Identification and characterization of Lyc e 4, a Bet v 1 homologous PR-10 protein, in tomato fruits

Background Allergy to tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) has been reported to occur in 3-16% of food allergic subjects. Tomato allergy is frequently manifested as OAS, urticaria and gastrointestinal symptoms. So far, three tomato allergens, Lyc e 1 (profilin), Lyc e 2 (invertase) and Lyc e 3 (nsLTP) are listed in the official IUIS allergen database. Although tomato allergy is frequently associated with birch pollen allergy in Central Europe, a cross-reactive Bet v 1 homologous allergen has not yet been described in tomato fruits. The objective of the present study was the cDNA cloning, recombinant expression and immunological characterization of Bet v 1 homologous PR10-proteins from tomato fruits.