Characteristics of major allergen Fra a 1 in cultivated strawberry

Abstract

Cultivated strawberry (Fragaria× ananassa) is a fruity vegetable of the Rosaease family and contains allergens which cause oral allergic syndrome (OAS). OAS is a type I allergy mediated by IgE, and as the symptoms appear in the oral cavity, hypoallergenic fruits are eagerly anticipated. The major allergen in strawberry OAS is Fra a 1-an ortholog of the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. It is necessary to understand the characteristics of Fra a 1 in planta to properly regulate Fra a 1 accumulation and produce safe edible fruits. In this review, we summarize the Fra a 1 expression patterns in strawberries and this allergenicity in birch patients' IgE. Additionally, we describe the cultivar differences and environmental responses of Fra a 1 and discuss the proper regulation of Fra a 1 in order to produce hypoallergenic fruits.