What is Crab Allergen

Crab allergen proteins are notorious for triggering allergic reactions in individuals with sensitivities to seafood. These proteins, found in various crab species, include Cal b 2 from Callinectes bellicosus (Warrior swimming brown crab), Cha f 1 from Charybdis feriatus (Crab), Eri s 2 from Eriocheir sinensis (Chinese mitten crab), Por p 1 from Portunus pelagicus (Blue swimmer crab), and a group of allergen proteins known as Scy p 1, Scy p 2, Scy p 3, Scy p 4, Scy p 8, and Scy p 9 from Scylla paramamosain (Mud crab). In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of these crab allergen proteins, shedding light on their composition, biological functions, and their pivotal role in allergies. Furthermore, we will explore how these allergens are harnessed for diagnostic, vaccine development, and treatment purposes.

Crab Allergen Proteins: Composition and Classification

The diverse crab allergen proteins, such as Cal b 2, Cha f 1, Eri s 2, Por p 1, and the Scy p group, serve as the primary culprits in crab allergies. These allergens belong to different molecular families and have unique structural characteristics. Cal b 2, for instance, is classified as a tropomyosin allergen, similar to Pen m 1 in other crab species. Cha f 1 belongs to the parvalbumin family, Eri s 2 is a beta-actin allergen, and Por p 1 is another tropomyosin allergen. The Scy p group comprises multiple allergens, including Scy p 1, Scy p 2, Scy p 3, Scy p 4, Scy p 8, and Scy p 9, each with distinct properties. Structurally, these allergen proteins exhibit variations in their amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures, which can influence their allergenicity and cross-reactivity with other allergens.

Our Featured Crab Allergens

Cat.No.	Product Name	Species	Source	Tag
ra-4027A	Recombinant Cal b 2	Callinectes bellicosus (Warrior swimming brown crab)	E.coli or Yeast	His
ra-3061A	Recombinant Cha f 1	Charybdis feriatus (Crab)	E.coli	His
ra-3061AB	Recombinant Cha f 1, Biotin Labeled	Charybdis feriatus (Crab)	E.coli	His
ra-3156A	Recombinant Eri s 2	Eriocheir sinensis (Eriocheir sinensis)	E.coli or Yeast	His
ra-3235A	Recombinant Por p 1	Portunus pelagicus (Blue swimmer crab)	E.coli or Yeast	His
ra-3241A	Recombinant Scy p 1	Scylla paramamosain (Mud crab)	E.coli or Yeast	His
ra-3242A	Recombinant Scy p 2	Scylla paramamosain (Mud crab)	E.coli or Yeast	His
ra-3243A	Recombinant Scy p 3	Scylla paramamosain (Mud crab)	E.coli or Yeast	His
ra-3244A	Recombinant Scy p 4	Scylla paramamosain (Mud crab)	E.coli or Yeast	His
ra-3245A	Recombinant Scy p 8	Scylla paramamosain (Mud crab)	E.coli or Yeast	His
ra-3246A	Recombinant Scy p 9	Scylla paramamosain (Mud crab)	E.coli or Yeast	His

Biological Functions and Allergic Reactions

Crab allergen proteins, despite their role in allergies, serve vital functions within the crabs' physiology. For instance, tropomyosins like Cal b 2 and Por p 1 are involved in muscle contraction, while parvalbumins like Cha f 1 play a crucial role in calcium binding and muscle relaxation.

Allergic reactions to crab allergen proteins are initiated when individuals with sensitivities are exposed to these proteins. The immune system identifies them as foreign invaders and produces antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin E (IgE), in response. This binding of IgE to the allergen proteins triggers the release of histamines and other chemicals, leading to symptoms ranging from itching, hives, and swelling to more severe manifestations like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.

Applications in Diagnosis, Vaccines, and Treatment

The identification and characterization of crab allergen proteins have revolutionized the field of allergy management.

Diagnostic Development: Crab allergen proteins are crucial in the development of diagnostic tests, including skin prick tests and specific IgE blood tests. These tests enable healthcare professionals to pinpoint the allergen triggers, facilitating effective allergy management.
Vaccine Development: Researchers are exploring the development of allergy vaccines, also known as allergen immunotherapy, that target specific allergen proteins like Cal b 2, Cha f 1, and others. These vaccines aim to desensitize individuals with allergies, gradually reducing their sensitivity and allergic reactions.
Treatment Strategies: Current treatment options for crab allergies primarily involve allergen avoidance and the use of antihistamines or epinephrine in severe cases. The ongoing research into targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory drugs, holds promise for more effective treatment options in the future. Understanding the role of cockroach allergen proteins has paved the way for their utilization in diagnostic tools, vaccine development, and potential treatments.

Creative BioMart offers a wide range of high-quality crab allergen-related protein products. Our comprehensive selection includes allergen proteins from various crab species, facilitating research into crab allergies and allergic reactions. Whether you need these proteins for diagnostic assays, vaccine development, or allergen immunotherapy studies, we are your trusted source for reliable and well-characterized crab allergen proteins. Contact us and explore our catalog today and advance your research with confidence.