May be involved in disease resistance. Strongly expressed in female and male strobili, and, to a lower extent, in cotyledons, leaves and pollen grains. Mostly abundant in mature male strobili, with strong expression in mature female strobili but absent from developing strobili. Weakly 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.