Relevant B Cell Epitopes in Allergic Disease

Abstract

The 3-dimensional structure of an allergen defines the accessible parts on the surface of the molecule or epitopes that interact with antibodies. Mapping the antigenic determinants for IgE antibody binding has been pursued through strategies based on the use of overlapping synthetic peptides, recombinant allergenic fragments or unfolded allergens. These approaches led to the identification of mostly linear epitopes and are useful for food allergens that undergo digestion or food processing. For inhaled allergens, conformational epitopes appear to be the primary targets of IgE responses. Knowledge of the molecular structure of allergens alone and in complex with antibodies that interfere with IgE antibody binding is important to understand the immune recognition of B cell-antigenic determinants on allergens and the design of recombinant allergens for immunotherapy. Starting with the molecular cloning and expression of allergens, and with the advent of X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, we have been able to visualize conformational epitopes on allergens.

Epitope Mapping of Rhi o 1 and Generation of a Hypoallergenic Variant

“…Antibody recognition of many inhalant allergens with globular structures was reported to be conformation-dependent (25). However, several respiratory fungal allergens, such as Asp f 2, Alt a 1, Asp f 1, Asp f 13, Pen n 18, Pen c 13, and Cur l 3, were identified as having linear IgE epitopes (26 -32).…”

Narrow Leafed Lupin Beta-Conglutin Proteins Epitopes Identification and Molecular Features Analysis Involved in Cross-Allergenicity to Peanut and Other Legumes

“…B-and T-cell responses have a defining and differential recognition of antigenic epitopes, and their localization in the allergen does not necessarily coincide. T-cell receptor recognizes only the linear amino acid sequence [59]. In contrast, B-cell epitopes are either linear or conformational and are located on the surface of the molecule accessible to antibodies.…”

Databases and Algorithms in Allergen Informatics

“…Inferences drawn from allergen-antibody complexes and other important studies have shown that majority of IgE-binding epitopes are conformational in nature [14]. IgE epitopes possess some defining structural and immunological features such as they are more cross-reactive in nature and have higher intrinsic flexibility.…”