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Published on: July 17, 2018
Identification of new potential allergens from Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and cod (Gadus morhua)
1Department of Proteomics, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.
Background:
Globalization of the food industry has led to widespread exposure to new nondomestic fish species; therefore, identification of potential allergens is necessary in order to diagnose allergic reactions.
Objective:
Contact with a patient who was allergic to Nile perch (Lates niloticus) prompted us to investigate the immunoglobulin (Ig) E-reactive proteins that could be allergens of this species.
Methods:
2D gel electrophoresis was used to separate the muscle proteins of L niloticus and Gadus morhua. Immunoblotting was performed with sera from 12 patients with a history of immediate-type allergic reaction to fish and from atopic and nonatopic controls. IgE-reactive proteins were detected and identified using mass spectrometry.
Results:
The index patient had low levels of IgE binding to parvalbumins. However, 8 putative allergens other than parvalbumin from L niloticus and 5 from G morhua were identified. Further investigation revealed cross-sensitivity to enolase 3 from L niloticus in 7 of the 12 fish-allergic individuals (58%), whereas 11 of the 12 patients (92%) were sensitized to enolase 3 from G morhua. However, atopic control patients were also sensitized to enolase 3 from L niloticus and G morhua.
Conclusion:
Identification of species-specific allergens and individual sensitization could help us to improve avoidance strategies.
