some protein- and DNA-based methods for its detection/quantification in foods, which can aid to verify label information. Accordingly, all relevant research advances on this topic were summarised, updated and critically discussed in this review.     

A Grounded Guide to Gluten: How Modern Genotypes and Processing Impact Wheat Sensitivity

The role of wheat, and particularly of gluten protein, in our diet has recently been scrutinized. This article provides a summary of the main pathologies related to wheat in the human body, including celiac disease, wheat allergy, nonceliac wheat sensitivity, fructose malabsorption, and irritable bowel syndrome. Differences in reactivity are discussed for ancient, heritage, and modern wheats. Due to large variability among species and genotypes, it might be feasible to select wheat varieties with lower amounts and fewer types of reactive prolamins and fructans. Einkorn is promising for producing fewer immunotoxic effects in a number of celiac research studies. Additionally, the impact of wheat processing methods on wheat sensitivity is reviewed. Research indicates that germination and fermentation technologies can effectively alter certain immunoreactive components. For individuals with wheat sensitivity, less‐reactive wheat products can slow down disease development and improve quality of life. While research has not proven causation in the increase in wheat sensitivity over the last decades, modern wheat processing may have increased exposure to immunoreactive compounds. More research is necessary to understand the influence of modern wheat cultivars on epidemiological change.     

Interactions between proteins and phenolics: effects of food processing on the content and digestibility of phenolic compounds

Phenolic compounds have recently become one of the most interesting topics in different research areas, especially in food science and nutrition due to their health-promoting effects. Phenolic compounds are found together with macronutrients and micronutrients in foods and within several food systems. The coexistence of phenolics and other food components can lead to their interaction resulting in complex formation. This review article aims to cover the effects of thermal and non-thermal processing techniques on the protein–phenolic interaction especially focusing on the content and digestibility of phenolics by discussing recently published research articles. It is clear that the processing conditions and individual properties of phenolics and proteins are the most effective factors in the final content and intestinal fates of phenolic compounds. Besides, thermal and non-thermal treatments, such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field, cold plasma, ultrasonication, and fermentation may induce alterations  in those interactions. Still, new investigations are required for different food processing treatments by using a wide range of food products to enlighten new functional and healthier food product design, to provide the optimized processing conditions of foods for obtaining better quality, higher nutritional properties, and health benefits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.     

A food matrix reduces digestion and absorption of food allergens in vivo

Scope: Food allergy is caused by primary (class 1) food allergens, e.g. Bos d 5 (cow's milk) and Cor a 8 (hazelnut) or secondary (class 2) food allergens, e.g. Mal d 1 (apple). The latter cannot sensitize susceptible individuals but can cause allergy due to immunological cross‐reactivity with homologous respiratory allergens. Here, we studied the effects of food matrix on gastrointestinal proteolysis, epithelial transport and in vivo absorption of class 1 and class 2 food allergens. Methods and results: Mal d 1 lost its IgE‐reactivity immediately after simulated gastric digestion whereas Bos d 5 and Cor a 8 did not. Only Cor a 8 maintained IgE‐binding capacity after simulated intestinal proteolysis. The presence of hazelnut and peanut extracts, which served as protein‐rich model food matrices, delayed gastrointestinal degradation and reduced epithelial transport rates of all allergens through CaCo‐2 monolayers. Finally, IgE‐reactive allergens were assessed at different time points in sera from rats fed with all three allergens with or without hazelnut extract. The levels of all allergens peaked 2 h after animals were fed without matrix and increased over 8 h after feeding. Conclusions: A protein‐rich food matrix delays gastrointestinal digestion and epithelial transport of food allergens and thereby may affect their sensitizing capacity and clinical symptoms.     

非热加工技术消减食物过敏原研究进展

主要介绍了低温等离子体技术、高压处理、超声波处理、辐照处理等非热物理加工技术及其优缺点,这些技术均能够通过暴露或掩盖食物中过敏原的抗原表位,改变过敏原的二级结构,破坏维持三、四级结构的非共价键如氢键、疏水相互作用等方式来改变致敏蛋白的空间结构,从而消减其致敏性。     

A Comprehensive Review on Kiwifruit Allergy: Pathogenesis,Diagnosis, Management,and Potential Modification of Allergens Through Processing

Kiwifruit is rich in bioactive components including dietary fibers, carbohydrates, natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, omega‐3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. These components are beneficial to boost the human immune system and prevent cancer and heart diseases. However, kiwifruit is emerging as one of the most common elicitors of food allergies worldwide. Kiwifruit allergy results from an abnormal immune response to kiwifruit proteins and occur after consuming this fruit. Symptoms range from the oral allergy syndrome (OAS) to the life‐threatening anaphylaxis. Thirteen different allergens have been identified in green kiwifruit and, among these allergens, Act d 1, Act d 2, Act d 8, Act d 11, and Act d 12 are defined as the “major allergens.” Act d 1 and Act d 2 are ripening‐related allergens and are found in abundance in fully ripe kiwifruit. Structures of several kiwifruit allergens may be altered under high temperatures or strong acidic conditions. This review discusses the pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of kiwifruit allergy and evaluates food processing methods including thermal, ultrasound, and chemical processing which may be used to reduce the allergenicity of kiwifruit. Management and medical treatments for kiwifruit allergy are also summarized.     

