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Food Allergens: Latest Molecular Advancements
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Food Allergens: Latest Molecular Advancements

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (24 April 2026) | Viewed by 3994

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Zhihua Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, No. 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
Interests: food allergy; peanut allergy; structure of allergens; hypoallergens; epitope identification; allergenicity; immunologic mechanism; immunotherapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anshu Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanjing Dong Lu 235, Nanchang 330047, China
2. Sino-German Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanjing Dong Lu 235, Nanchang 330047, China
Interests: food allergy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Food allergies have shown a significant upward trend over the past three decades, and have always been an important issue in the field of global public health. Data from the World Allergy Organization (WAO) show that approximately 8% of children and 5% of adults worldwide are affected by allergies. As the material basis of food allergies, allergens have been discovered, identified, purified, and processed. Many studies have focused on structures and properties in order to research the mechanisms of food allergies and the possibility of desensitization. All these efforts on food allergens have focused on the protein molecules of allergens. In this Special Issue, “Food Allergens：Latest Molecular Advancements”, we recruit research and review articles focused on food allergens. This Special Issue will be dedicated to allergen molecules, concerning their identification, purification, characterization, and modification. All studies related to allergens, clarifying the structure–effect relationship of allergen molecules, the mechanisms of their interactions with Ig E from allergy patients, and the immunity reaction induced, are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Zhihua Wu
Dr. Anshu Yang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • food allergies
  • allergen
  • allergenicity
  • epitope
  • desensitization
  • immunity reaction
  • hypoallergen
  • Ig E binding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1346 KB  
Article
Identification, Characterization and Epitopes Prediction of an Almond Allergen Pru du 8 Fragment
by Lihua Zhou, Kuan Gao, Changbao Hu, Weichao Zhu, Zhihui Liu, Zhihua Wu and Hongbing Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2683; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062683 - 15 Mar 2026
Viewed by 415
Abstract
Pru du 8 is a 31 kDa antibacterial protein and officially recognized almond allergen, but its native form in mature almonds has not been characterized, and no effective extraction method has been established. In this study, we successfully isolated a high-purity (>95%) 15 [...] Read more.
Pru du 8 is a 31 kDa antibacterial protein and officially recognized almond allergen, but its native form in mature almonds has not been characterized, and no effective extraction method has been established. In this study, we successfully isolated a high-purity (>95%) 15 kDa protein from almond extract using a one-step chromatographic approach. Mass spectrometry identified this protein as a fragment of Pru du 8. The purified 15 kDa fragment exhibited strong IgE-binding activity with sera from almond-allergic patients, and its IgE-binding specificity was confirmed by negative reactivity with non-atopic control blood serum. Structural characterization by circular dichroism and ultraviolet spectroscopy revealed that the fragment adopts a predominantly α-helical, compact fold. Furthermore, computational epitope prediction identified key B-cell epitopes on this naturally occurring fragment. This study provides the isolation method for a native Pru du 8 fragment and confirms its allergenic potential, offering a valuable tool for future research on almond allergy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Allergens: Latest Molecular Advancements)
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26 pages, 2122 KB  
Article
The Role of Nut Sensitization in Pru p 3-Sensitized Patients: A XGBoost and Generalized Linear Model Application
by Sebastiano Gangemi, Giuseppe Caristi, Clara Alessandrello, Francesca Dimasi, Federica Nuccio, Michael Morabito and Paola L. Minciullo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031223 - 26 Jan 2026
Viewed by 696
Abstract
Sensitization to non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) is highly prevalent in Mediterranean countries. Pru p 3 from peach is a major allergen responsible for IgE-mediated food allergies. As a panallergen, Pru p 3 shows high sequence homology with nsLTPs from other Rosaceae fruits [...] Read more.
Sensitization to non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) is highly prevalent in Mediterranean countries. Pru p 3 from peach is a major allergen responsible for IgE-mediated food allergies. As a panallergen, Pru p 3 shows high sequence homology with nsLTPs from other Rosaceae fruits but also from botanically unrelated sources, including nuts and pollens, leading to extensive cross-reactivity complicating diagnosis and management. Given the worldwide prevalence of peanut and tree nut allergies, this study aimed to investigate sensitization patterns in Pru p 3-sensitized patients with tree nut allergy, using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify predictors of clinical reactivity and severity. Data from Pru p 3–sensitized patients with symptoms to peach and/or nuts were analyzed. Sensitization profiles were modeled using an XGBoost algorithm to explore associations with symptoms and severity. Patients sensitized to Pru p 3 and symptomatic for peach and nuts showed predominant sensitization to peanut and hazelnut, but AI revealed stronger associations between clinical reactivity and sensitization to hazelnut, walnut, and almond. Among patients with nut allergy and peach-asymptomatic, peanut and hazelnut sensitization were most frequent, while peach-symptomatic ones, walnut and almond sensitization predominated. Overall, walnut sensitization emerged as the main predictor of clinical severity and increasing number of sensitizations correlated with higher severity. The XGBoost algorithm identified specific allergen combinations associated with symptoms and severity, highlighting walnut sensitization as the strongest severity predictor. Machine learning approaches represent a promising tool for refining risk stratification and personalizing management in nsLTP-related food allergy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Allergens: Latest Molecular Advancements)
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15 pages, 3399 KB  
Article
Adjuvant-Free Murine Models of Allergic Sensitization to the Major Soybean Allergen Gly m 4
by Ivan V. Bogdanov, Ekaterina I. Finkina, Alfia G. Kamaeva, Marina S. Krasilshchikova and Tatiana V. Ovchinnikova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311695 - 3 Dec 2025
Viewed by 738
Abstract
Gly m 4, a soybean PR-10 allergen, is known to trigger systemic allergic reactions. However, the intrinsic sensitizing potential of the allergen remains unclear. Adjuvant-free murine models of sensitization to Gly m 4 might help to investigate mechanisms of a soy allergy and [...] Read more.
Gly m 4, a soybean PR-10 allergen, is known to trigger systemic allergic reactions. However, the intrinsic sensitizing potential of the allergen remains unclear. Adjuvant-free murine models of sensitization to Gly m 4 might help to investigate mechanisms of a soy allergy and establish relevant in vivo platforms for developing novel allergen-specific immunotherapy strategies. BALB/c mice were sensitized to Gly m 4 via intraperitoneal (i.p.), subcutaneous (s.c.), or intranasal (i.n.) routes, with or without adjuvant (alum or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). In order to assess sensitization, we evaluated levels of allergen-specific IgE, IgG1, IgG2a, systemic anaphylaxis, rat basophil (RBL) degranulation, and cytokine/chemokine profiles in mouse sera. I.n. exposure with or without LPS proved to be ineffective and did not elicit sensitization. I.p. and s.c. routes of sensitization with and without alum induced a Th2-skewed response, which was demonstrated by high levels of IgE and IgG1, systemic anaphylaxis, and IgE-mediated degranulation of RBL cells. Adjuvant-free i.p. administration led to a shift in cytokine production, with reduced levels of proinflammatory (IL-1α/IL-6) cytokines and increased levels of Th2-associated (IL-13/GM-CSF) ones. Thus, adjuvant-free murine models validated the intrinsic sensitizing capacity of Gly m 4. Moreover, Gly m 4 demonstrated similar immunogenic profiles to Bet v 1 in alum-based models. It is the first evidence that soybean Gly m 4 can induce in vivo allergic sensitization in mice without adjuvants, particularly via i.p. and s.c. routes. Established adjuvant-free murine models offer a relevant tool for studying soy allergy and developing targeted immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Allergens: Latest Molecular Advancements)
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Review

