Cited by 22Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis ResearchAllergic Rhinitis and SensitizationDrug-Induced Adverse Reactions

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 265 of the 266 references it cites were found in a registry or an index, and 1 are not checked yet; none of the 338 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Open access

Abstract

Pollen–food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also known as oral allergy syndrome, is a common condition affecting individuals sensitized to pollens such as birch, ragweed, and grass. This syndrome arises from immunological cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and structurally similar proteins found in various fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Although typically presenting with mild oral and pharyngeal symptoms, PFAS can occasionally result in severe allergic reactions, underscoring its clinical significance. This review explores the pathophysiology of PFAS, highlighting the molecular mechanisms underlying cross-reactivity and examining the main protein families involved, including those contributing to variations in symptom severity. Current diagnostic approaches, including skin prick testing, specific immunoglobulin E measurements, and component-resolved diagnostics, are discussed. Emerging diagnostic tools and biomarkers with potential to enhance accuracy are also examined. Therapeutic strategies for PFAS primarily focus on symptom management and avoidance of trigger foods. However, novel approaches such as allergen immunotherapy and biologics targeting key immune pathways are gaining traction as potential interventions for more severe or refractory cases. By addressing the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of PFAS, this paper aims to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of this condition, fostering improved patient care and the development of innovative treatment strategies.

Checked 2026-11-12 · 1 reference not checked yet

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) arises from IgE cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and structurally similar plant-food proteins, typically causing mild oral symptoms but occasionally systemic reactions. This narrative review synthesizes PFAS epidemiology, allergenic protein families, diagnostic approaches, and management, including allergen immunotherapy and biologics.

Key findings

  • PFAS is estimated to affect 5–8% of the general population and up to 50–70% of pollen-sensitized individuals; systemic reactions are estimated in 2–10% of cases, with severe outcomes such as hypotension or respiratory distress in 1–2%.
  • Regional pollen-food patterns are driven by specific panallergens: birch PR-10 (Bet v 1) dominates in Northern/Central Europe, where birch sensitization affects 8–16% of the general population and PR-10-mediated PFAS may affect >75% of birch-allergic patients; LTPs such as Pru p 3 are major in Mediterranean regions, with up to 30% sensitization; profilin-related PFAS can affect up to 30% of profilin-sensitized patients; a Japanese study found 65% of fruit-allergic patients sensitized to GRPs.
  • Protein stability shapes severity: labile PR-10 proteins and profilins usually cause localized oral symptoms that resolve with cooking, while stable LTPs, GRPs, and TLPs can trigger systemic reactions even after cooking.
  • Diagnosis combines history, skin prick testing (including prick-to-prick with fresh foods), specific IgE, component-resolved diagnostics (ImmunoCAP, ISAC, ALEX), basophil activation test, and oral food challenge; management centers on selective avoidance, antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine for at-risk patients, and allergen immunotherapy.

Methods

  • Narrative review; no primary data collection, systematic search strategy, or meta-analysis is described.
  • Synthesizes published literature on PFAS pathophysiology, epidemiology, protein families, diagnosis, and management; Table 1 and Figure 3 draw on the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Database and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
  • Main analysis is qualitative synthesis across clinical, molecular, and therapeutic topics, with diagnostic and management comparisons presented in tables and figures.

Limitations

  • The paper states that precise global PFAS prevalence is difficult to determine due to geographic variability, small study sizes, methodological differences, and population differences; PFAS remains underdiagnosed and underreported, especially where advanced diagnostics are limited.
  • The paper notes diagnostic limitations: commercial food extracts may lack heat-labile proteins and cause false negatives on SPT; BAT requires specialized equipment, has 10–15% nonresponders, depends on fresh blood, and lacks full standardization; OFC is resource-intensive and carries some risk of unexpected systemic reactions.
  • Evident from the text: as a narrative review without a described systematic search or quality appraisal, it may be subject to selection bias and cannot provide primary estimates of prevalence, diagnostic accuracy, or treatment effect.

