Plant Research International has published a new method for identifying allergenic proteins in foodstuffs such as apple. As a result of this development, these proteins can now be identified in food sources and fully characterised. The technique offers new potentials for the development of hypoallergenic food.
Until now, the genetic information for the amino acid sequence of this type of allergenic protein could only be determined using the plants DNA and the associated RNA messenger, not in the protein itself. This represented a significant problem as it is precisely this protein that causes the allergic reaction.
Based upon mass spectrometry, the new method can detect the presence of even a trace (10-9 mg) of allergenic proteins in fruits such as apple. In addition, the correct sequence of the amino acids can be determined. This sequence is important as a change of just one amino acid in a protein can have major effects on allergic activities. Around 5% of the population of the Netherlands and the rest of Europe suffer from some sort of food allergy.
In Wageningen, various researchers have been working together in a consortium to study the origin and prevention of allergies. In addition, they are cooperating with various European institutes to develop therapies and apple breeds that do not give an allergic reaction. With its newly developed analysis method, Plant Research International is making a significant contribution to the market introduction of hypoallergenic food. This in turn offers obvious benefits to consumers. The results of this research were published in the American magazine, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in mid July.
List of press releases for 2002