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| Allergens | ||
| Antigens are immunogenetic substances that leads to production of specific antibodies directed towards the antigen. Allergens are defined as a subclass of antigens that stimulates the production of specific allergy antibodies of the Immunoglobulin E subclass (IgE). The immunological interaction between IgE and the allergen is the basic cause of the allergic immunological reaction and the allergic symptoms from which the patient suffers. Well known allergens are always proteins and do not have any structural motif or biological function in common. All antigens are potential allergens Definition of terms: Allergen sources The natural form of the allergenic molecules as for example pollen from plants, faeces from house dust mites, dander, saliva, urine from pets and venom from insects. Allergen extracts An aqueous extraction of selected allergen source containing a mixed substance of allergenic molecules. The extraction aim to mimic physical-chemical conditions on the mucosa and low molecular material is removed Allergens The individual characterized protein molecules The most common allergic diseases are caused by allergenic sources coming from Pollens 40 % Mites 30 % Animals 20 % Moulds 5 % Insects 2 % Foods 2 % Others 1 % A systematic nomenclature for all allergens that cause disease has been defined. The official international list of allergens is maintained by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee. www.allergy.org The “Allergome” web site has been designed to supply information on Allergenic Molecules causing IgE-mediated allergic diseases. www.allergome.org |