Latex (Hev b 6, Hev b 8, Hev b 12)
Latex Allergens (Hev b 6, Hev b 8, Hev b 12) and Their Cross-Reactivity
| Latex Allergen | Protein Family | Molecular Weight (kDa) | Cross-Reactive Foods | Severity of Cross-Reactivity |
| Hev b 6 (Hevein-like) | Chitin-binding protein | 4.7 | Chestnut, Banana, Avocado, Kiwi | High |
| Hev b 8 (Profilin) | Actin-binding protein | 15.0 | Hazelnut, Peanut, Almond, Grass Pollen | Moderate |
| Hev b 12 (Enolase) | Glycolytic Enzyme | 48.0 | Walnut, Pecan, Soy | High |
Molecular Weight Comparison of Latex Allergens (Hev b 6, Hev b 8, Hev b 12)
Latex Allergens (Hev b 6, Hev b 8, Hev b 12) and Their Cross-Reactivity
The table and bar chart above compare the major latex allergens (Hev b 6, Hev b 8, Hev b 12) in terms of protein family, molecular weight, and cross-reactive foods.
Key Findings:
- Hev b 6 (Hevein-like Protein) is the Strongest Cross-Reactive Latex Allergen
- Highly similar to chestnut (Cas s 3), banana, avocado, and kiwi allergens.
- Triggers severe anaphylactic reactions in latex-allergic individuals.
- Small molecular size (4.7 kDa) allows for rapid absorption, leading to fast onset of symptoms.
- Hev b 8 (Profilin) Causes Mild Reactions
- Cross-reacts with hazelnut (Cor a 4), peanut (Ara h 5), and almond Profilins.
- Mild symptoms (itching, oral allergy syndrome – OAS) rather than anaphylaxis.
- Profilin-allergic individuals may also react to grass pollen allergens.
- Hev b 12 (Enolase) Cross-Reacts with Tree Nuts and Soy
- Found in walnuts, pecans, and soy.
- Causes moderate to severe allergic reactions.
- Larger molecular weight (48 kDa) makes it a stable allergen, leading to persistent immune responses.
Clinical Implications for Latex-Allergic Individuals:
- Latex-Allergic Patients Should Be Cautious with Chestnuts, Bananas, and Tree Nuts
- Chestnut has the strongest latex cross-reactivity due to Cas s 3 (Hevein-like protein).
- Bananas, avocados, and kiwis also pose high risks.
- Latex-Allergic Individuals May Experience Mild Reactions to Hazelnuts and Peanuts
- Hev b 8 (Profilin) is found in multiple foods but mainly causes OAS symptoms.
- Avoidance may not always be necessary unless symptoms are severe.
- Walnuts, Pecans, and Soy Can Be a Problem for Latex-Allergic Individuals
- Hev b 12 (Enolase) is cross-reactive with these foods, increasing the risk of allergic reactions.
Cross-Reactivity Risk Assessment
| Latex Allergen | Cross-Reactive Foods | Severity of Cross-Reactivity |
| Hev b 6 (Hevein-like) | Chestnut, Banana, Avocado, Kiwi | High (Severe Anaphylaxis Risk) |
| Hev b 8 (Profilin) | Hazelnut, Peanut, Almond, Grass Pollen | Moderate (OAS Symptoms) |
| Hev b 12 (Enolase) | Walnut, Pecan, Soy | High (Moderate to Severe Reactions) |