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Cross-reactions vs co-sensitization evaluated by in silico motifs and in vitro IgE microarray testing
P Pfiffner1, B M Stadler, C Rasi
1University Institute of Immunology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Allergy
|November 8, 2011
Summary
Most allergen co-reactions are true cross-reactions, not co-sensitizations, with a hierarchy observed based on allergen frequency in allergic individuals. This finding impacts future allergic disease management.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Bioinformatics
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Recent in silico studies demonstrated high cross-reactivity in allergen extracts.
- Allergens share sequence motifs, suggesting potential for cross-reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate true cross-reactions from co-sensitizations using serological data.
- To investigate the role of shared sequence motifs in allergen cross-reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serological data from 3142 samples tested against 103 allergens using a multi-array IgE test.
- Application of an iterative motif-finding algorithm to predict cross-reactivity based on sequence motifs.
Main Results:
- Allergen proteins with shared motifs exhibited cross-reactivity as predicted.
- A hierarchy of cross-reactivity was observed, inversely related to allergen frequency.
- Most observed co-reactions were confirmed as cross-reactions, not co-sensitizations.
Conclusions:
- The hierarchy of allergen cross-reactivity is a significant factor in allergic disease.
- Findings suggest implications for the clinical management of allergies.
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