Serum albumins-unusual allergens.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Albumins are multifunctional proteins present in the blood serum of animals. They can bind and transport a wide variety of ligands which they accommodate due to their conformational flexibility. Serum albumins are highly conserved both in amino acid sequence and three-dimensional structure. Several mammalian and avian serum albumins (SAs) are also allergens. Sensitization to one of the SAs coupled with the high degree of conservation between SAs may result in cross-reactive antibodies in allergic individuals. Sensitivity to SA generally begins with exposure to an aeroallergen, which can then lead to cross-sensitization to serum albumins present in food.

Scope of review

This review focuses on the allergenicity of SAs presented in a structural context.

Major conc

SUBMITTER: Chruszcz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4419372 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature