An allergen is any antigenic substance that can mediate an immediate hypersensitivity reaction in an individual. Common allergens include pollen, fungal spores, dust mites, animal aeroallergens, drugs, and insect venom. Most allergens are proteins or glycoproteins with a molecular weight ranging from 5000 to 100,000 Da, and polysaccharides and low-molecular-weight substances may also be allergenic. Allergens enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, injection, or contact. Therefore, allergic reactions most often occur on the skin and in the airways and mucous membranes. Factors that can increase the immunogenicity of an allergen include molecular size, solubility, stability, conformational folding, and duration of exposure.
When allergens originate from the same source, the individual allergens are further classified as major allergens and minor allergens. Major allergens cause an IgE reaction in 50% of individuals allergic to specific source, while minor allergens cause an allergic reaction in 50%. However, the minor allergen still may cause significant allergic reactions in allergic individuals. Food allergy is one of the most common allergies and it is divided into class 1 and class 2. Class 1 food allergies occur in the gastrointestinal tract. Common class 1 allergens are from milk, eggs, peanuts, soybeans, fish, and shrimp. Class 1 allergens are 10-70 kDa and is resistant to heat, acid, and proteases. Class 2 food allergies are due to allergic sensitization to inhalant allergens that cross-react with food allergens.
Recombinant and natural allergens have various potential applications. They are useful tools for the immunological, biochemical, and structural research of allergy-eliciting molecules, understanding the mechanism of allergic reactions, and developing allergy diagnostic or therapeutic drugs. Amerigo Scientific provides high-purity recombinant allergens produced from bacteria, yeast, insect cells, or mammalian cells, as well as natural allergens extracted from sources such as pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, molds, and foods.
.
