Search Results (67)

Alternative proteins denote non-traditional, high-protein foods. These innovative sources aim to compete with conventional animal products by providing protein-rich, sustainable, nutritious, and flavorful options. Currently, five main categories of alternative proteins are being developed: plant-based proteins, cultured meat, single-cell proteins, edible insects, and seaweed. Nonetheless, several chemical and microbiological food safety hazards are associated with these alternatives Incorporating novel protein sources into food products may heighten the prevalence of existing food allergies. This could arise from extracting proteins from their natural matrices and utilizing them at significantly higher concentrations. Additionally, the introduction of new proteins may lead to the development of novel food allergies. Proteins that are currently seldom or never consumed may cause primary sensitisation or trigger cross-reactivity with known allergens. To date, alternative proteins have not been thoroughly studied for their allergenic potential, and there is no standardised method for assessing this risk. This review aims to explore non-traditional protein sources, discussing their nutritional and functional properties, as well as their potential allergenicity based on available research. We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Embase databases. We used specific keywords and MESH terms. A total of 157 studies were included in the review. The studies reviewed in our analysis reveal significant limitations, such as inconsistent methodologies, limited participant numbers, and a lack of long-term data, which hinder the ability to make clear conclusions regarding the safety of these new proteins for individuals with allergies. To address current challenge, future research should integrate food science, regulatory perspectives and advanced technologies. Full article

Allergy is recognized as a public health problem with pandemic consequences and is estimated to affect more than 50% of Europeans in 2025. Prebiotic and probiotic food implementation has recently emerged as an alternative strategy to promote immunomodulatory beneficial effects in allergic patients. Among prebiotics, Phaeophyceae algae represent a niche of research with enormous possibilities. The present study aims to evaluate the in vitro prebiotic potential of fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus, Macrocystis pyrifera, and Undaria pinnatifida algae, to promote the growth of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG as probiotic bacteria added to the formulation of a novel yogurt. Concentrations of fucoidan of 100 and 2000 µg/mL were added to reference growth media and kinetic growth curves for both microorganisms were fitted to the Gompertz equation. Optimized prebiotic conditions for fucoidan were selected to validate in vitro results by means of the formulation of a novel fermented prebiotic yogurt. Conventional yogurts (including Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subs. bulgaricus) were formulated with the different fucoidans, and production batches were prepared for L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri. Increased L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus populations in 1.7–2.2 log₁₀ cycles just after 48 h of in vitro exposure were detected in fucoidan supplemented yogurt. M. pyrifera and U. pinnatifida fucoidans were the most effective ones (500 µg/mL) promoting probiotic growth in new formulated yogurts (during the complete shelf life of products, 28 days). Diet supplementation with fucoidan can be proposed as a strategy to modulate beneficial microbiota against allergy. Full article

This review summarizes the current knowledge on the probiotic characteristics of dairy propionibacteria, represented by Propionibacterium freudenreichii and some Acidipropionibacterium species commonly consumed through raw milk cheese. For example, in Swiss-type cheeses, P. freudenreichii is added as a starter culture. Some strains of P. freudenreichii have been included in mixed probiotic commercial preparations or used to produce tablets from fermented culture media containing bioactive substances such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bifidogenic molecules, and vitamins. Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici and A. jensenii strains have mainly been evaluated as health and productivity promoters in farm animals. For P. freudenreichii, the molecular mechanisms behind its probiotic action have been well elucidated, and recently, novel potential applications have been demonstrated in animal models. P. freudenreichii strains have been shown to mitigate inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and mucositis and prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns. Their immunomodulation capacity has alleviated symptoms of food allergies, obesity, diabetes, colorectal cancer (CRC), and infections. Moreover, P. freudenreichii inhibited osteoclastogenesis in a rheumatoid arthritis model. Most observed effects are mediated by proteins on the cell surface or contained in extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as the surface layer (S-layer) protein SlpB, DlaT, and GroEL. No safety issues have been reported for these bacteria. However, investigations into transferable antibiotic resistance traits are still needed, and clinical trials are required to evaluate their effectiveness as probiotics for humans. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular disorders, especially atherosclerosis, have been associated with allergic inflammation. In addition to traditional inflammatory responses, there is evidence that the development and instability of coronary artery plaque may be influenced by effector cells of allergic inflammation. This review examines the phases of allergic pathology, the immunological mechanisms of atherosclerosis, and the clinical link between allergic diseases (asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and food allergy) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), along with future therapeutic perspectives. Material and Method: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google scholar; ScienceDirect, Scopus, and studies published between 2014–2024 were taken into consideration. Keywords included allergic inflammation, eosinophils, mast cells, reactive oxygen species, atherosclerosis, Th2 cells, and cytokines. Epidemiological studies and review articles were included. Results: Emerging evidence suggests that allergic inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis through interconnected mechanisms such as eosinophil activation, reactive oxygen species production, mast cell degranulation, and endothelial dysfunction. Th2-driven immune responses, which are mediated by cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, as well as eosinophil activity and mast cell degranulation, play a crucial role in vascular inflammation and plaque progression. Additionally, changes in lipid metabolism contribute to this process. Epidemiological studies support this connection, indicating that patients with chronic allergic conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis experience increased cardiovascular morbidity. However, most current data are observational, and our understanding of the underlying mechanisms in humans remains limited, often relying on insights gained from preclinical models. Conclusions: A potential mechanism for cardiovascular risk is suggested by the interaction between atherosclerosis and allergic inflammation. Promising alternatives for treating allergic inflammation and cardiovascular issues include novel treatments like cytokine inhibitors, mast cell stabilizers, and biologics that target certain pathways. Further research is necessary to see whether concentrating on allergy pathways could lead to innovative treatments for cardiovascular disorders or vice versa. Full article

