Abstract

GOMES, Margarida et al. Corn allergy - Identification of a new allergen. Rev Port Imunoalergologia [online]. 2025, vol.33, n.4, pp.245-249.  Epub Dec 30, 2025. ISSN 0871-9721.  https://doi.org/10.32932/rpia.2025.12.174.

Corn allergy is a rare condition, although recent reports have emerged. This clinical case describes a 29-year-old woman with a history of lip angioedema and/or oral allergy syndrome after ingesting popcorn, as well as an episode of conjunctival and respiratory symptoms following the consumption of corn-containing beers. Skin prick tests were positive for corn. To elucidate the allergenic agent, protein extracts from corn and from three beers were prepared and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and IgE-Western Blot. A 55-60 kDa protein band was identified, recognized by the patient’s IgE in the corn-containing extracts and absent in the corn-free beer, suggesting a potential novel allergen. This etiological study confirmed corn as the triggering factor, reinforcing the role of molecular allergology in the diagnosis of rare food allergies and in the application of personalized medicine.

Keywords : New allergen; immunoassay; food allergy; corn.

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