Clinical Proteomics Applied to Food Allergy

Food allergy (FA) is an immune-related condition, mainly characterized by hypersensitivity to food allergens in children and adults. Clinical proteomics is among the first medical disciplines supported by novel technologies, on the basis of which it becomes possible to understand FA from a therapeutic point of view. Within this chapter, three subdisciplines of proteomics will be covered: discovery clinical proteomics, targeted clinical proteomics, and clinical proteomics-based systems biology. Discovery clinical proteomics refers to the analysis of protein expression aiming at biomarker identification and knowledge about disease mechanisms which bring out completely new proteins connected to FAs. In targeted clinical proteomics, proteins that were identified in the exploratory studies are followed up so as to increase sensitivity for biomarkers detection in diagnostics. Proteomic-based systems biology is a means by which proteomics data can be integrated with other "omics" technologies for simulating immune response pathways governing biological systems and identifying therapeutic targets. Over the years, it has been possible to study what causes diseases, find new markers, and customize drug prescriptions according to protein results obtained from patients. Clinical proteomics has provided insight on immune responses, allergen diversity, and treatment possibilities in relation to FAs. It provides a detailed mapping of protein alterations as a result of allergens that are responsible for essential interactions with the immune system. In turn, clinical proteomics helps individualized medicine through identifying specific proteins signatures in patients enabling customized treatment approaches that will enhance its efficacy while mitigating any ill-effect. In this way, basic research is supposed to be united with clinical practice to offer novel opportunities for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing food allergic conditions that impact positively on outcomes leading to better life quality for patients.