Latex Allergens (Hev b 6, Hev b 8, Hev b 12) and Their Cross-Reactivity
| Latex allergen | Protein family | Molecular weight (kDa) | Related food allergens | Clinical relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hev b 6.02 (hevein; from Hev b 6.01 prohevein) | Hevein (chitin-binding) | 4.7 (prohevein 20) | Hevein-like domains of class I chitinases: avocado (Pers a 1), banana (Mus a 2), chestnut (Cas s 5) | Major latex allergen; main driver of latex-fruit syndrome |
| Hev b 11 | Class I chitinase | 30 | Avocado, banana, chestnut | Contributes to latex-fruit syndrome |
| Hev b 1, Hev b 3 | Rubber elongation factor; small rubber particle protein | 14; 24 | — | Major allergens in people with spina bifida |
| Hev b 5 | Acidic protein (function unknown) | 16 | — | Major allergen in healthcare workers |
| Hev b 8 | Profilin | 15 | Profilins in many plant foods and pollens | Minor; a positive test often reflects pollen-profilin sensitization rather than true latex allergy |
| Hev b 12 | Non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP1) | 9 | LTPs such as peach Pru p 3 and walnut Jug r 3 | Minor; clinical relevance to latex allergy is low |
Key Findings
- Hevein (Hev b 6.02) drives latex-fruit syndrome. It cross-reacts with the hevein-like domains of class I chitinases in avocado, banana and chestnut. This is why these foods are the most common reactions in latex-allergic people.
- Hev b 8 (profilin) is a minor panallergen. A positive test often reflects pollen-profilin sensitization rather than true latex allergy; reactions to foods through profilin are usually mild.
- Hev b 12 is a lipid transfer protein (LTP), not enolase. Related LTPs occur in peach and walnut, but their relevance to latex allergy is low. Latex proteins themselves are not found in foods.
- Stability depends on protein structure, not size: hevein is small but stabilized by disulfide bonds, and LTPs are small yet very stable.
Clinical Implications for Latex-Allergic Individuals
- Be cautious with banana, avocado, chestnut and kiwi, and discuss other foods with your allergist.
- Tree nuts other than chestnut are not established latex-fruit foods.
- Decide on avoidance with an allergist — mild symptoms do not reliably predict how severe a future reaction will be.
Cross-Reactivity Risk Assessment
| Food | Strength of association with latex allergy | Main reason |
|---|---|---|
| Banana, avocado, chestnut, kiwi | Strong — the classic latex-fruit foods | Hevein (Hev b 6.02) and class I chitinases |
| Papaya, fig, tomato, potato and some other fruits and vegetables | Reported, weaker | Various |
| Walnut, pecan, hazelnut, Brazil nut, coconut | Not established | No shared latex-type allergen of clinical importance |