Potato lectin activates basophils and mast cells of atopic subjects by its interaction with core chitobiose of cell-bound non-specific immunoglobulin E
5th June 2025
S. N. Pramod, Y. P. Venkatesh and P. A. Mahesh (2007). This study addresses the role of potato lectin (STA) in activating mast cells and basophils through non-specific binding to IgE and FcεR receptors. It studies the effect of STA on atopic and non-atopic subjects, and finds that it may cause non-allergic hypersensitivity in some atopic individuals, despite not being a ‘true allergen’. Therefore, it suggests that lectins in foods like potatoes and tomatoes may contribute to symptoms of allergic reactions (e.g. asthma) in STA-sensitive individuals.
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