Can cross-reactivity studies enable generic allergy prevention?

Authors

  • R. Sánchez-Monge
  • G. Salcedo

Abstract

The occurrence of homologous proteins in foods, pollen and latex is the molecular basis of the plant sources’ allergenic cross-reactivity. However, there is not a generic cross-reactivity. Each allergic patient is sensitized to particular allergens and even to particular IgE-binding epitopes. Molecular studies on the main panallergens may explain the major plant-food, pollen and latex syndromes. Some examples of the bestcharacterized plant panallergens are presented. Novel technologies on recombinant proteins and microarrayed allergens will provide allergen-sensitization profiles, associated to food allergies and cross-reactivity, that will enable the diagnosis and prediction of cross-reactions as well as individual treatment of these pathologies.

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Published

2005-09-01