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Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/app15010066

Cites

265 of 266 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Figures

Figure 1 The figure illustrates the PFAS mechanism, highlighting its two main phases: the zation phase and the clinical phase. During the sensitization phase, inhaled allergens, such as are presented by antigen-presenting cells to T helper 2 cells. These cells release cytokines li and IL-13, which stimulate B cells to produce allergen-specific IgE antibodies. The IgE anti bind to the surface of mast cells, effectively priming them for future allergen exposure. Duri Figure 1. The figure illustrates the PFAS mechanism, highlighting its two main phases: the sensitization phase and the clinical phase. During the sensitization phase, inhaled allergens, such as pollen, are presented by antigen-presenting cells to T helper 2 cells. These cells release cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, which stimulate B cells to produce allergen-specific IgE antibodies. The IgE antibodies bind to the surface of mast cells, effectively priming them for future allergen exposure. During the clinical phase, ingestion of a cross-reactive allergen (e.g., fruits or vegetables) leads to the binding of the allergen to IgE on the surface of mast cells. This triggers mast cell degranulation, releasing inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. These mediators cause the characteristic symptoms of PFAS, including itching, swelling, or discomfort in the oral cavity, and also systemic symptoms. The cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and structurally similar food allergens is central to the development of PFAS symptoms.
Figure 1 The figure illustrates the PFAS mechanism, highlighting its two main phases: the zation phase and the clinical phase. During the sensitization phase, inhaled allergens, such as are presented by antigen-presenting cells to T helper 2 cells. These cells release cytokines li and IL-13, which stimulate B cells to produce allergen-specific IgE antibodies. The IgE anti bind to the surface of mast cells, effectively priming them for future allergen exposure. Duri Figure 1. The figure illustrates the PFAS mechanism, highlighting its two main phases: the sensitization phase and the clinical phase. During the sensitization phase, inhaled allergens, such as pollen, are presented by antigen-presenting cells to T helper 2 cells. These cells release cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, which stimulate B cells to produce allergen-specific IgE antibodies. The IgE antibodies bind to the surface of mast cells, effectively priming them for future allergen exposure. During the clinical phase, ingestion of a cross-reactive allergen (e.g., fruits or vegetables) leads to the binding of the allergen to IgE on the surface of mast cells. This triggers mast cell degranulation, releasing inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. These mediators cause the characteristic symptoms of PFAS, including itching, swelling, or discomfort in the oral cavity, and also systemic symptoms. The cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and structurally similar food allergens is central to the development of PFAS symptoms.CC-BY · From the PDF
Figure 2 Stability and potential for severe systemic reactions of allergenic proteins [33,44,119,120]. The chart illustrates the relative stability (resistance to heat and digestion) and associated risk of severe systemic allergic reactions among different allergenic protein families. Proteins such as PR10 and profilins are shown with lower stability and reduced potential for systemic reactions, while LTPs exhibit high stability and significant potential for systemic allergic responses. The arrow Figure 2. Stability and potential for severe systemic reactions of allergenic proteins [33,44,119,120]. The chart illustrates the relative stability (resistance to heat and digestion) and associated risk of severe systemic allergic reactions among different allergenic protein families. Proteins such as PR-10 and profilins are shown with lower stability and reduced potential for systemic reactions, while LTPs exhibit high stability and significant potential for systemic allergic responses. The arrow gradient represents the continuum from low to high stability and systemic reaction potential. GRPs: Gibberellin-Regulated Proteins; IFRs: Isoflavonoid reductases; LTPs: Lipid Transfer Proteins; PR10: pathogenesis-related protein group 10; TLPs: Thaumatin-like proteins.
Figure 2 Stability and potential for severe systemic reactions of allergenic proteins [33,44,119,120]. The chart illustrates the relative stability (resistance to heat and digestion) and associated risk of severe systemic allergic reactions among different allergenic protein families. Proteins such as PR10 and profilins are shown with lower stability and reduced potential for systemic reactions, while LTPs exhibit high stability and significant potential for systemic allergic responses. The arrow Figure 2. Stability and potential for severe systemic reactions of allergenic proteins [33,44,119,120]. The chart illustrates the relative stability (resistance to heat and digestion) and associated risk of severe systemic allergic reactions among different allergenic protein families. Proteins such as PR-10 and profilins are shown with lower stability and reduced potential for systemic reactions, while LTPs exhibit high stability and significant potential for systemic allergic responses. The arrow gradient represents the continuum from low to high stability and systemic reaction potential. GRPs: Gibberellin-Regulated Proteins; IFRs: Isoflavonoid reductases; LTPs: Lipid Transfer Proteins; PR10: pathogenesis-related protein group 10; TLPs: Thaumatin-like proteins.CC-BY · From the PDF
Figure 3 Global distribution of key plants associated with PFAS, highlighting the most relevant species and their geographical ranges [121,122]. Created with ChartMap.net. Figure 3. Global distribution of key plants associated with PFAS, highlighting the most relevant species and their geographical ranges [121,122]. Created with ChartMap.net.
Figure 3 Global distribution of key plants associated with PFAS, highlighting the most relevant species and their geographical ranges [121,122]. Created with ChartMap.net. Figure 3. Global distribution of key plants associated with PFAS, highlighting the most relevant species and their geographical ranges [121,122]. Created with ChartMap.net.CC-BY · From the PDF
Figure 4 PFAS diagnosis flowchart. The flowchart illustrates a structured approach for clinicians to evaluate and confirm the diagnosis of pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS). Figure 4. PFAS diagnosis flowchart. The flowchart illustrates a structured approach for clinicians to evaluate and confirm the diagnosis of pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS).
Figure 4 PFAS diagnosis flowchart. The flowchart illustrates a structured approach for clinicians to evaluate and confirm the diagnosis of pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS). Figure 4. PFAS diagnosis flowchart. The flowchart illustrates a structured approach for clinicians to evaluate and confirm the diagnosis of pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS).CC-BY · From the PDF

