Development of sandwich ELISA for quantification of the orange allergen profilin (Cit s 2)

Oranges (Citrus sinensis) can provoke an allergic reaction in some individuals. The concentration of profilin (Cit s 2) - the major allergen in oranges - is unknown, but this knowledge could be useful for preventing the development of allergies. The aim of this study was to quantify the amount of Cit s 2 in Navel oranges and in different varieties of citrus fruit. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Extracts of Navel oranges and 12 citrus fruits were tested using this ELISA. Cit s 2 levels in the Navel orange pulp and peel were 1.81 +/- 0.74 and 1.19 +/- 0.87 mu g/g, respectively, with accumulation detected primarily in the pulp. These findings may help in the production of low-risk processed oranges for orange allergy sufferers through selection of orange varieties and parts with low profilin content during food processing.