Application of real-time PCR for tree nut allergen detection in processed foods

Abstract

Currently, food allergies are an important health concern worldwide. The presence of undeclared allergenic ingredients or the presence of traces of allergens due to accidental contamination during food processing poses a great health risk to sensitized individuals. Therefore, reliable analytical methods are required to detect and identify allergenic ingredients in food products. Real-time PCR allowed a specific and accurate amplification of allergen sequences. Some processing methods could induce the fragmentation and/or degradation of genomic DNA and some studies have been performed to analyze the effect of processing on the detection of different targets, as thermal treatment, with and without applying pressure. In this review, we give an updated overview of the applications of real-time PCR for the detection of allergens of tree nut in processed food products. The different variables that contribute to the performance of PCR methodology for allergen detection are also review and discussed.     

Peanut Allergy: Characteristics and Approaches for Mitigation

Peanut allergy has garnered significant attention because of the high sensitization rate, increase in allergy, and severity of the reaction. Sufficiently reliable therapies and efficient mitigating techniques to combat peanut allergy are still lacking. Current management relies on avoiding peanuts and nuts and seeds with homologous proteins, although adverse events mostly occur with accidental ingestion. There is a need for hypoallergenic peanut products to protect sensitized individuals and perhaps serve as immunotherapeutic products. Alongside traditional practices of thermal and chemical treatment, novel processing approaches such as high‐pressure processing, pulsed ultraviolet light, high‐intensity ultrasound, irradiation, and pulsed electric field have been performed toward reducing the immunoreactivity of peanut. Covalent and noncovalent chemical modifications to proteins also have the tendency to alter peanut allergenicity. Enzymatic hydrolysis seems to be the most advantageous technique in diminishing the allergenic potential of peanut. Furthermore, the combined processing approach (hurdle technologies) such as enzymatic hydrolysis followed by, or in conjunction with, roasting, high pressure and heat, ultrasound with enzymatic treatment, or germination have shown a significant reduction of peanut immunoreactivity and may emerge as useful techniques in reducing the allergenicity of peanut and other foods. This study represents our current knowledge about the alterations in allergenic properties of peanut via different processing mechanisms as well as evaluating its future potential, geographical based data on increasing sensitization, clinical relevance, eliciting dose, and current management of peanut allergy. Furthermore, the molecular characteristics and clinical relevance of peanut allergens have been discussed.     

食品加工对过敏原活性的影响

近年来, 食物过敏性疾病的发病率明显上升, 已成为影响人类健康最常见的全球性疾病之一。本文对食品加工中常用的几种方法对特定食品过敏原活性的影响进行了综述, 这些加工方法包括热处理、高压处理、研磨、辐照、碱水解、梅拉德反应、酶解、微生物发酵和基因工程等, 并对存在的问题进行了分析。     

食品过敏原生物传感检测技术研究进展

食品过敏原已成为全球性的食品安全隐患。应对食品过敏反应最直接、有效的方法就是避免食用和接触各种含有致敏成分的食品。因此,快速和灵敏地检测食品中过敏原对预防和控制食品过敏反应是十分重要的。食品过敏原检测主要可以分为基于核酸和蛋白质的两大类检测技术。与基于聚合酶链式反应技术、液相色谱-串联质谱法的传统检测手段相比,生物传感技术检测平台因具有操作简单、高通量、灵敏度高、现场便携等优点,在食品过敏原快速检测领域备受关注。本文综述了近年来食品过敏原的生物传感检测技术研究进展,包括电化学传感器、光学传感器和其他新型传感器及其在食品过敏原检测中的应用,并展望了生物传感技术在食品过敏原分析中面临的挑战和发展趋势。     

