ABSTRACT
Allergenic proteins are able to elicit Th2-polarized immune responses in predisposed individuals. As compared to the presently known number of protein architectures, allergenic proteins can be classified into a highly limited number of protein families. The toxin hypothesis of allergy has now gained interest and offers an alternative understanding of why certain proteins are targeted by IgE. Plant seeds are a major source of dietary proteins. Seed storage proteins such as the prolamins are a source of amino acids for use during germination and seedling growth. The prolamins which are characterized by high levels of glutamine and proline residues are restricted to the grasses including major cereals such as wheat, barley and rye. Plants have evolved a certain degree of resistance to insect pests that feed on plant tissues. 2S albumins are a water-soluble storage protein group widely present in mono- and dicotyledonous seeds.
