In silico prediction of potential allergenicity of proteins according to the FAO/WHO guidelines with the help of Allermatch-TM

Authors

  • M.W.E.J. Fiers
  • G.A. Kleter
  • A.A.C.M. Peijnenburg
  • H. Nijland
  • J.P. Nap
  • R.C.H.J. Van Ham

Abstract

AllermatchTM (http://allermatch.org) is a novel web tool for the efficient and standardized prediction of potential allergenicity of proteins according to the current recommendations of the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation, as outlined in the Codex alimentarius. A query amino-acid sequence is compared against the Allermatch- Allergen database based on current SwissProt and WHO-IUIS allergen lists. The web tool uses a sliding window to identify stretches of 80 amino acids with more than 35% similarity, or identical small stretches of at least six amino acids. The outcome of the analyses is presented in a concise format. AllermatchTM is likely to contribute to improved, transparent and more consistent analyses of potential allergenicity of genetically modified food prior to market release. In the future, the FAO/WHO guidelines may be improved upon. Different methods that could enhance the predictive value of allergen prediction are discussed.

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Published

2005-09-01