IgE Epitope Mapping Using Peptide Microarray Immunoassay.

IgE epitope mapping of food allergens contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of food allergy and may become an additional tool for food allergy diagnosis/prognosis. Microarray platforms which allow for simultaneous screening of a large number of peptides corresponding to the sequences of food allergens are ideally suited for large-scale IgE epitope mapping. Here we describe the method of performing a reliable and sensitive peptide microarray immunoassay, which was developed in our lab and results in the identification of candidate IgE epitope biomarkers useful in determining allergic disease severity and prognosis, as well as in the prediction of treatment outcomes. A gastric digestion model that can be applied to prescreen peptides and reduce costs in the peptide microarray is also described in this chapter.