Allergic diseases represent a major and growing global health concern, with increasing prevalence among both children and adults. This manuscript presents an extensive review of allergy mechanisms, epidemiology, diagnostics, and clinical challenges, highlighting the complex interplay between immune system dysregulation and environmental exposures. The authors provide a structured analysis of hypersensitivity types, with particular focus on IgE-mediated responses, and emphasize the role of immune barrier defects, epigenetics, and the microbiota in allergic pathogenesis. This manuscript explores diagnostic limitations, including test sensitivity, specificity, and the presence of hidden allergens, as well as challenges in identifying food-related or atypical allergic reactions. A novel and valuable aspect is the discussion of allergy as a potential clinical manifestation of primary immunodeficiencies, such as selective IgA deficiency, Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, hyper-IgE syndrome, and Netherton syndrome. This review also outlines challenges in treatment, especially among polysensitized patients, and examines the psychosocial burden and complications of allergic diseases, including mental health, nutritional deficiencies, and impaired sleep. This comprehensive synthesis underscores the need for early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and personalized therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life of allergic patients. Full article

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease which clinically presents with symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction, while pathologically it is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of esophageal epithelium. Most patients with EoE present with food and/or inhalant allergy symptoms. The results of animal model studies and genetic studies, as well as the efficacy of elimination diets in managing the symptoms, suggest an atopic background of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of EoE in a group of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and food and/or inhalant allergies and to assess the influence of drugs used in type I allergies on the results of endoscopic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical tests. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Patients with inhalant/food allergies and upper esophageal symptoms constituted the study group while patients without allergies who were diagnosed with dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome constituted the control group. All study group subjects underwent allergy testing, including prick testing and blood tests. All participants underwent a gastroscopy with specimen collection. Esophageal specimens were stained for eotaxin-1 and desmoglein-1. Results: Based on histopathology results, eosinophilic esophagitis was found in 9 of the 73 patients from the study group. All patients with EoE presented with multimorbidity and were diagnosed with at least one allergic disease in addition to EoE. Positive staining for CCL-11 was found in 56 (78%) patients in the study group, including all patients with EoE while only 3 (17%) individuals from the control group showed positive staining. The presence of DSG-1 in esophageal specimens was detected in 6 (7%) subjects from the study group in contrast to 14 (78%) subjects from the control group. DSG-1 was not found in any of the specimens of patients diagnosed with EoE. Conclusions: EoE is a rare disease, usually accompanied by allergic multimorbidity. Positive staining for eotaxin-1 and negative staining for desmoglein-1 in patients with esophageal symptoms and allergies but who did not meet EoE diagnostic criteria could be indicative of subclinical course of the disease or a masking effect of corticosteroids. It is now vitally important for both researchers and practicing clinicians to recognize that eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is not a homogeneous disease but rather consists of multiple subtypes (phenotypes). The so-called “classic” form of EoE—defined by current diagnostic criteria as the presence of more than 15 eosinophils per high power field on histopathological examination—appears to represent only the tip of the iceberg. There is an urgent need for further research in order to refine endoscopic techniques, expand the scope of histopathological assessments, and identify novel biomarkers to better define the distinct phenotypes of eosinophilic esophagitis. Full article

