%0 Journal Article
%A Gandolfo-Cano, M.
%A Bartra, J.
%A González-Mancebo, E.
%A Feo-Brito, F.
%A Gómez, E.
%A Bartolomé, B.
%A Muñoz-García, E.
%A Sanz Maroto, A.
%A Vivanco Martínez, Fernando
%A Cuesta-Herranz, J.
%A Pastor Vargas, Carlos
%T Molecular characterization of contact urticaria in patients with melon allergy
%D 2014
%@ 0007-0963
%U https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/107590
%X Background: The relevance of contact allergy to plant-related food has recently emerged. Oral allergy syndrome is one of the most characteristic symptoms of fruit allergy, although it also causes systemic reactions. Plant-food allergy is increasing at the same time as pollen allergy, and fruit-induced allergic contact urticaria could be rising as well.Objectives: The present study was carried out in order to investigate whether one particular primary melon-peel allergen is responsible for contact urticaria.Methods: Fourteen patients presenting with contact urticaria after touching melon peel were evaluated. A melon-peel extract was prepared and analysed by immunoblotting using the patients' sera. Molecular characterization of IgE-binding bands was performed using mass spectrometry. Melon-peel lipid transfer protein (LTP) was purified. Inhibition studies and contact challenge with the protein were performed to confirm IgE reactivity to the purified allergen.Results: An IgE-binding band of ~8-9 kDa was observed in an immunoblotting assay with all the patients' sera and was identified as an LTP. The melon-peel LTP was purified in two chromatography steps. Inhibition studies confirmed LTP as a major allergen in patients with melon-peel contact urticaria. Contact challenge with melon-peel LTP was performed in five patients, all of whom had positive results, exhibiting itchy erythema and hives in the area of contact.Conclusions: This study confirmed our previous findings that melon-peel LTP is a major allergen and is responsible for contact allergy. This knowledge may be used to improve both diagnosis and treatment of patients allergic to melon.
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