Exploiting Nut Cross Reactivity to Facilitate Real World Treatment of Tree Nut Allergy

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergy has become increasingly common among practicing allergists1. Tree nut allergy accounts for ∼33% of food-induced anaphylaxis fatalities and only 9% outgrow their allergy2,3. Tree nut OIT has been successful4,5, but is burdened by frequent sensitization, as assessed by positive specific IgE (sIgE) or skin prick tests (SPT) to multiple nuts, often without a prior exposure history. Although allergy to each nut could be confirmed or refuted by an oral food challenge (OFC) and OIT performed to each reactive nut, such an approach is not only onerous for patients but each challenge carries the risk of a serious reaction.

Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - April 10, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Richard L. Wasserman, Hugh H. Windom, Daria Lie, Deanna M. Pence, Jean Ly Tags: Letters Source Type: research