Peanut allergies, driven by sensitization to key allergens Ara h1, Ara h2, and Ara h3, present significant health risks, particularly in food processing and consumer settings where accidental exposure is frequent. To mitigate this risk, we developed AYA22AR321, a novel aptamer with selective, high-affinity binding to these allergens (Kd values: 0.5 nM for Ara h1, 14.5 nM for Ara h2, and 6.6 nM for crude peanut extract). Functional assays using RBL-2H3 (rat basophilic leukemia cell line) cells showed that AYA22AR321 significantly reduces IgE-mediated degranulation, indicating its potential to attenuate allergic responses. To translate these findings into practical use, we formulated an allergen-neutralizing spray, FISTOQ, containing AYA22AR321, which effectively neutralized peanut allergens on peanut-butter-contaminated surfaces. Stability tests confirmed that FISTOQ, comprising eco-friendly surfactant and preservative, maintains its allergen-neutralizing efficacy over time. Comprehensive safety assessments, including immunogenicity, cytotoxicity in human PBMCs, and mutagenicity via the Ames test, demonstrated that AYA22AR321 is non-immunogenic, non-cytotoxic, and non-mutagenic. This study establishes AYA22AR321 as a promising, targeted strategy for allergen control, providing a significant advancement in allergen mitigation and food safety for high-risk environments. Full article

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a central role in immune regulation and tolerance. The transcription factor FOXP3 is a master regulator of Tregs in both humans and mice. Mutations in FOXP3 lead to the development of IPEX syndrome in humans and the scurfy phenotype in mice, both of which are characterized by fatal systemic autoimmunity. Additionally, Treg dysfunction and FOXP3 expression instability have been implicated in nongenetic autoimmune diseases, including graft-versus-host disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Recent investigations have explored FOXP3 expression in allergic diseases, revealing Treg alterations in food allergies, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. This review examines the multifaceted roles of FOXP3 and Tregs in health and various pathological states, including autoimmune disorders, allergic diseases, and cancer. Additionally, this review focuses on the impact of recent technological advancements in facilitating Treg-mediated cell and gene therapy approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing. The critical function of FOXP3 in maintaining immune homeostasis and tolerance to both self-antigens and alloantigens is emphasized. Considering the potential involvement of Tregs in allergic diseases, pharmacological interventions and cell-based immunomodulatory strategies may offer promising avenues for developing novel therapeutic approaches in this field. Full article

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy has been dramatically increasing in incidence over the last few decades. The combinations of both genetic and environmental factors that affect the microbiome and immune system have demonstrated significant roles in its pathogenesis. The morbidity, and at times mortality, that occurs as the result of this specific, reproducible, but impaired immune response is due to the nature of the shift from a regulatory T (Treg) cellular response to a T helper 2 (Th2) cellular response. This imbalance caused by food allergens results in an interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 dominant environment that drives B cell activation and differentiation into IgE-producing plasma cells. The resulting symptoms can range from mild to more severe anaphylaxis, and even death. Current therapeutic strategies involve avoidance and broad symptom management upon accidental exposure; however, no definitive cure exists. This narrative review highlights how the elucidation of the pathogenesis of IgE-mediated food allergy resulted in the development of therapeutics that are more specific to these individual receptors and molecules which have been relatively successful in mitigating this potentially life-threatening allergic response. However, potential adverse effects and re-sensitization following the conclusion of treatment has urged the need for improved therapeutic methods. Therefore, given the understanding of their mechanism of action and the overlap with the mechanism of IgE-mediated food allergies, probiotics and small molecule natural compounds may provide novel therapeutic and preventative strategies. This is compelling, as they have demonstrated success in clinical trials and may provide hope to improve quality of life in allergy patients. Full article

Atopy is defined as a predisposition to hypersensitivity reactions against a range of antigens. It is characterized by the activation of CD4+ T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and an increased production of immunoglobulin E (IgE). The most common atopic conditions are atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and atopic ocular diseases. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a chronic, bilateral inflammatory condition affecting the ocular surface, frequently occurring in conjunction with atopic dermatitis. It is not uncommon for patients to present with multiple conditions simultaneously or in a sequential manner. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of atopic diseases is essential for the effective clinical evaluation and treatment. Recent research has underscored the pivotal role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and atopic eye diseases, with alterations in microbial composition (dysbiosis) being linked to a spectrum of atopic conditions. Probiotics are currently being investigated as a potential treatment option for restoring microbial balance and alleviating disease symptoms. This review examines the relationship between atopic dermatitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, and the microbiota, evaluating the current evidence and exploring the potential of probiotics as a novel therapeutic approach. Full article

