Abstract
Experimental in silico, in vitro, and rodent models for screening and predicting protein sensitizing potential are discussed, including whether there is evidence of new sensitizations and allergies since the introduction of genetically modified crops in 1996, the importance of linear versus conformational epitopes, and protein families that become allergens. Some common challenges for predicting protein sensitization are addressed: (a) exposure routes; (b) frequency and dose of exposure; (c) dose-response relationships; (d) role of digestion, food processing, and the food matrix; (e) role of infection; (f) role of the gut microbiota; (g) influence of the structure and physicochemical properties of the protein; and (h) the genetic background and physiology of consumers. The consensus view is that sensitization screening models are not yet validated to definitively predict the de novo sensitizing potential of a novel protein. However, they would be extremely useful in the discovery and research phases of understanding the mechanisms of food allergy development, and may prove fruitful to provide information regarding potential allergenicity risk assessment of future products on a case by case basis. These data and findings were presented at a 2012 international symposium in Prague organized by the Protein Allergenicity Technical Committee of the International Life Sciences Institute’s Health and Environmental Sciences Institute.
Highlights
In April 2012, an international symposium titled “Sensitizing Properties of Proteins” was held in Prague, Czech Republic, bringing together over 70 scientists from academia, government, and industry
Animal models have been proposed for the safety assessment of novel proteins such as those expressed in genetically modified (GM) crops; they may prove useful in the future but need further development and validation to improve their sensitivity and specificity
GM food crops undergo an extensive safety assessment that has a record of producing safe consumer products
Summary
In April 2012, an international symposium titled “Sensitizing Properties of Proteins” was held in Prague, Czech Republic, bringing together over 70 scientists from academia, government, and industry. Both in vitro and in vivo exposures to allergens in the context of CT reveal the role of intestinal epithelial cells, IELs, and DCs during allergic sensitization These findings are relevant to risk assessment of novel proteins and illustrate the usefulness of mouse food allergy models to examine sensitization and effector responses to potential allergens at different levels in the allergic cascade both in vivo and in vitro. In this regard, integrated animal models such as the BALB/c mouse, a Th2 biased responder strain, may provide useful information Such models are not intended to be used as routine tests to predict the risk of predisposed humans to develop an allergic reaction in everyday life conditions, but rather, they are designed to compare the sensitizing properties of allergenic proteins in different conditions. Animal models have been proposed for the safety assessment of novel proteins such as those expressed in GM crops; they may prove useful in the future but need further development and validation to improve their sensitivity and specificity
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