Characterization of peanut-reactive monoclonal antibodies (HYP7P.265)

Abstract

Abstract Peanut allergies are a rising concern in Western society. Incidence and prevalence of affected children has tripled from 1997 to 2010. The exact cause for this increase is unknown, but lack of exposure to pathogens and increasing hygienic conditions has been implicated. Exposure to peanuts causes the immune system to become sensitized to peanut proteins. Subsequent exposure to peanuts causes hypersensitivity reactions which may escalate to anaphylaxis and death. The only course of prevention is complete avoidance. Limiting peanut exposure is difficult as even trace amounts of peanut (100µg-50mg; 1 peanut ≈ 1g) consumed can cause a reaction. Immunotherapies aim to increase the tolerance of these severely allergic individuals. Current approaches are limited to certain populations and are potentially dangerous. Better therapeutics require thorough characterization of peanut proteins responsible for peanut allergies. In this study, C3H/HeJ mice were sensitized to crude peanut extract (CPE). The mice were then exposed to CPE to induce a hypersensitive reaction. Hybridomas were generated , characterized for antibody production, subtype, and screened for peanut-specific immunoreactivity, as well as specific peanut proteins believed to be involved with peanut allergies. Characterization of peanut-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb) may aid in the identification of immunodominant epitopes and lead to/aid in the development of immunotherapeutic interventions.