Keeping Allergen Names Clear and Defined.

Sanny K Chan,Monika Raulf,Marianne Van Hage,Geoffrey Mueller,Andreas L Lopata,Anna Pomés,Annette Kuehn,Christiane Hilger,Richard E Goodman,Janet M Davies,Gabriele Gadermaier

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.02600

Abstract

The World Health Organization/International Union of Immunological Societies (WHO/IUIS) Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee was established in 1986 by leading allergists to standardize names given to proteins that cause IgE-mediated reactions in humans. The Sub-Committee's objective is to assign unique names to allergens based on a critical analysis of confidentially submitted biochemical and clinical data from researchers, often prior to publication to preserve consistency. The Sub-Committee maintains and revises the database as the understanding of allergens evolves. This report summarizes recent developments that led to updates in classification of cockroach group 1 and 5 allergens to animal as well as environmental and occupational allergens. Interestingly, routes, doses, and frequency of exposure often affects allergenicity as does the biochemical properties of the proteins and similarity to self and other proteins. Information required by the Sub-Committee now is more extensive than previously as technology has improved. Identification of new allergens requires identification of the amino acid sequence and physical characteristics of the protein as well as demonstration of IgE binding from subjects verified by described clinical histories, proof of the presence of the protein in relevant exposure substances, and demonstration of biological activity (skin prick tests, activation of basophils, or mast cells). Names are assigned based on taxonomy with the abbreviation of genus and species and assignment of a number, which reflects the priority of discovery, but more often now, the relationships with homologous proteins in related species.

Highlights

Advances in molecular biology, recombinant protein technology, methods of genomic, and proteomic analysis, structural biology, and high throughput screening have led to a greater understanding of allergenic proteins over the past 30 years
Though molecular and scientific advances have led to improved characterization of allergens and with-it increased clarity in naming and categorizing them, the heterogeneous nature of human data remains a challenge
This Sub-Committee has in the past asked for minimal data characterizing protein sequences, clinical symptoms of serum donors or test subjects, IgE binding and allergic functionality

Summary

Introduction

Recombinant protein technology, methods of genomic, and proteomic analysis, structural biology, and high throughput screening have led to a greater understanding of allergenic proteins over the past 30 years. Identification of new allergens and improved characterization dictate the need for revision of some allergens and updated requirements for allergen nomenclature. The committee recognized that a systemic standardized nomenclature was needed for consistent identification in scientific publications. The standardized naming of allergens has become a formalized process where allergen names are assigned by the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee after a defined submission process that includes data on IgE binding to identified novel target proteins or glycoproteins with the most recent major revision occurring in 2018 [2]

Objectives

Conclusion