Clinical relevance of profilins in allergic diseases

Profilins are proteins present in all eukaryotic cells. They have often been considered minor and clinically irrelevant allergens, but due to their highly conserved structure, they play an important role in cross-reactivity between numerous allergen sources. This article aims to provide an overview of the role that this ubiquitous allergen plays in pollen, food and latex allergies. The sensitization prevalence to profilins shows geographic variability, with an increasing gradient from north to south, both in respiratory and food allergies. Because profilins are heat and enzymatic labile proteins, food-sensitized patients often report only oral allergy syndrome. Sensitization to profilins can complicate allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy selection. Although component-resolved diagnosis can assess the relevance of this allergen, personalized treatments are currently not available.