Latex allergy often exhibits cross-reactivity with certain food allergens due to structural similarities in β-1,3-glucanase proteins. The latex allergen Hev b 2 shares structural features with allergens for bananas, barley, and potatoes. These structural similarities cause the immune system to recognize and react to these food proteins, resulting in cross-reactive allergic reactions.

Molecule Name: Rubber Hev b 2 (endo-β-1,3-glucanase), banana endo-β-1,3-glucanase, barley endo-β-1,3-glucanase, and potato endo-β-1,3-glucanase

Source: Rubber tree, bananas, barely, potatoes

Biological Role: These proteins hydrolyze β-1,3-glycosidic links in β-glucan polysaccharides in cell walls.

Associated Allergies: Latex allergy

References: PDB entries 4IIS, 2CYG, 1GHS, 3UR7

Blue: Latex Hev b 2 (PDB 4IIS)

Yellow: Banana endo-β-1,3-glucanase (PDB 2CYG)

Pink: Barley β-1,3-glucanase (PDB 1GHS)

Green: Potato endo-β-1,3-glucanase (PDB 3UR7)