CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS AND MANGEMENT OF LTP ALLERGY ACCORDING TO SPECIFIC
SENSITIZATION PROFILES
Abstract
Background: Non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP) food allergy is
a major problem in the Spanish Mediterranean area. Different clinical
presentations of this syndrome and their relationship with laboratory
test results have not been clearly described. The objective of this
study was to describe a systematic work plan to serve as a basis for the
identification of analytical sensitization profiles and their
relationship with clinical symptoms. Methods: Samples from 210 patients,
analysed by ImmunoCAP® ISAC 112, with at least one positive result for
any LTP component were selected. Patients were classified into three
main groups according to the type of symptoms: food-related (F),
respiratory (R), and combined (FR). Results: Two subsets of specific IgE
recognition were described according to clinical features (food and
respiratory) and in vitro findings. In the food subset, four main
sensitization profiles with clinical implications related to LTP
components with higher IgE levels were identified: peach, walnut, peanut
and hazelnut. No single LTP component was related to severity of
symptoms. A total of 65 different LTP component patterns were detected;
only one pattern in peach profile was associated with anaphylaxis
severity. Par j 2 was a severity marker of respiratory allergy. Ole e 7
was considered a food allergy marker in patients with multiple LTP
recognition, but it was marker for respiratory allergy when it was the
only positive LTP and associated with Ole e 1. Conclusion: A new
systematic work plan to identify nsLTP sensitization profiles is
described, allowing more individualized and accurate treatment of
patients.