Lipid transfer proteins
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Widespread compact, phylogenetically highly conserved, plant-based, heat- and acid-stable (no degradation by gastroenterological digestive enzymes) protein family (panallergens). Lipid transfer proteins are divided into 2 subfamilies:
- LTP1 (9-10kDa)
- and
- LTP2 (6-7kDa).
All known allergenic lipid transfer proteins belong to the LTP1 subfamily.
Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) have a function in the cytoplasmic transport of lipids (lipid transfer), as well as in the formation of the waxy cuticle on the outer layer of the leaves (cuticle). Furthermore, they are involved in the defense against biotic (bacteria, fungi) and abiotic (cold, drought) stressors. They were assigned to the plant stress proteins as PR-14 proteins (PR: "pathogenesis-related") (Peterson A, 2015). Adapted to their function, PR proteins are generally resistant to heat, acids and proteases, which explains the frequency of systemic reactions (in >35% of cases) (Vanstreels L et al. 2014).
Remark: the LTP-containing Pru p 3 of the peach is 7x more enriched in the peel than in the flesh.
Lipid transfer proteins (LTP) are the major allergens in patients who develop sensitization to fruits of the rosacea family (Mal d 3: apple, apricot, Pru av 3: cherry, plum and peach) and others (e.g. Vit v 1: grape, Cor a 8: hazelnut), but are not allergic to birch pollen.
Lipid transfer proteins cause e.g. severe reactions(cross-reaction) after fruit and vegetable consumption, e.g. due to a primary gastrointestinal sensitization by Pru p3, the major allergen of peaches (Wolters P et al. 2025).
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
The name results from its originally assumed function of transporting phospholipids from the ribosomes to the mitochondria.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Asero et al (2001) Allergy to nonspecific lipid transfer proteins in Rosaceae: a comparative study of different in vivo diagnostic methods. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 87: 68-71
- Gebhardt et al (2009) 10 kDa lipid transfer protein: the main allergenic structure in a German patient with anaphylaxis to blueberry. Allergy 64: 498-49
- Petersen A et al. (2015) Stable plant food allergens I: lipid transfer proteins. In: Kleine-Tebbe J et al. eds Molecular Allergy Diagnostics. Springer Verlag Berlin-Heidelberg S 45-59
- Romano et al (2009) Allergy to peanut lipid transfer protein (LTP): frequency and cross-reactivity between peanut and peach LTP. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 41: 106 -111
- Vanstreels L et al. (2014) Double sensitization to PR10 and PR-14 proteins. Dermatologist 65:1017-1018.
- Wolters P et al. (2022) Lipid transfer protein allergy: characterization and comparison with birch pollen-associated food allergy. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 20:1430-1440.