Lopata, A.L., Kleine-Tebbe, J., and Kamath, S.D. (2017) Allergens and molecular diagnostics of shellfish allergy. In: Kleine-Tebbe, Jörg, and Jakob, Thilo, (eds.) Molecular Allergy Diagnostics: innovation for a better patient management. Springer, Cham, Switzerland, pp. 399-414.

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Abstract

In recent years, there has been a steady growth in the production and consumption of shellfish due to its important role in human nutrition and health. This increased consumption has led to an increase in adverse health problems among consumers including immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic reactions. Approximately 2 % of the world population is affected by shellfish allergy, which includes the crustacean and mollusk groups. The allergenic proteins present in the shellfish group have variable primary structures and often present a challenge in allergen detection and diagnosis. The distinction of crustacean from mollusk is important from clinical point of view, as molecular cross-reactivity, particularly between crustaceans, seems to be determined by the close relationship to insects and mites. Currently, at least seven different shellfish allergens have been identified, mostly from crustaceans; however, only three recombinant allergens are available for IgE-based routine diagnostic, including tropomyosin, arginine kinase, and sarcoplasmic Ca++-binding protein. Other allergens include myosin light chain, troponin C, triose-phosphate isomerase, and actin.

This chapter describes current information on shellfish allergy, the allergenic proteins involved, and diagnostic approaches.

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