Ara h 1 but not Ara h 2 strongly adheres to oral epithelium and remains in the oral area upon peanut release
Abstract
The release of peanut allergens from their natural source by human mastication, their persistence, and interaction with oral epithelial cells as a previous step of allergic sensitization were analyzed in healthy individuals and in the DOK cell line. The persistence of Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3 in saliva, oral areas, and their interaction with epithelial cells from the dorsal tongue was analyzed by specific immunoassay. Ara h 1, as opposed to Ara h 2, showed specific adherence properties to keratinocytes from the tongue in a dose-dependent manner.
The results demonstrate for the first time that Ara h 1 but not Ara h 2 attaches to oral epithelial cells after peanut consumption with a continuous presence of Ara h 1 in the oral area, even after regular cleansing.