Animal lipocalin allergens.
Lipocalins represent the most important group of inhalant animal allergens. For some of them, three-dimensional protein structures have been resolved, but their functions are still elusive. Lipocalins generally display a low sequence identity between family members. The characterization of new lipocalin allergens has revealed however that some of them display a high sequence identity to lipocalins from another species. They constitute a new group of potentially cross-reactive molecules which, in addition to serum albumins, may contribute to allergic cross-reactions between animal dander of different species. However, the clinical relevance of cross-reactivity needs to be assessed. Further studies are needed to understand which of these animal lipocalins are the primary allergens and which are cross-reacting molecules. The use of single, well characterized allergens for diagnosis will allow the identification of the sensitizing animal, which is a prerequisite for specific immunotherapy.
Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, CRP-Santé, 84, Val Fleuri, 1526, Luxembourg, Luxembourg. christiane.hilger@crp-sante.lu
Christiane
C
Hilger
Annette
A
Kuehn
Francois
F
Hentges
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D002417:Cattle; D006224:Cricetinae; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology; D004285:Dogs; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D007313:Insecta; D054834:Lipocalins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats
D000485:Allergens; D054834:Lipocalins