Jackfruit Anaphylaxis in a Latex Allergic Non-Healthcare Worker

Introduction Anaphylaxis to jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is rare. Two previously reported cases have been published in two healthcare workers from jackfruit endemic regions. Latex allergy and birch pollen cross reactivity have both been associated with jackfruit anaphylaxis, providing two separate mechanisms of sensitization. We present a case of jackfruit anaphylaxis in a young latex allergic non-healthcare worker in a non-endemic region. Case Report A 21-year-old male had an anaphylactic reaction immediately after ingesting dried jackfruit. He had a history of allergic rhinitis and latex allergy. He was born premature and required neonatal intensive care and multiple surgeries in infancy, which could possibly be the source of his latex sensitization. Skin prick testing was positive for jackfruit and latex. Discussion Jackfruit anaphylaxis has only been described in conjunction with a latex allergy or a birch pollen allergy. As jackfruit becomes more available across the world, it is important for physicians and patients with these sensitivities to be aware of these possible cross reactions. Fruit sensitivities in latex allergic patients have been well established as Latex-fruit syndrome. Our case highlights the association of latex sensitization and jackfruit anaphylaxis. Conclusion We present a case of Jackfruit anaphylaxis associated with latex allergy in a non-healthcare worker from Midwestern United States. As jackfruit becomes more popular in non-endemic regions, its possible cross reactivity with latex, as well as birch pollen should be recognized.

Filling the Antibody Pipeline in Allergy: PIPE Cloning of IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 against the Major Birch Pollen Allergen Bet v 1

Birch pollen allergy is among the most prevalent pollen allergies in Northern and Central Europe. This IgE-mediated disease can be treated with allergen immunotherapy (AIT), which typically gives rise to IgG antibodies inducing tolerance. Although the main mechanisms of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) are known, questions regarding possible Fc-mediated effects of IgG antibodies remain unanswered. This can mainly be attributed to the unavailability of appropriate tools, i.e., well-characterised recombinant antibodies (rAbs). We hereby aimed at providing human rAbs of several classes for mechanistic studies and as possible candidates for passive immunotherapy. We engineered IgE, IgG1, and IgG4 sharing the same variable region against the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 using Polymerase Incomplete Primer Extension (PIPE) cloning. We tested IgE functionality and IgG blocking capabilities using appropriate model cell lines. In vitro studies showed IgE engagement with FcεRI and CD23 and Bet v 1-dependent degranulation. Overall, we hereby present fully functional, human IgE, IgG1, and IgG4 sharing the same variable region against Bet v 1 and showcase possible applications in first mechanistic studies. Furthermore, our IgG antibodies might be useful candidates for passive immunotherapy of birch pollen allergy.

ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ СУБЛІНГВАЛЬНОЇ АЛЕРГЕН- СПЕЦИФІЧНОЇ ІМУНОТЕРАПІЇ У ДІТЕЙ З ВЕСНЯНИМ ПОЛІНОЗОМ ТА ПИЛКОВО- ХАРЧОВИМ СИНДРОМОМ

The article presents the results of the study on the effectiveness and safety of sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy in children at the age from 4 to 17 years old with spring polinosis and birch-pollen allergy syndrome, which were assessed using visual analogue and combination scales, provocative tests and the results of component resolved diagnosis.