Determination of protein allergenicity: studies in mice

There is a need to identify and characterize the allergenic potential of no vel proteins introduced into genetically-modified crop plants. Although sev eral approaches have already been described, none of these measures directl y the ability of proteins to cause allergic sensitization. For this reason there has been a growing interest in the development of suitable animal mod els. This article describes experience to date with a method based upon ass essment of serological (IgG and IgE antibody) responses induced in BALB:e s train mice by proteins. Comparisons have been made between intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration and exposure by gavage using both allergenic and non- allergenic proteins. The available data indicate that responses provoked by i.p. exposure permit the identification of proteins that have the inherent potential to induce IgE antibody production and allergic sensitization. Mo reover, this approach also provides a rank older of proteins with respect t o allergenic potency that apparently reflects what is known of their relati ve sensitizing activity in humans. By comparison, oral exposure of mice by gavage is somewhat less sensitive. On this basis it is proposed that the in herent sensitizing potential of novel proteins can be evaluated as a functi on of IgE antibody responses stimulated by parenteral (i.p.) exposure of BA LB/c mice. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.