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Food Allergy: Mechanisms, Allergen Characterization and Management
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Food Allergy: Mechanisms, Allergen Characterization and Management

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2024 | Viewed by 17827

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Caterina Villa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
REQUIMTE/LAQV, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: bioactive peptides; novel foods; food allergens; food analysis; food chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Isabel Mafra

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
REQUIMTE/LAQV, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: real-time PCR; species identification; PCR detection; DNA barcode; food adulteration; food authentication; food allergens; food science technology and engineering; food safety; food chemistry; GMO detection; DNA analysis; bioactive peptides; novel foods
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Joana Costa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
REQUIMTE/LAQV, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: food safety; bioactive compounds; allergenic proteins; food allergens; food chemistry; peptide immunomodulation.
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Food allergies represent a relevant societal challenge, potentially affecting almost 10% of the global population. Although new treatments for food allergies are currently in progress, the total avoidance of allergy-related food is the only effective means of preventing adverse immunological reactions in allergic patients. However, food-allergic individuals are still at risk of suffering accidental exposure to allergenic foods, not only in the context of acquiring processed foods but also during social interactions (restaurants, schools, social events, etc.). Therefore, it is of foremost importance to advance proficient strategies to reduce, or even eliminate, the allergenicity of foods, either by using novel food processing methods or through the development of hypoallergenic foods (genomic manipulation). In parallel, it is also crucial to have efficient food allergen monitoring programs, thus ensuring the advancement of methods that can detect minute amounts of allergens in processed foods.

This Special Issue intends to gather original research and review papers on food allergies focusing on clinical studies, immunological mechanisms, diagnostic methods, potential food allergy treatments, the molecular characterization of food allergens, protein allergenicity assessments, the effect of food processing strategies, and in vitro digestibility, and the development of analytical methods for food allergen analysis.

Dr. Caterina Villa
Dr. Isabel Mafra
Dr. Joana Costa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • food allergy
  • diagnosis
  • immunotherapy
  • food allergens
  • allergen characterization
  • allergen detection
  • food allergen management
  • cross-reactivity
  • IgE-binding capacity
  • allergenicity

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1336 KiB  
Article
γ-Conglutin Immunoreactivity Is Differently Affected by Thermal Treatment and Gastrointestinal Digestion in Lupine Species
by Caterina Villa, Bruno Carriço-Sá, Carla S. S. Teixeira, Catarina Dias, Renata Costa, Carlos M. Pereira, Isabel Mafra and Joana Costa
Foods 2024, 13(15), 2330; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13152330 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 778
Abstract
Lupine is a legume commonly used in human diet as a functional food due to its high nutritional content and important technological properties. However, its consumption can lead to the manifestation of adverse immunological reactions, posing significant health issues in sensitized/allergic patients. This [...] Read more.
Lupine is a legume commonly used in human diet as a functional food due to its high nutritional content and important technological properties. However, its consumption can lead to the manifestation of adverse immunological reactions, posing significant health issues in sensitized/allergic patients. This work aims to investigate the effect of food processing combined with simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion on the immunoreactivity of lupine γ-conglutin. Model foods of wheat pasta containing 35% of lupine flour (Lupinus albus, L. luteus, and L. angustifolius) were prepared and submitted to a boiling process. The proteins were extracted and their profiles characterized by SDS-PAGE. Simulated GI digestion was performed on thermally treated pasta using the INFOGEST harmonized digestion protocol 2.0. The IgG binding capacity of γ-conglutin was assessed by immunoblotting in non-reducing conditions and indirect ELISA with specific antibodies. Results demonstrate that the boiling treatment affected the immunoreactivity of the three lupine species differently. Simulated GI digestion led to extensive destruction of the protein structure, more significant in the intestinal phase, reducing but not abolishing the IgG affinity to γ-conglutin and its potential presentation to immunocompetent cells. This information can offer valuable insights to the food industry for developing food formulations with reduced allergenic properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Allergy: Mechanisms, Allergen Characterization and Management)
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17 pages, 2002 KiB  
Article
Generation of an Ovomucoid-Immune scFv Library for the Development of Novel Immunoassays in Hen’s Egg Detection
by Santiago Rodríguez, Aina García-García, Eduardo Garcia-Calvo, Vanesa Esteban, Carlos Pastor-Vargas, Araceli Díaz-Perales, Teresa García and Rosario Martín
Foods 2023, 12(20), 3831; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12203831 - 19 Oct 2023
Viewed by 2021
Abstract
Hen’s egg allergy is the second most common food allergy among infants and young children. The possible presence of undeclared eggs in foods poses a significant risk to sensitized individuals. Therefore, reliable egg allergen detection methods are needed to ensure compliance with food [...] Read more.
Hen’s egg allergy is the second most common food allergy among infants and young children. The possible presence of undeclared eggs in foods poses a significant risk to sensitized individuals. Therefore, reliable egg allergen detection methods are needed to ensure compliance with food labeling and improve consumer protection. This work describes for the first time the application of phage display technology for the generation of a recombinant antibody aimed at the specific detection of hen’s ovomucoid. First, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) library was constructed from mRNA isolated from the spleen of a rabbit immunized with ovomucoid. After rounds of biopanning, four binding clones were isolated and characterized. Based on the best ovomucoid-binding candidate SR-G1, an indirect phage enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (phage-ELISA) was developed, reaching limits of detection and quantitation of 43 and 79 ng/mL of ovomucoid, respectively. The developed ELISA was applied to the analysis of a wide variety of food products, obtaining a good correlation with a commercial egg detection assay used as a reference. Finally, in silico modeling of the antigen-antibody complex revealed that the main interactions most likely occur between the scFv heavy chain and the ovomucoid domain-III, the most immunogenic region of this allergen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Allergy: Mechanisms, Allergen Characterization and Management)
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15 pages, 2963 KiB  
Article
Not Just a Banana: The Extent of Fruit Cross-Reactivity and Reaction Severity in Adults with Banana Allergy
by Narachai Julanon, Ben Thiravetyan, Chanita Unhapipatpong, Nutchapon Xanthavanij, Thanachit Krikeerati, Torpong Thongngarm, Chamard Wongsa, Wisuwat Songnuan, Phornnop Naiyanetr and Mongkhon Sompornrattanaphan
Foods 2023, 12(13), 2456; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132456 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5258
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of cross-reactivity and co-allergy to other plant foods among adult patients with IgE-mediated banana allergy in Thailand. A structured questionnaire was used to assess clinical reactivity, and cross-reactivity diagnoses were based on [...] Read more.
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of cross-reactivity and co-allergy to other plant foods among adult patients with IgE-mediated banana allergy in Thailand. A structured questionnaire was used to assess clinical reactivity, and cross-reactivity diagnoses were based on reactions occurring within 2 years of banana allergy onset, within 3 h of intake, and confirmed by allergists. Among the 133 participants, the most commonly associated plant foods with clinical reactions were kiwi (83.5%), avocado (71.1%), persimmon (58.8%), grapes (44.0%), and durian (43.6%). Notably, 26.5% of the reported reactions to other plant foods were classified as severe. These findings highlight the common occurrence of cross-reactivity/co-allergy to other plant foods in banana-allergic patients, with a significant proportion experiencing severe reactions. Travelers to tropical regions should be aware of this risk and advised to avoid specific banana cultivars and plant foods with reported high cross-reactivity. The inclusion of self-injectable epinephrine in the management plan for patients with primary banana allergy should be considered due to the substantial proportion of reported severe reactions and the wide range of clinical cross-reactivity and co-allergy observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Allergy: Mechanisms, Allergen Characterization and Management)
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Review