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23 pages, 555 KB  
Review
Lipid Transfer Protein Allergens: A Comprehensive Overview of Current Knowledge
by Magdalena Rydzyńska, Tomasz Rosada, Bernadetta Kosztulska, Magdalena Grześk-Kaczyńska and Natalia Ukleja-Sokołowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052132 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1632
Abstract
Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) constitute a widely distributed family of plant allergens with substantial clinical relevance, particularly in food allergy. Their marked thermal and proteolytic stability enables them to provoke reactions ranging from mild local symptoms to severe anaphylaxis. This narrative review [...] Read more.
Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) constitute a widely distributed family of plant allergens with substantial clinical relevance, particularly in food allergy. Their marked thermal and proteolytic stability enables them to provoke reactions ranging from mild local symptoms to severe anaphylaxis. This narrative review synthesises current knowledge on nsLTP allergens, focusing on their molecular characteristics, taxonomic distribution, exposure routes, and clinical impact. Major allergenic sources include fruits, nuts and seeds, vegetables and cereals, as well as various pollens. Across these sources, Pru p 3 has emerged as the central and most extensively studied allergen, frequently acting as the primary sensitiser and exhibiting broad cross-reactivity with homologous nsLTPs from diverse plant species. Despite growing evidence, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding sensitisation pathways, environmental modifiers, and phenotype stratification. Continued research is required to improve diagnostic precision and guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for patients with nsLTP-mediated allergy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Allergens: Latest Molecular Advancements)
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