Search for the determinants of allergenicity in proteins of the lipocalin family

Three different lines of analysis have been applied to approach the problem of the allergenicity of certain proteins: biological functions, molecular structures and immunological properties. It is immediately obvious that the se three are interdependent. The lipocalin family of proteins includes a si gnificant number of allergens. A considerable amount of data is already ava ilable of lipocalins and some insights about allergenic determinants can no w be presented. However, more information on the molecular structures and i mmunological parameters of lipocalin allergens is required. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.