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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Main Authors: Laura Haidar, Camelia Felicia Bănărescu, Cristina Uța, Sandra Iulia Moldovan, Elena-Larisa Zimbru, Răzvan-Ionuț Zimbru, Elena Ciurariu, Marius Georgescu, Carmen Panaitescu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/66
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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
collection DOAJ
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
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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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