Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Pollen–food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also known as oral allergy syndrome, is a common condition affecting individuals sensitized to pollens such as birch, ragweed, and grass. This syndrome arises from immunological cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and structurally similar proteins found in...
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2024-12-01
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author | Laura Haidar Camelia Felicia Bănărescu Cristina Uța Sandra Iulia Moldovan Elena-Larisa Zimbru Răzvan-Ionuț Zimbru Elena Ciurariu Marius Georgescu Carmen Panaitescu |
author_facet | Laura Haidar Camelia Felicia Bănărescu Cristina Uța Sandra Iulia Moldovan Elena-Larisa Zimbru Răzvan-Ionuț Zimbru Elena Ciurariu Marius Georgescu Carmen Panaitescu |
author_sort | Laura Haidar |
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description | Pollen–food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also known as oral allergy syndrome, is a common condition affecting individuals sensitized to pollens such as birch, ragweed, and grass. This syndrome arises from immunological cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and structurally similar proteins found in various fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Although typically presenting with mild oral and pharyngeal symptoms, PFAS can occasionally result in severe allergic reactions, underscoring its clinical significance. This review explores the pathophysiology of PFAS, highlighting the molecular mechanisms underlying cross-reactivity and examining the main protein families involved, including those contributing to variations in symptom severity. Current diagnostic approaches, including skin prick testing, specific immunoglobulin E measurements, and component-resolved diagnostics, are discussed. Emerging diagnostic tools and biomarkers with potential to enhance accuracy are also examined. Therapeutic strategies for PFAS primarily focus on symptom management and avoidance of trigger foods. However, novel approaches such as allergen immunotherapy and biologics targeting key immune pathways are gaining traction as potential interventions for more severe or refractory cases. By addressing the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of PFAS, this paper aims to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of this condition, fostering improved patient care and the development of innovative treatment strategies. |
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institution | Kabale University |
issn | 2076-3417 |
language | English |
publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
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series | Applied Sciences |
spelling | doaj-art-15f87d310b2741758f557ca2aa9511c52025-01-10T13:14:19ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-12-011516610.3390/app15010066Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic ChallengesLaura Haidar0Camelia Felicia Bănărescu1Cristina Uța2Sandra Iulia Moldovan3Elena-Larisa Zimbru4Răzvan-Ionuț Zimbru5Elena Ciurariu6Marius Georgescu7Carmen Panaitescu8Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, RomaniaCenter of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, RomaniaCenter of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, RomaniaCenter of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, RomaniaCenter of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, RomaniaCenter of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, RomaniaCenter of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, RomaniaCenter of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, RomaniaCenter of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies, Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, RomaniaPollen–food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also known as oral allergy syndrome, is a common condition affecting individuals sensitized to pollens such as birch, ragweed, and grass. This syndrome arises from immunological cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and structurally similar proteins found in various fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Although typically presenting with mild oral and pharyngeal symptoms, PFAS can occasionally result in severe allergic reactions, underscoring its clinical significance. This review explores the pathophysiology of PFAS, highlighting the molecular mechanisms underlying cross-reactivity and examining the main protein families involved, including those contributing to variations in symptom severity. Current diagnostic approaches, including skin prick testing, specific immunoglobulin E measurements, and component-resolved diagnostics, are discussed. Emerging diagnostic tools and biomarkers with potential to enhance accuracy are also examined. Therapeutic strategies for PFAS primarily focus on symptom management and avoidance of trigger foods. However, novel approaches such as allergen immunotherapy and biologics targeting key immune pathways are gaining traction as potential interventions for more severe or refractory cases. By addressing the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of PFAS, this paper aims to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of this condition, fostering improved patient care and the development of innovative treatment strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/66pollen–food allergy syndromeoral allergy syndromecross-reactivityallergen immunotherapyfood allergensdiagnostic strategies |
spellingShingle | Laura Haidar Camelia Felicia Bănărescu Cristina Uța Sandra Iulia Moldovan Elena-Larisa Zimbru Răzvan-Ionuț Zimbru Elena Ciurariu Marius Georgescu Carmen Panaitescu Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges Applied Sciences pollen–food allergy syndrome oral allergy syndrome cross-reactivity allergen immunotherapy food allergens diagnostic strategies |
title | Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges |
title_full | Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges |
title_fullStr | Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges |
title_full_unstemmed | Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges |
title_short | Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges |
title_sort | pollen food allergy syndrome allergens clinical insights diagnostic and therapeutic challenges |
topic | pollen–food allergy syndrome oral allergy syndrome cross-reactivity allergen immunotherapy food allergens diagnostic strategies |
url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/66 |
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