Tomato allergy L27.-, L27.2, L23.6, T78.0, T78.3

Allergic reactions of the skin or mucous membranes after contact or consumption of tomatoes (family Solanaceae) are rather rare in Central Europe. In Italy, tomato allergy, at 20.6%, is one of the major causes of oral allergy syndrome. In this sensitization group, 1 to 10% of this group are associated with grass pollinosis. Conversely, about 15% of the patients with grass pollinosis have cross-reactive antibodies (Jäger L 2001).

As allergens, Sola l 1 (14 kDa) a protein of the profilin family, Sola l 2 (50 kDa) a beta-fructofuronidase, and the allergens Sola l 3(lipid transfer protein), Sola l 4 (intracellular pathogenesis-related protein) and Sola l 5 (cyclophylin) were identified. Cross-reactions often occur with birch pollen as part of a pollen-associated food allergy. A high allergenic significance is attributed to Sola l1 and Sola l 3. Transgenic tomatoes in which the expression of these allergens has been suppressed are much better tolerated. The identification of further tomato allergens is expected. Some have been described in connection with latex sensitization.

An isolated tomato allergy without appropriate pollen control is extremely rare.

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4. Martín-Pedraza L et al (2016) Two nonspecific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) from tomato seeds are associated to severe symptoms of tomato-allergic patients. Mol Nutr Food Res 60:1172-1182.
5. Mascheri A et al (2015) Hypersensitivity to Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Peach-Allergic Patients: rPrup 3 and rPrup 1 Are Predictive of Symptom Severity. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 25:183-189.