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Maturity and Storage Influence on the Apple ( Malus domestica ) Allergen Mal d 3, a Nonspecific Lipid Transfer Protein

2006; American Chemical Society; Volume: 54; Issue: 14 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1021/jf0530446

1520-5118

Ana I. Sancho, Robert J. Foxall, Neil M. Rigby, Thomas Browne, Laurian Zuidmeer, Ronald van Ree, Keith W. Waldron, E. N. Clare Mills,

Insect and Pesticide Research

Consumption of apples can provoke severe allergic reactions, in susceptible individuals, due to the presence of the allergen Mal d 3, a nonspecific lipid transfer protein, found largely in the fruit skin. Levels of Mal d 3 were determined in peel as a function of apple cultivar, position of the fruit growing on the tree, apple maturity, and postharvest storage by ELISA. As the apples mature, Mal d 3 levels increased, although the rate was dependent on cultivar and tree position. During storage, levels of Mal d 3 decreased in all cultivars (cvs. Cox, Jonagored, and Gala), the rate of overall decrease being greatest under controlled atmosphere conditions. There was no correlation between Mal d 3 levels and total apple peel protein, indicating specific alterations in Mal d 3 expression. Thus pre- and postharvest treatments (i.e., storage) can modify the allergen load in apple peel, the highest levels being found in overly mature and freshly harvested fruits.