Bet v 1 protein family

The Bet v 1 protein family, also called Bet v 1 homologous proteins, is a largely thermo - and digestion-labile protein family. Thus, cooked foods are often tolerated, whereas raw foods are not. Sensitization is usually associated with local symptoms such as OAS(oral allergy syndrome).

Bet v 1 is the major allergen of birch (Betula verrucosa) and the trigger of birch pollen allergy in humans and marker allergen for a larger allergologically significant protein group, the Betv 1 protein family. These proteins are produced by plants in response to biotic and abiotic stress. It is assumed that they play an important role for plants in the defence against pathogens (e.g. bacteria and fungi).

Proteins of the Bet v1 protein family are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. They have a relevant allergenic significance. Sensitizations (mostly secondary sensitizations) to Bet v 1 proteins are mostly based on cross sensitizations due to their homology. Their primary sensitization is often birch pollen - triggered.

Clinically, sensitization is associated with allergic reactions to pollen, fruit and vegetables.
Representatives of the Bet v 1 family are:

• Api G I Apium graveolens (Celery)
• Macaw h 8 Arachis hypogaea (peanut)
• Cor a 1 Corylus avellana (hazelnut)
• Fra a 1 Fragaria ananassa (strawberry)
• Mal d 1 Malus domestica (cultivated apple)
• Pru du 1 Almond (Prunus amydalus)

1. Berkner H et al (2009) Cross-reactivity of pollen and food allergens: soybean Gly m 4 is a member of the Bet v 1 superfamily and closely resembles yellow lupine proteins. Biosci Rep 29:183-192.
2. Musidlowska-Persson A et al (2006) Cloning and sequencing of the Bet v 1-homologous allergen Fra a 1 in strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) shows the presence of an intron and little variability in amino acid sequence. Mol immunol 44: 1245-1252.
3. Villalta D et al (2010) Is the detection of IgE to multiple Bet v 1-homologous food allergens by means of allergenic microarray clinically useful? J Allergy Clin Immunol 125:1158-1161.
4. Wangorsch A et al (2015) Identification of Sola l 4 as Bet v 1 homologous pathogenesis related-10 allergen in tomato fruits. Mol Nutr Food Res 59: 582-592.