Hazelnut Allergens: Molecular Characterization, Detection, and Clinical Relevance

Abstract

In last few years, special attention has been given to food-induced allergies, in which hazelnut allergy is highlighted. Hazelnut is one of the most commonly consumed tree nuts, being largely used by the food industry in a variety of processed foods. It has been regarded as a food with potential health benefits, but also as a source of allergens capable of inducing mild to severe allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. Considering the great number of reports addressing hazelnut allergens, with an estimated increasing trend, this review intends to assemble all the relevant information available so far on the following main issues: prevalence of tree nut allergy, clinical threshold levels, molecular characterization of hazelnut allergens (Cor a 1, Cor a 2, Cor a 8, Cor a 9, Cor a 10, Cor a 11, Cor a 12, Cor a 14, and Cor a TLP) and their clinical relevance, and methodologies for detection of hazelnut allergens in foods. A comprehensive overview of the current data about the molecular characterization of hazelnut allergens is presented, relating to biochemical classification and biological function with clinical importance. Recent advances in hazelnut allergen detection methodologies are summarized and compared, including all the novel protein-based and DNA-based approaches.

Keywords:

• Food allergens
• hazelnut allergy
• Corylus avellana L.
• prevalence
• threshold levels
• detection

Funding

This work has been supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through grant no. UID/QUI/50006/2013. Joana Costa is grateful to FCT PhD grant (SFRH/BPD/102404/2014) financed by POPH-QREN (subsidized by FSE and MCTES).