Characterization of bovine serum albumin epitopes and their role in allergic reactions.
OBJECTIVE
This review provides updated information on conformational and sequential epitopes identified in bovine serum albumin (BSA) and summarizes available data about the role of structural modifications on BSA antigenicity/allergenicity.


METHODS
Data on beef allergy and BSA antigenicity are reported, with reference both to the basic literature and to clinical results obtained by our group.


CONCLUSIONS
BSA is an important allergen involved in milk and beef allergy. The presence of conformational epitopes has been suggested by indirect evidence, while at least one sequential epitope has been experimentally identified. The role of structural modifications on BSA antigenicity is discussed as well as the increased tolerance observed in allergic subjects consuming beef as strained (homogenized) and freeze-dried derivatives.


CONCLUSIONS
Study of the molecular characteristics of a known major allergen allows the identification of technological processes that may be capable of improving the tolerance of allergic subjects to a specific food. Even though any hoped for reduced allergenicity must be verified under medical supervision, the use of new products could obviate the need to avoid important foods such as meat in childhood.
Restani
P
P
Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
Ballabio
C
C
Cattaneo
A
A
Isoardi
P
P
Terracciano
L
L
Fiocchi
A
A
D000485:Allergens; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002648:Child; D004063:Digestion; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis*; D005511:Food Handling; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008460:Meat; D011487:Protein Conformation; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D000939:Epitopes; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine