May be involved in disease resistance. Strongly expressed in roots and in female and male strobili, and, to a lower extent, in cotyledons, leaves, stems and pollen grains. 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.