Verification

Claims the paper makes

180 Check pending · 74 Own interpretation · 49 No full text of the sources · 33 Not checked yet · 6 No basis given

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Show all 201 claims

  • It may state two separate claims as one. 93
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 60
141 of 141
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    BBEA has high sensitivity and specificity, particularly for well-characterized allergies like peanut.

    “Sensitivity and specificity are high, particularly for well-characterized allergies like peanut.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Glycosylation of allergens and IgE may influence cross-reactivity and allergy severity.

    “Glycosylation of allergens and IgE may influence cross-reactivity and allergy severity.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    PFAS symptoms are typically mild and localized, but some patients may experience more severe reactions, particularly those sensitized to stable allergens like LTPs.

    “While PFAS symptoms are typically mild and localized, some patients may experience more severe reactions, particularly those sensitized to stable allergens like LTPs.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    PFAS often involves heat-labile allergens such as PR-10 proteins and profilins, which are denatured by cooking.

    “However, unlike other food allergies, PFAS often involves heat-labile allergens such as PR-10 proteins and profilins, which are denatured by cooking.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Oral antihistamines are the mainstay of pharmacological management in PFAS, similar to their role in other allergic conditions.

    “Oral antihistamines are the mainstay of pharmacological management in PFAS, similar to their role in other allergic conditions.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Systemic corticosteroids are rarely required in the management of PFAS because symptoms are typically mild, transient, and limited to the oral cavity.

    “Systemic corticosteroids, on the other hand, are rarely required in the management of PFAS because the symptoms are typically mild, transient, and limited to the oral cavity.”
6 of 6

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5 of 5

Citations

Cites

Show all 265 references

Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. Lloyd, 2022, Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS), Curr. Allergy Clin. Immunol., 35, 213
  2. Neto, 2021, Identification of a Thaumatin-like Protein as a New Allergen in Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) with Cross-Reactivity with Banana (Musa acuminata), Arq. Asma Alerg. Imunol., 5, 203
  3. Brunton, L.L., Knollmann, B.C., and Hilal-Dandan, R. (2018). Goodman & Gilman’s the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, McGraw Hill Medical.
  4. Weir, A., and Argáez, C. (2020). Epinephrine Auto-Injectors for Anaphylaxis: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines, Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
  5. Sokolowska, 2020, Mechanisms of Subcutaneous and Sublingual Aeroallergen Immunotherapy: What Is New?, Immunol. Allergy Clin., 40, 1

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Metadata

Authors
Haidar, L., Bănărescu, C. F., Uța, C., Moldovan, S. I., Zimbru, E.-L., Zimbru, R.-I., Ciurariu, E., Georgescu, M., & Panaitescu, C.
Affiliations
  • Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara (RO)
  • Spitalul Clinic Judeţean de Urgenţă "Pius Brînzeu" Timişoara (RO)
Corresponding author
Bănărescu, Camelia Felicia
Venue
Applied Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2024-12-25
Volume
15
Issue
1
Pages
66
ISSN
2076-3417 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4405792446
Cited by
21
References
265
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 11
FWCI
6.31
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Applied Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Immunology and Allergy › Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Immunology and Allergy › Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology (medical) › Drug-Induced Adverse Reactions
Keywords
oral allergy syndrome, pollen allergens, allergen cross-reactivity, birch pollen, ragweed pollen, grass pollen, component-resolved diagnosis, skin prick test, specific IgE, biomarkers, allergen immunotherapy, biologics, food allergy, symptom severity

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.3390/app15010066
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Haidar, L., Bănărescu, C. F., Uța, C., Moldovan, S. I., Zimbru, E.-L., Zimbru, R.-I., Ciurariu, E., Georgescu, M., & Panaitescu, C. (2024). Pollen–Food Allergy Syndrome: Allergens, Clinical Insights, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges. Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010066