Co-sensitizations to Gibberellin Regulated Proteins (GRPs) in Italy: results of a polycentric study

Background.Gibberellin Regulated Proteins (GRPs) are small glycoproteins that induce allergy to various types of fruit.This study aimed to evaluate co-sensitization to cypress pollen and other molecules responsible for fruit allergy, such as nsLTP (Pru p 3), PR-10 (Bet v1), and Profilin (Bet v2).Methods.Sixty subjects sensitized to peach GRP (Pru p 7) were consecutively recruited from four Italian centers: 28 males and 32 females (mean age 37.9 years; range 11-79).Specific IgE for Pru p 7, Pru p 3, Bet v 1, Bet v 2, cypress pollen extract (Cup s), and Cup a 1 were determined in all subjects.Results.Sensitization rates to Cup s, Cup a 1, Pru p 3, Bet v 1, and Bet v 2 in the entire studied population were 90.0%, 83.3%, 45.8%, 40.0%, and 30.0%, respectively.In subjects residing in Northern Italy, the respective sensitization rates were 96.4%, 80.0%, 50.0%, 73.3%, and 40.0%, while in those residing in Southern Italy, they were 83.3%, 86.7%, 40.0%, 6.7%, and 20.0%.The only significant difference was observed for PR-10 (p < 0.0001) Co-sensitization to PR-10 was found to be associated with a reduced risk of anaphylaxis (OR: 0.125).Allergic reactions were most commonly triggered by peach (26/40), followed by orange (12/40), with other foods being less frequently implicated.