Crustaceans are delicious and highly nutritional food. However, crustaceans are one of the main food allergens, causing severe public health issues. Thus, it is important to increase the knowledge on crustacean allergens and protect the health of sensitized individuals. This review systematically summarizes the basic information on major crustacean allergens’ characteristics, structures, and function. It also summarizes the latest evaluation and detection methods of crustacean allergens. In addition, various processing techniques to alleviate crustacean’s allergenicity are discussed and compared. A host of multiplex approaches as innovative research is attractive to decrease crustacean allergenicity. In addition, the strategies to address the risk of crustacean allergens are also reviewed and discussed in detail. This review provides updates and new findings on crustacean allergens, which helps better understand crustacean allergy and provide novel strategies for its prevention and management. Full article

Seafood is a crucial source of nutrients, with global consumption steadily increasing. Among seafood-related allergies, shellfish are a significant cause of food allergy and anaphylaxis worldwide, affecting approximately 0.5–2.5% of the general population. While the majority of existing research has focused on crustaceans, allergic reactions to mollusks, including their clinical characteristics, remain poorly understood. In the Canary Islands, limpets (a type of marine gastropod) are widely consumed as part of the traditional cuisine. Despite isolated reports of limpet allergy, no large-scale studies or comprehensive clinical analyses have been published on this topic. A cohort of patients sensitized to limpets was analyzed: 66 patients were monosensitized to limpets (Group A), while 64 patients demonstrated additional sensitization to other shellfish (Group B). Limpet ingestion was associated with delayed and severe symptoms, including anaphylaxis and severe asthma. Notably, only 11.5% of patients in Group A tested positive for shellfish allergens using ALEX testing compared to 67.9% in Group B. The identification of protein bands in the 25–40 and 50–200 kDa molecular weight ranges in monosensitized patients provides a novel finding that differentiates this study from prior research. Our study represents the largest reported series of patients with documented limpet allergy to date. Full article

Due to their lipophilicity and low content, the major sesame oleosin allergens, Ses i 4 and Ses i 5, are challenging to identify using conventional techniques. Then, a novel unlabeled electrochemical immunosensor was developed to detect the potential allergic activity of sesame oleosins. The voltammetric immunosensor was constructed using a composite of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), polyethyleneimine (PEI), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which was synthesized in a one-pot process and modified onto a glass carbon electrode to enhance the catalytic current of the oxygen reduction reaction. The oleosin antibody was then directed and immobilized onto the surface of the electrode, which had been modified with streptavidin (SPA), through the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of the antibody. Under optimized conditions, the immunosensor exhibited a linear response within a detection range of 50 to 800 ng/L, with detection limits of 0.616 ng/L for Ses i 4 and 0.307 ng/L for Ses i 5, respectively. The immunosensor demonstrated excellent selectivity and stability, making it suitable for the quantification of sesame oleosins. The comparative analysis of various detection methods for sesame allergens was conducted, revealing that the immunosensor achieved a wide detection range and low limit of detection (LOD). Compared to traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the immunosensor successfully quantified the allergenicity potential of Ses i 4 and Ses i 5 in roasted sesame seeds at temperatures of 120 °C, 150 °C, and 180 °C. This innovative method offers a new perspective for the rapid quantification of sesame oleosins in foods and real-time monitoring of allergic potential, providing significant advancements in the field of food allergy detection. Full article

Pollen–food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also known as oral allergy syndrome, is a common condition affecting individuals sensitized to pollens such as birch, ragweed, and grass. This syndrome arises from immunological cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and structurally similar proteins found in various fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Although typically presenting with mild oral and pharyngeal symptoms, PFAS can occasionally result in severe allergic reactions, underscoring its clinical significance. This review explores the pathophysiology of PFAS, highlighting the molecular mechanisms underlying cross-reactivity and examining the main protein families involved, including those contributing to variations in symptom severity. Current diagnostic approaches, including skin prick testing, specific immunoglobulin E measurements, and component-resolved diagnostics, are discussed. Emerging diagnostic tools and biomarkers with potential to enhance accuracy are also examined. Therapeutic strategies for PFAS primarily focus on symptom management and avoidance of trigger foods. However, novel approaches such as allergen immunotherapy and biologics targeting key immune pathways are gaining traction as potential interventions for more severe or refractory cases. By addressing the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of PFAS, this paper aims to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of this condition, fostering improved patient care and the development of innovative treatment strategies. Full article