Intrinsic allergenicity potential of glutenins from two ancient wheat species.

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Presentation Time: 02:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Poster Board Number: B740
Abstract ID: 4964

Presenting Author:
Rick Jorgensen , Ph.D. Candidate at Michigan State Univ.

Abstract:

Wheat allergies can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis, emphasizing the need to identify hypo/hyper-allergenic wheats. This study explores the intrinsic allergenic potential of gluten proteins from ancient wheat species (Triticum monococcum or Einkorn, and Aegilops tauschii). Female Balb/c mice on a plant protein-free diet were transdermally exposed to wheat glutenin (WG) from either species without adjuvant. Sensitization involved weekly transdermal exposure for nine weeks, followed by intraperitoneal injection of the respective WG. Sensitization was confirmed by elevated specific IgE (sIgE) responses. Intraperitoneal WG injection induced anaphylaxis in both types of wheat (vehicle did not induced anaphylaxis), assessed by hypothermic shock response (HSR) and MMCP-1 levels. Both T. monococcum and Ae. tauschii WG led to significant sIgE responses, with slightly higher levels for Ae. tauschii. IP challenge with WG (not saline) resulted in comparable HSR kinetics for both glutenins. Mucosal mast cell degranulation, measured by MMCP-1 elevation, was also similar between species. This groundbreaking finding reveals that ancient wheat glutenins are intrinsically allergenic, possessing similar potential to sensitize mice for systemic anaphylaxis. Funding: USDA/NIFA.