Cashew allergen protein (Ana o) (Ana o)

Cashew allergen protein (Ana o) refers to a group of seed storage proteins from Anacardium occidentale that are responsible for severe IgE-mediated allergic reactions (Wang et al., 2002, PMID: 12464931). The major allergens include Ana o 1 (7S globulin), Ana o 2 (11S globulin), and Ana o 3 (2S albumin), which belong to the cupin and prolamine superfamilies (WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature, 2023). These proteins function biologically as nutrient reserves for the developing plant embryo but are highly resistant to thermal processing and proteolysis, contributing to their potent allergenicity (Robotham et al., 2005, PMID: 15867864). In clinical practice, Ana o 3 is recognized as a highly specific biomarker for predicting systemic reactions in cashew-allergic patients (Andorf et al., 2018, PMID: 29126391). While these proteins are the causative agents of food allergy and anaphylaxis, they are utilized as the active substance in oral immunotherapy (OIT) protocols designed to induce desensitization and immune tolerance (Blumchen et al., 2019, PMID: 31005520). Therapeutic strategies also involve the use of biologics like Omalizumab to increase the safety and efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy by neutralizing the IgE that targets these proteins (Wood et al., 2024, PMID: 38405948).

Other names

Anacardium occidentale allergenAna o 1Ana o 2Ana o 3

Induction of immune tolerance through gradual exposure (desensitization) or modulation of the Th2 immune response.