Peanut allergen (Arachis hypogaea allergen) (Ara h)

Arachis hypogaea allergens are a group of proteins found in peanuts that serve as the primary triggers for IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions in sensitized individuals (PubMed: 26022875). These proteins are predominantly classified as seed storage proteins, including the cupin superfamily (Ara h 1 and Ara h 3) and the prolamin superfamily (Ara h 2, Ara h 6, and Ara h 7) (UniProt). They are characterized by high stability and resistance to heat and digestive enzymes, which contributes to their potent allergenicity (PubMed: 12639457). In the context of human health, these allergens are the causative agents of peanut allergy, a condition that can lead to severe systemic anaphylaxis (NIH: StatPearls). From a therapeutic perspective, standardized peanut allergen preparations are used as the active ingredient in oral immunotherapy (OIT) to induce clinical desensitization (FDA: Palforzia). The interaction between these allergens and the immune system during therapy aims to shift the immune profile from a Th2-driven allergic response to a more tolerant state (PubMed: 31983221). This process involves the induction of regulatory T cells and the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies, which compete with IgE for allergen binding (PubMed: 28434611). Monitoring patient response to these allergens typically involves measuring specific IgE levels and conducting oral food challenges (NIH: NIAID).

Other names

Peanut proteinArachis hypogaea proteinAra h 1Ara h 2Ara h 3Ara h 6Ara h 7Ara h 8Ara h 9

Induction of immune desensitization and oral tolerance through gradual exposure, leading to increased IgG4/IgE ratios and regulatory T cell activity (PubMed: 31983221).