Soy Protein Allergens

In vitro assays of soybean seed proteins with sera collected from soybean-sensitive individuals have show that the major protein as well as other minor seed protein account for allergenic reaction. Glycine in Bd 30k , a member of the papain superfamily of cysteine proteases, also known as P-34, has been identified as a major allergen in soybeans. Researchers have used gene silencing to eliminate accumulation of P34/Gly in Bd 30k in transgenic soybeans. These transgenic plants, producing P34/Gly in Bd 30k-null seeds, lacked any obvious developmental or agronomic differences when compared to control plants. This research indicates that the production of P34/Gly in Bd 30k-null line eliminates one of the primary allergens present in soybean seeds.

Herman, E. 2005. Soybean allergenicity and suppression of the immunodominant allergen. Crop Sci: 45(2): 462-467.