Allergome—A database of allergenic molecules: Structure and data implementations of a web-based resource

Abstract

RATIONALE: In 2002 the Allergome database (http://www.allergome.org/) has been created to arrange in the most rationale way the current knowledge on allergenic molecules. Dedicated software has been developed using world wide web tools, and a second version including new functions and data has been released in 2003. The current data entry is up-to-date and processing of the past data is almost completed. The Allergome database host also monographs on allergenic sources lacking identified allergens.METHODS: To define the current status of the Allergome database the overall amount of data and links available within the database have been evaluated, as well as the number of molecules and sources hosted by it. Specific evaluation has been done on how to improve data display and database content.RESULTS: Monographs dedicated to allergenic molecules in the Allergome database are 1231, of which 300 dedicated to isoallergens. The allergenic molecules being denominated by the IUIS subcommittee are 443. Allergenic sources without identified allergenic molecules are 404. The overall number of links to external web sites is 62263, and that of internal ones is 46981. Data feeding the database have been obtained by processing about 5400 papers published in the last 35 years.CONCLUSIONS: Version 3 of the Allergome software and database will provide 1) more data for the identification and description of the allergenic molecules and sources; 2) an easier access to the database introducing the search in different languages; 3) more graphical representation of data cross-linking different allergen monographs. RATIONALE: In 2002 the Allergome database (http://www.allergome.org/) has been created to arrange in the most rationale way the current knowledge on allergenic molecules. Dedicated software has been developed using world wide web tools, and a second version including new functions and data has been released in 2003. The current data entry is up-to-date and processing of the past data is almost completed. The Allergome database host also monographs on allergenic sources lacking identified allergens. METHODS: To define the current status of the Allergome database the overall amount of data and links available within the database have been evaluated, as well as the number of molecules and sources hosted by it. Specific evaluation has been done on how to improve data display and database content. RESULTS: Monographs dedicated to allergenic molecules in the Allergome database are 1231, of which 300 dedicated to isoallergens. The allergenic molecules being denominated by the IUIS subcommittee are 443. Allergenic sources without identified allergenic molecules are 404. The overall number of links to external web sites is 62263, and that of internal ones is 46981. Data feeding the database have been obtained by processing about 5400 papers published in the last 35 years. CONCLUSIONS: Version 3 of the Allergome software and database will provide 1) more data for the identification and description of the allergenic molecules and sources; 2) an easier access to the database introducing the search in different languages; 3) more graphical representation of data cross-linking different allergen monographs.