Circulating Ara h 6 as a marker of peanut protein absorption in tolerant and allergic humans following ingestion of peanut‐containing foods. Issue 9 (27th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bernard, Hervé; Turner, Paul J.; Ah‐Leung, Sandrine; Ruiz‐Garcia, Monica; Clare Mills, Elizabeth Naomi; Adel‐Patient, Karine
• Is Part Of: Clinical & experimental allergy. Volume 50:Issue 9(2020)
• Page Start: 1093
• Page End: 1102
• Publication Date: 2020-07-27
• Subjects: allergy -- Ara h 6 -- bioaccessibility -- food matrix -- peanut; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Periodicals; 616.97
• DOI: 10.1111/cea.13706
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-7894

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Bioaccessibility of food allergens may be a key determinant of allergic reactions. Objective: To develop a protocol allowing the detection of the major peanut allergen, Ara h 6, in the bloodstream following ingestion of low amounts of peanut and to compare Ara h 6 bioaccessibility by food matrix. We further assessed for differences in absorption in healthy versus peanut‐allergic volunteers. Methods: A blood pretreatment combining acidic shock and thermal treatment was developed. This protocol was then applied to blood samples collected from human volunteers (n = 6, healthy controls; n = 14, peanut‐allergic patients) at various time‐points following ingestion of increasing levels of peanut incurred in different food matrices (cookies, peanut butter and chocolate dessert). Immunodetection was performed using an in‐house immunoassay. Results: An original pretreatment protocol was optimized, resulting in irreversible dissociation of human antibodies‐Ara h 6 immune complex, thus rendering Ara h 6 accessible for its immunodetection. Ara h 6 was detected in samples from all volunteers following ingestion of 300‐1000 mg peanut protein, although variations in the kinetics of passage were observed between individuals and matrices. Interestingly, in peanut‐allergic subjects, Ara h 6 could be detected following ingestion of lower doses and at higher concentrations than in non‐allergic volunteers. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The kinetics and intensity of Ara h 6 passage in bloodstream depend on both individual and food matrix. Peanut‐allergic patients appear to demonstrate higher absorption rate, the clinical significance of which warrants further evaluation.