The Role of Enolases in Allergic Disease

Enolase is one of the most abundant cytosolic enzymes as well as an important glycolytic metalloenzyme highly conserved among organisms from different taxonomical groups. Participation of enolase in processes in which its enzymatic activity is not required has been widely reported. Some of these processes provide special qualities to microorganisms, which favor, in some cases, their pathogenicity. Remarkably, enolase has been reported as an allergen by itself, it is well recognized as allergenic in molds and yeasts, whereas it has also been recognized by the immune system of susceptible individuals acting as a food and inhaled allergen from other diverse sources such as insects, birds, fishes, and plants. To date, 14 enolases have been officially recognized by the World Health Organization/International Union of Immunological Societies Allergen Nomenclature Subcommittee. The use of discovery proteomics has also uncovered novel allergenic enolases, particularly from pollen sources. Here, we review the relevance of enolases as sensitizers and as nonsensitizing cross-reactive allergens in allergic disease. (c) 2021 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2021;9:3026-32)

Automated summary

Enolase is an important cytosolic enzyme that is highly conserved among different taxonomical groups and participates in various processes. It has been widely recognized as an allergen, especially in molds and yeasts. Studies have shown that enolase plays a significant role in allergic diseases.