Molecular allergology in practice: an unusual case of LTP allergy

Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Dec;43(6):193-5.

Abstract

The authors describe an unusual case of LTP allergy. A 35 years old patient presented repeated episodes of angiooedema after food intake and complained 10 years ago of contact urticaria and rhinoconjunctivitis when exposed to cannabis leaves and to marijuana smoke. The suspected responsible foods, such as wheat flour in bread, are known to contain LTR Oral syndrome occurred after ingestion of walnuts. Cutaneous tests confirmed immediate responses to several flours and nuts and also to cannabis leaf and flower. A few months later he had similar accidents following peach ingestion and drinking of beer and several wines which all induced positive skin tests. Serological investigations using ImmunoCAP and ISAC microarray confirmed IgE positivity for n Pru p3, r Cor a 8 and n Art v3. It was assumed that sensitization to LTP, the major allergen of cannabis, was responsible of the primary sensitization and induced further LTP food allergies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, Plant / adverse effects
  • Antigens, Plant / immunology*
  • Antigens, Plant / metabolism
  • Bread / adverse effects
  • Cannabinoids / adverse effects
  • Cannabinoids / immunology
  • Cannabis
  • Carrier Proteins / adverse effects
  • Carrier Proteins / immunology*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cross Reactions
  • Dermatitis, Contact / complications
  • Dermatitis, Contact / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Contact / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Contact / physiopathology
  • Flour / adverse effects
  • Food Hypersensitivity / complications
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Food Hypersensitivity / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Juglans / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Marijuana Smoking / adverse effects
  • Plant Proteins / adverse effects
  • Plant Proteins / immunology*
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Antigens, Plant
  • Cannabinoids
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Plant Proteins
  • lipid transfer proteins, plant