Immunopathology of allergy - Allergens - structure and function

6 important questions on Immunopathology of allergy - Allergens - structure and function

What is a primary sensitiser?

A protein capable of instructing the immune system to start producing IgE antibodies

What is known about IgE binding epitopes?

They generally comprise conformational and more hydrophobic patches present on the allergen. A significant proportion of the IgE is directed against the glycosylated B-cell epitopes.

How is glycosylation related to allergenicity?

There is a 100x increased cellular uptake of glycosylated proteins and peptides by antigen-presenting cells than non-glycosylated counterparts. Glycosylated gives an enhanced immune response.
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How many amino acid units are sufficient to induce IgE antibody formation?

40 amino acids

What kind of epitopes does Bet v 1 contain? And what does this mean?

Conformation IgE-epitopes. Destruction of the 3-dimensional protein structure leads to a dramatic reduction of its IgE-binding capacity.

How can immunological cross-reactivity be used?

It can be a possible cure for allergy, by inducing cross-reactive regulatory T cells and/or cross-reactive blocking IgG4 antibodies.

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