Olea europaea pollen allergenic protein (None universally applied to the entire group; individual allergens are abbreviated as Ole e 1, Ole e 3, Ole e 6, Ole e 13, Ole e 15)

Olea europaea pollen allergenic proteins are major allergens found in olive tree pollen, and are among the leading causes of respiratory allergic reactions in regions with olive cultivation, especially the Mediterranean basin. Main proteins include Ole e 1 (extensin family, involved in pollen tube formation and recognition), Ole e 3 (calcium-binding, role in reproductive process), Ole e 6 (small, stable, highly immunogenic alpha-helical allergen), Ole e 13 (thaumatin-like, enzymatic activity, cross-reactive with food allergens), and Ole e 15 (cyclophilin family, catalyzes isomerization, cross-reactive epitopes). Recognition of these proteins by IgE triggers an inflammatory Th2 response in allergic patients, leading to classic symptoms of hay fever, rhinitis, and asthma. Structural studies of these proteins have facilitated the design of hypoallergenic variants for diagnostic and therapeutic use, but immunotherapy carries the risk of exacerbated allergic responses due to the proteins’ strong IgE-binding capacity. Cross-reactivity with other sources is a challenge for therapy and diagnosis, particularly with homologous proteins in other plants or foods.

Other names

Olive pollen allergen(s)Olive tree pollen allergen(s)Major olive allergens (Ole e 1, Ole e 3, Ole e 6, Ole e 13, Ole e 15)

Induction of immune tolerance (immunotherapy); IgE-binding inhibition (hypoallergenic protein variants)