Gliadin Immunoreactivity and Dough Rheological Properties of Winter Wheat Genotypes Modified by Thioredoxin

Gliadins are among the most important protein fractions affecting wheat baking quality, but they are also plant allergens and a cause of celiac disease or food intolerance. Therefore, we investigated how gliadin immunoreactivity and dough rheological properties are influenced by thioredoxin, a regulatory disulfide protein that can reduce disulfide bonds, a typical motive in many allergenic proteins. Ten winter wheat genotypes of different qualities were analyzed. Reduction by thioredoxin strongly (>50%) decreased gliadin immunoreactivity as estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with immunoglobulin E (IgE) sera from allergic patients and standard antigliadin antibodies but did not significantly affect dough rheological properties. Most parameters from the Brabender extensigraph were only slightly lower. Simultaneously, the farinograph curve exhibited a drawdown dislocation, possibly due to increased water absorption by modified flour, and dough consistency visibly improved. Results suggest that thioredoxin may be a universal natural beneficial modifier, able to significantly decrease gliadin immunoreactivity (hence its potential allergenicity) without decreasing the unique technological properties of wheat flour.