食品过敏原标签要求及生产过程控制初探

食品过敏已成为世界关注的重大公共卫生学和食品安全问题。食品过敏原是引起食品过敏的直接诱因,具有耐加工和交叉反应的特性。国际食品法典委员会(Codex Alimentarius Commission,CAC)规定了必须在食品标签中标注的8种可能引起过敏反应的食品及其配料,包括含有麸质的谷类、甲壳动物及其制品、鸡蛋及其制品、鱼类及其制品、花生、大豆及其制品、奶和奶制品(包括乳糖)、坚果及其制品、浓度不低于10 mg/kg的亚硫酸盐。欧盟、美国、日本、澳大利亚和新西兰等已根据国际食品法典委员会对过敏原的要求出台强制性标识食品过敏原的法规,这在一定程度上对我国出口食品企业造成了影响。本文通过对比CAC以及欧盟、中国、美国、日本、澳大利亚和新西兰等地有关过敏原标签的要求,提醒出口食品加工企业减少因标签不合格造成的经济损失,并为其在生产加工过程中过敏原的控制提出建议。     

矿物质对食物过敏原结构和稳定性的影响

蛋白质是引发食物过敏的一类重要物质,食物过敏原与矿物质的结合会影响其结构和功能的改变。本文阐述了食物中矿物质与过敏原结合的影响因素和矿物质对过敏原结构与稳定性的影响,以及不同条件下金属离子对几种过敏原的影响。通过分析其结构和致敏性的关联变化,为一种既能丰富营养素又能降低过敏原致敏性的方法提供理论基础,以用于指导低致敏食物的研发。      

质谱技术在食物过敏原检测中的研究进展

食物过敏是当前食品安全领域比较突出的问题,相应的过敏原检测方法研究也越来越受重视。相比于传统的免疫学检测方法,质谱技术在检测加工后以及复杂基质中的食物过敏原中,具有高通量和高灵敏性等优点,被广泛应用于食物过敏原的检测。本文主要从定性和定量2方面介绍了质谱技术在食品过敏原检测中的研究进展。相关研究对牛乳、鸡蛋、小麦和榛子(坚果类)等主要食物过敏原均有涉及。在定性研究中,以肽质量指纹图谱法和肽碎片离子鉴定法为主,鉴定食物中的过敏原蛋白。在定量研究中,通过标记/无标记技术,也能够实现对微量的目标蛋白进行相对/绝对定量。质谱技术应用于食物过敏原检测中,将有助于提升过敏原检测能力,降低食物过敏安全风险。     

Processing Strategies to Inactivate Hepatitis A Virus in Food Products: A Critical Review

Hepatitis A infection, caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), is the leading cause of human viral hepatitis throughout the world and is mainly propagated via the fecal–oral route. Transnational outbreaks of food‐borne infections are reported with increasing frequency as a consequence of international food trade. Food‐borne outbreaks caused by HAV are mainly associated with bivalve molluscs, produce (soft fruits and leafy greens), and ready‐to‐eat meals. The purpose of this paper was to conduct a structured and systematic review of the published literature on the current state of knowledge regarding the stability of HAV in foods as well as the efficacy of food processing strategies and to identify and prioritize research gaps regarding practical and effective mechanisms to reduce HAV contamination of foods. In particular, processing and disinfection strategies for the 3 food categories have been compiled in this review, including common and emerging food technologies. Overall, most of these processes can improve food safety; however, from a commercial point of view, none of the methods can guarantee total HAV inactivation without affecting the organoleptic qualities of the food product.     

A Controlled Agitation Process for Improving Quality of Canned Green Beans during Agitation Thermal Processing

This work introduces the concept of a controlled agitation thermal process to reduce quality damage in liquid‐particulate products during agitation thermal processing. Reciprocating agitation thermal processing (RA‐TP) was used as the agitation thermal process. In order to reduce the impact of agitation, a new concept of “stopping agitations after sufficient development of cold‐spot temperature” was proposed. Green beans were processed in No. 2 (307×409) cans filled with liquids of various consistency (0% to 2% CMC) at various frequencies (1 to 3 Hz) of RA‐TP using a full‐factorial design and heat penetration results were collected. Corresponding operator's process time to impart a 10‐min process lethality (F_o) and agitation time (AT) were calculated using heat penetration results. Accordingly, products were processed again by stopping agitations as per 3 agitation regimes, namely; full time agitation, equilibration time agitation, and partial time agitation. Processed products were photographed and tested for visual quality, color, texture, breakage of green beans, turbidity, and percentage of insoluble solids in can liquid. Results showed that stopping agitations after sufficient development of cold‐spot temperatures is an effective way of reducing product damages caused by agitation (for example, breakage of beans and its leaching into liquid). Agitations till one‐log temperature difference gave best color, texture and visual product quality for low‐viscosity liquid‐particulate mixture and extended agitations till equilibration time was best for high‐viscosity products. Thus, it was shown that a controlled agitation thermal process is more effective in obtaining high product quality as compared to a regular agitation thermal process.