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21 pages, 1583 KiB  
Review
Revisiting Fruit Allergy: Prevalence across the Globe, Diagnosis, and Current Management
by Thanachit Krikeerati, Pongsawat Rodsaward, Jutamard Nawiboonwong, Kanokkarn Pinyopornpanish, Songwut Phusawang and Mongkhon Sompornrattanaphan
Foods 2023, 12(22), 4083; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12224083 - 10 Nov 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4109
Abstract
Fruit allergies manifest with a diverse array of clinical presentations, ranging from localized contact allergies and oral allergy syndrome to the potential for severe systemic reactions including anaphylaxis. The scope of population-level prevalence studies remains limited, largely derived from single-center or hospital-based investigations. [...] Read more.
Fruit allergies manifest with a diverse array of clinical presentations, ranging from localized contact allergies and oral allergy syndrome to the potential for severe systemic reactions including anaphylaxis. The scope of population-level prevalence studies remains limited, largely derived from single-center or hospital-based investigations. In this comprehensive review, we conducted a systematic literature search spanning the years 2009 to 2023, with full acknowledgment of potential analytical biases, to provide a global overview of fruit allergy prevalence. The primary mechanistic underpinning of fruit allergies stems from cross-reactivity between aeroallergens and food allergens, a consequence of structurally similar epitopes—a phenomenon recognized as pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). In the era of molecular allergology, numerous studies have dissected allergen components with substantial clinical relevance. Within this review, we explore important allergenic molecules found in plant-based foods, scrutinize pertinent cross-reactivity patterns, and offer insights into management recommendations. Additionally, we compare guideline recommendations to enhance clinical understanding and inform decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Allergy: Mechanisms, Allergen Characterization and Management)
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12 pages, 2187 KiB  
Review
Food-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis: A Distinct Form of Food Allergy—An Updated Review of Diagnostic Approaches and Treatments
by Witchaya Srisuwatchari, Kantima Kanchanaphoomi, Jutamard Nawiboonwong, Torpong Thongngarm and Mongkhon Sompornrattanaphan
Foods 2023, 12(20), 3768; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12203768 - 13 Oct 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4658
Abstract
Food-dependent exercise-induced allergic reactions (FDEIA) represent a distinct clinical phenomenon where symptoms arise during exercise following the consumption of specific trigger foods, with the most severe manifestation being anaphylaxis—a condition distinct from typical exercise-induced or food-induced anaphylaxis. In FDEIA, patients can either exercise [...] Read more.
Food-dependent exercise-induced allergic reactions (FDEIA) represent a distinct clinical phenomenon where symptoms arise during exercise following the consumption of specific trigger foods, with the most severe manifestation being anaphylaxis—a condition distinct from typical exercise-induced or food-induced anaphylaxis. In FDEIA, patients can either exercise or tolerate specific foods separately without experiencing any allergic reactions. Diagnosis relies on patient history and provocation testing, requiring rigorous implementation within a supervised hospital environment. Positive symptoms and clinical signs during testing confirm FDEIA, while negative outcomes do not preclude its presence. Exercise stands as the primary trigger, followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alcohol. The utilization of various protocols for food cofactor challenges to confirm FDEIA yields differing diagnostic outcomes. We highlight the updated concept of food cofactor challenges, incorporating protocols reported in the literature, and summarize current recommendations and comprehensive management approaches for FDEIA patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Allergy: Mechanisms, Allergen Characterization and Management)
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