Abstract
Identification, characterization, and purification of allergens are essential for the structural and immunologic studies needed to understand how these molecules induce specific IgE antibody production by the human immune system. Advances in molecular biology techniques have led to the production of recombinant allergens having constant properties, allowing detection of specific IgE directed against different molecular components of an allergenic source. Presence of homologous allergens in different sources is the reason for cross-reaction. Molecule-based diagnostic tools can lead to better interpretation of poly-sensitizations, observed by ST and in vitro tests using allergenic extracts as they were made before. Some examples IgE sensitization to major genuine allergens and panallergens will be presented.
Highlights
As far as there is still some confusion on the proper use of some terms, an appropriate terminology is needed in order to follow this review: "allergenic source", "allergenic extract", "allergen" are not interchangeable terms [4]
In order to understand the results provided by these tests, it is important to know the clinical and immunological meaning of the tested allergenic molecules
Knowledge of true offender protein contained in a food or in an inhalant allergenic source and relevant physicochemical properties can allow primary and secondary prevention during the paediatric age
Summary
The diagnosis using allergen extracts can be helpful identifying sensitization to a particular allergen source, but cannot resolve the molecular identity of the disease-eliciting allergen. Knowledge of true offender protein contained in a food or in an inhalant allergenic source and relevant physicochemical properties can allow primary and secondary prevention during the paediatric age. Allergenic molecules allow the definition of a more precise patient's sensitization profile: if he or she is allergic to a genuine allergen, to major or minor determinant, or to a cross-reactive protein. A multiplex test using recombinant or natural purified allergenic molecules allows testing many allergens, with low costs and low serum volume required. This approach let reaching an insight as broad as possible on all the allergens recognized by a single patient. It is fundamental to continue to follow and correctly advise the little patients, staying in step with the times
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