Gibberellin-regulated protein in Japanese apricot is an allergen cross-reactive to Pru p 7.

Gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP, also known as peamaclein) was recently identified as a new marker allergen related to systemic reactions in peach allergy; however, its role in other fruit allergies is unknown.

To investigate the allergenicity of Japanese apricot (JA) GRP and clarify the clinical characteristics of JA allergy patients with GRP sensitization.

Seven patients (two males, five females, mean age 28.0 years) diagnosed with JA allergy based on relevant clinical history, positive skin test and/or challenge test were enrolled. JA GRP with a molecular weight of 6896.5 Da was purified by ion-exchange column chromatography. We performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), IgE-immunoblotting, basophil activating tests (BATs), and skin prick tests (SPTs) with purified JA GRP. To investigate the cross-reactivity between JA GRP and native Pru p 7 (nPru p 7), we performed ELISA inhibition tests. We measured specific IgE levels against apricot, peach, rPru p 1, rPru p 3, and rPru p 4 using ImmunoCAP.

ELISA and IgE-immunoblotting using JA GRP showed positive reactions in six (85.7%) and seven (100%) patients, respectively. Five patients who provided informed consent for BATs and SPTs using JA GRP had positive results. In four patients who underwent ELISA inhibition tests using JA GRP and nPru p 7, IgE binding to one GRP inhibited binding to the other. The positivity for specific IgE against apricot, peach, rPru p 1, rPru p 3, and rPru p 4 was 14.3%, 57.1%, 0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. Patients developed allergic reactions that were frequently accompanied with facial swelling, especially of the eyelids, which was dependent on cofactors, such as exercise.

These results indicated that GRP might be a causative allergen of JA allergy, whose onset frequently requires a cofactor, such as exercise, and might be cross-reactive between JAs and peaches.