TRANS-FOODS: Vorbeugung von Erdnussallergien durch ein besseres Verständnis des transkutanen Sensibilisierungsweges, neuartige Lebensmittelverarbeitung und Anpassung der Hautpflege sowie Identifizierung immunologischer Markermechanismen bei gesunder und gestörter Hautbarrierefunktion

Abstract

Within this project, protein allergens were extracted from differently processed peanuts and comprehensively characterized. The resulting peanut extracts were provided to all project partners for subsequent analyses. These extracts were used to investigate allergen uptake and immune responses in skin and blood immune cells from individuals with intact skin barrier function, with the aim of identifying immunological markers and mechanisms associated with protection against allergic sensitization. In parallel, allergen uptake and immune responses were examined in patients with impaired skin barrier function, both with and without peanut allergy, to identify mechanisms promoting allergic sensitization. The results demonstrated that peanut processing markedly influences the composition and detectability of allergens. Hydrophilic extraction methods enabled improved allergen quantification, providing a basis for the development of processing strategies with reduced allergenicity. Furthermore, peanut allergens were shown to activate skin dendritic cells, thereby initiating early sensitization processes, while thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) promoted dendritic cell migration. Patients with atopic dermatitis exhibited enhanced sensitization and increased immune activity in inflamed skin. At the same time, evidence for tolerogenic immune mechanisms was identified, suggesting the presence of pathways that may counteract allergic sensitization. In addition, the study experimentally demonstrated that peanut allergens can be transferred via the skin. However, effective hand hygiene, particularly using non-ionic soaps, substantially reduced allergen contamination. These findings provide new insights into the immunological mechanisms underlying peanut allergy and identify potential targets for the prevention of allergic sensitization.