Method for Identifying Allergenic Proteins And Peptides

A method for determining an allergy or a predisposition for an allergy in an individual, the method comprising:

• a) contacting at least one protein or peptide selected from any of SEQ ID Nos. 1-84 with a blood sample, serum sample or plasma sample, wherein said blood sample, serum sample or plasma sample is isolated from said individual, and
• b) determining if said at least one protein or peptide binds to an IgE antibody in said blood sample, serum sample or plasma sample, wherein binding of said at least one protein or peptide to an IgE antibody is indicative for an allergy or a predisposition for an allergy in said individual;
• and/or
• a′) contacting at least one protein or peptide selected from any of SEQ ID Nos. 1-84 with basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells wherein said basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells have been isolated from said individual, and
• b′) determining if said basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells
• (i) release upon contact with the at least one protein or peptide at least one mediator, or
• (ii) degranulate upon contact with the at least one protein or peptide,
• wherein release of said at least one mediator upon contact with said at least one protein or peptide or degranulation upon contact with said at least one protein or peptide is indicative for an allergy or a predisposition for an allergy in said individual.

A method for identifying a IgE-reactive non-allergenic milk protein or peptide encoded by a DNA or cDNA of at least one expression library comprising the steps of:

• a) providing at least one expression library comprising DNA or cDNA derived from the mammary gland tissue of a lactating cow,
• b) expressing at least one protein or peptide encoded by said expression library,
• c) determining the binding capacity of said at least one protein or peptide to IgE of at least one serum of an individual who is sensitive to cow's milk,
• d) contacting the at least one protein or peptide exhibiting an IgE binding capacity as determined in step c) with basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells and
• e) determining if said basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells
• (i) release upon contact with the at least one protein or peptide at least one mediator, or
• (ii) degranulate upon contact with the at least one protein or peptide,
• wherein release of the at least one mediator upon contact with the at least one protein or peptide or degranulation upon contact with the at least one protein or peptide is indicative for an allergy or a predisposition for an allergy in said individual.