FOOD ALLERGY AND BIRCH POLLEN: MOLECULAR MECHANISMS AND IMMUNOTHERAPY POSSIBILITIES

Weronika Duda; Monika Domagała; Izabela Domańska; Emilia Majewska; Aleksandra Sagan; Małgorzata Piśkiewicz; Joanna Wiewióra

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(46).2025.3332

Weronika Duda Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony w Kielcach (ul. Grunwaldzka 45. 25-736 Kielce, Polska) https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6242-8785
Monika Domagała Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny z Polikliniką SPZOZ w Krakowie (ul. Wrocławska 1-3, 30-901 Kraków, Polska) https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2976-1102
Izabela Domańska Szpital Specjalistyczny im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Krakowie (Osiedle Złotej Jesieni 1, 31-820 Kraków, Polska) https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9348-1287
Emilia Majewska Radomski Szpital Specjalistyczny im. dr. Tytusa Chałubińskiego (ul. Lekarska 4 26-610 Radom, Polska) https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3043-1104
Aleksandra Sagan Szpital Specjalistyczny im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Krakowie (Osiedle Złotej Jesieni 1, 31-820 Kraków, Polska) https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6746-4726
Małgorzata Piśkiewicz Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony w Kielcach (ul. Grunwaldzka 45. 25-736 Kielce, Polska) https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0248-1137
Joanna Wiewióra Szpital Wojewódzki w Bielsku-Białej (aleja Armii Krajowej 101, 43-316 Bielsko-Biała, Polska) https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3627-0242

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(46).2025.3332

Keywords: Allergy, Birch Pollinosis, Apple Varieties, Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy, Birch Pollen-Associated Food Allergy Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction and Aim of the Study: During the birch pollen season, cross-reactions between the allergen Bet v 1 and the Mal d 1 allergen from apples can induce pollen-related food allergy (prFA), particularly after apple consumption. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms of this allergy and present effective treatment and prevention methods, which could significantly improve the quality of life for allergy sufferers.

Review Methods: The PubMed database was used for the literature review. English search terms included: “allergy,” “apple varieties,” “birch pollinosis,” “allergen-specific immunotherapy,” “birch pollen-associated food allergy syndrome,” and “Mal d 1.”

Overview of Current Knowledge: Birch pollen allergy is one of the most common pollen allergies, with the Bet v 1 protein responsible for cross-reactive allergic responses following apple consumption. In apples, the Mal d 1 allergen triggers these reactions, which is particularly significant in Central and Northern Europe. Apples with red flesh are considered hypoallergenic due to their low Mal d 1 content and are a beneficial choice for allergic individuals. Various immunotherapy approaches, including sublingual immunotherapy, are utilized effectively to alleviate symptoms and support allergen tolerance.

Conclusion: Pollen-related food allergy associated with birch pollen significantly affects the daily lives of allergy sufferers, especially during the birch pollen season. Advances in molecular mechanism research have allowed the identification of apple varieties with lower allergenic potential, enabling their use in immunotherapy and offering hope for improving patients' quality of life.

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