May be involved in disease resistance. Mostly expressed in strobili, and, to a lower extent, in roots of seedlings and saplings. Mostly expressed in mature male strobili and present at high levels in mature and developing female strobili. Strongly induced by arachidonic acid. 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.