Relative allergenic potential of four proteases used as contact lens cleaners

The general use of enzymatic cleaners for soft contact lenses has led to reports of incidents of allergic reactions in previously sensitized patients. In light of this, experiments were performed to assess the relative allergenic potential of four such enzymes: papain, subtilisin A, subtilisin B, and pancreatin. Mice immunized intraperitoneally (i.p.) with either subtilisin A or papain exhibited little serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), even after tertiary doses of protein. Primates immunized intradermally (i.d.) with the four enzymes showed various levels of response to challenges: none to papain, mild to moderate to subtilisin A and pancreatin, and severe to subtilisin B. Finally, guinea pigs instilled ocularly with enzymes weekly for 15 weeks exhibited significant hyperemia and chemosis only to the positive control protein, ovalbumin, and not to any of the enzymes tested. We conclude that three of the four enzymes tested have low potential to sensitize human beings, and, further, that animal models may find increased use in screening products of biotechnology.