Aalberse Rob C
Sanquin Research and Karl Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Clin Mol Allergy. 2007 Feb 9;5:2. doi: 10.1186/1476-7961-5-2.
The prediction of allergen cross-reactivity is currently largely based on linear sequence data, but will soon include 3D information on homology among surface exposed residues. To evaluate procedures for these predictions, we need ways to quantitatively assess actual cross-reactivity between two allergens. Three parameters are mentioned: 1) the fraction of the epitopes that is cross-reactive; 2) the fraction of IgE that is cross-reactive; 3) the relative affinity of the interaction between IgE and the two allergens. This editorial briefly compares direct binding protocols with the often more appropriate reciprocal inhibition protocols. The latter type of protocol provides information on symmetric versus asymmetric cross-reactivity, and thus on the distinction between complete (= sensitising) allergens versus incomplete, cross-reacting allergens. The need to define the affinity threshold of the assay and a caveat on the use of serum pools are also discussed.
目前，变应原交叉反应性的预测主要基于线性序列数据，但很快将纳入表面暴露残基间同源性的三维信息。为评估这些预测程序，我们需要定量评估两种变应原之间实际交叉反应性的方法。文中提到了三个参数：1）交叉反应性表位的比例；2）交叉反应性IgE的比例；3）IgE与两种变应原之间相互作用的相对亲和力。本社论简要比较了直接结合方案与通常更合适的相互抑制方案。后一种方案提供了关于对称与不对称交叉反应性的信息，从而区分了完全（=致敏）变应原与不完全交叉反应变应原。还讨论了定义检测亲和力阈值的必要性以及使用血清池的注意事项。
