Methods and tools | Features and limitations | Recommendations for further research |
---|---|---|
Allergen databases | Different databases provide different levels of information; Some of them are not regularly updated/curated and therefore relevant information is missing or available information outdated; Inclusion criteria for allergenic proteins vary for individual databases | Linking of existing (allergen) databases; Harmonisation of inclusion criteria for allergens; Experimental studies in B- and T cell epitopes and implications on cross- reactivity; Improving predictive algorithms for sensitising potential of proteins linked with and without clinical relevance; |
Analytical methods | Highly sensitive and advanced methods available for protein characterisation; Sample preparation especially for complex food extracts is sometimes difficult (lack of harmonised protocols); | Harmonisation of method protocols; Improvements in sample preparation; Generation of scientific evidence of certain structural determinants (glycosylation, aggregation etc.) linked with increased allergenicity, which is currently lacking; |
IgE binding assays | Well standardised reference assays including reference proteins are missing. In case of novel proteins, no reference material is available; If sIgE is not available, animal-derived antibodies can be used; | Identification and generation of suitable reference proteins; |
Digestion assays | Different protocols for protein digestion are available; However, harmonised protocols are needed; Lack of guidance how to interpret data, and lack of reference material; Evidence of linking protein stability and de novo sensitisation is missing; | Development of reference materials and harmonised protocols; Performance of harmonised digestion assays in ring trials with reference materials; Animal studies on comparative digestion and de novo sensitisation; |
Food processing techniques | Knowledge on food processing and its impact on allergenicity is incomplete on a qualitative and quantitative level. Limited knowledge about the most effective methods (combinations), including novel processing techniques; | More data on processed food proteins and their allergenicity required; To identify the most important (combination of) processing techniques with an impact on allergenicity; |
Food matrix | Analytical methods are established—but limited data are available showing a link of food matrix components to allergenicity; Limited knowledge available about food components and their interaction with allergens; | Studies required on food matrix composition and interaction with individual food proteins in model systems; Identification of relevant immunomodulating food matrix components; |
Biological assays | Cellular and animal models are established but reliable assays for detection of de novo sensitisation are lacking | Method development to assess protein ligand binding and impact on innate and adaptive immune responses; Identification of biomarkers for de novo sensitisation |