ISSN:
1365-2222
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background Cow's milk allergy (CMA) affects 2.5% of children aged less than 2 years of age. Although β- and κ-casein are considered among the major allergens responsible for CMA, no data are available on their allergenic epitopes in humans.Objective The aim of the study was to identify IgE- and IgG-binding epitopes on β- and κ-casein and to determine whether the pattern of epitope recognition is associated with the natural history of CMA.Methods Overlapping decapeptides representing the entire length of β- and κ-casein, respectively, were synthesized on a cellulose-derivatized membrane. Sera from 15 milk-allergic children, 4–18 years of age, with high levels of specific IgE antibodies to cow's milk were used to identify IgE- and IgG-binding epitopes. In addition, IgE epitopes were screened with pooled or individual sera from younger patients aged less than 3 years and who had low levels of specific serum IgE, who are likely to outgrow CMA.Results Six major and three minor IgE-binding epitopes, as well as eight major and one minor IgG binding regions, were identified on β-casein. Eight major IgE-binding epitopes, as well as two major and two minor IgG-binding epitopes, were detected on κ-casein. Three of the IgE binding regions on β-casein and six on κ-casein were recognized by the majority of patients in the older age group, but not by the younger patients.Conclusion Information regarding the immunodominant epitopes in β- and κ-casein may be important for understanding the pathophysiology and natural history of CMA. Differences in epitope recognition may be useful in identifying children who will have persistent milk hypersensitivity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2222.2001.01167.x
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