May be involved in disease resistance. Mainly expressed in male and female strobili, and, at lower levels, in roots of seedlings and saplings. Mostly abundant in mature female strobili, with lower expression in developing female strobili and in mature male strobili. Induced by ethylene (ethephon), salt stress and salicylic acid (SA) (PubMed:16203714). Strongly induced by arachidonic acid (PubMed:16203714). Causes an oral allergy syndrome (OAS) reaction in human and animals (PubMed:22749702, PubMed:26433527, PubMed:17441795). Binds to IgE and induces the release of histamine from leukocytes of allergic patients (PubMed:17441795). Binds to IgE from canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) sensitive dogs (PubMed:22749702). Belongs to the thaumatin family.