Local bivalve allergens

Abstract

Background

Apart from the nutritional benefits, bivalves are also considered to be among a group of allergenic foods. Symptoms of allergy to bivalves are largely similar to those of allergic reactions reported for other shellfish. The identification of allergenic proteins in a particular species is an important step for the development of more accurate allergy tests and for the definition of more effective management of patients. Currently, studies regarding the allergens in bivalve species are lacking.

Materials and methods

This minireview is an overview of local scientific articles on identification of bivalve allergens by allergenomics methods including sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), immunoblotting and mass-spectrometry analysis.

Results

Tropomyosin has been the only well recognized allergen in a wide range of bivalve species. In addition to tropomyosin, our local study resulted in discovery of three novel bivalve major allergens; arginine kinase (40 kDa), actin (42 kDa) and troponin C (18 kDa).

Conclusion

This minireview will provide a better understanding of each allergen derived from local bivalves which subsequently will help in the understanding of the specific immunoglobulin E(IgE)-mediated immune response.