Semen storage proteins

• Plant protein group that is mainly produced during seed formation. Storage proteins are stored in seeds and serve as a source of nitrogen for the regrowing seedling. On average, the protein content of cereal grains is about 10-15% of their dry weight, in legume seeds it is 20-25%, while in normal leaves it is only 3-5%. Except in seeds, seed storage proteins are found in root and tuber (e.g. potato tubers).
• The following characteristics can be defined for this protein group:
• They often consist of a number of different polypeptide chains.
• They have no enzymatic activities.
• They serve germinating seeds as a source of nitrogen.
• They are normally present in the cell in aggregated form in membrane-enclosing vesicles.

Allergological relevance (see below food allergens): From an allergological point of view, storage proteins are a large number of structurally related, usually stable and therefore clinically important food allergens.

They are responsible for numerous cross-reactions and are found in many plant allergen sources such as nuts, legumes (legumes), cereals.

Since they survive the gastrointestinal passage unchanged and also prove to be heat stable, they are associated with an increased risk of systemic reactions.

1. Kleine-Tebbe J et al (2010) Allergen families and molecular diagnostics of IgE-mediated food allergies: from theory to practice. Allergo J 19: 251-263
2. Worm M et al (2016) Guideline on the management of IgE-mediated food allergies. Allergology 39: 302-344