The enchanting flavors of marine shellfish are a culinary joy for countless individuals. However, within this culinary delight, lies a potential source of unease and even peril for those with allergies, thanks to the lurking allergen proteins. These allergenic molecules form a distinct group, capable of inciting allergic responses in individuals predisposed to such reactions. In the following narrative, we will embark on an informative journey into the intricate realm of marine shellfish allergen proteins. Our exploration will unveil the intricacies of their molecular structure, illuminate their biological roles, and underscore the remarkable applications they hold in the realms of diagnostic testing, pioneering vaccine research, and innovative treatment approaches.
Marine shellfish allergen proteins primarily include tropomyosin, which is responsible for the majority of allergic reactions in shellfish-sensitive individuals. Tropomyosin is a muscle protein found in various shellfish species like shrimp, crab, and lobster. The full name of this allergen is tropomyosin, and it belongs to the tropomyosin molecular family. Structurally, tropomyosin is a coiled-coil protein, forming long helical chains. This structure plays a pivotal role in its allergenicity.
Classification-wise, marine shellfish allergen proteins are categorized under crustacean and mollusk allergens. Crustacean allergens, including shrimp and crab, are notorious for causing allergies. Within this group, tropomyosin is the primary culprit, with its slight variations causing cross-reactivity between different crustacean species. Mollusk allergens, found in clams and oysters, exhibit a lower allergenic potential compared to crustaceans.
| Cat.No. | Product Name | Species | Source | Tag |
| ra-4024A | Recombinant Cra a 4 | Crassostrea angulata (Pacific oyster) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-4018A | Recombinant Cra g 1 | Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oyster) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-4026A | Recombinant Den n 1 | Dendronephthya nipponica (Soft coral ) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-4019A | Recombinant Hal l 1 | Haliotis laevigata x Haliotis rubra (Jade tiger abaolone) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-4020A | Recombinant Hal m 1 | Haliotis midae (Abalone) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-4021A | Recombinant Hel as 1 | Helix aspersa (Brown garden snail) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-4025A | Recombinant Rap v 2 | Rapana venosa (Veined rapa whelk) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-4022A | Recombinant Sac g 1 | Saccostrea glomerata (Sydney rock oyster) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-4023A | Recombinant Tod p 1 | Todarodes pacificus (Japanese flying squid) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
The biological functions of marine shellfish allergen proteins, while essential for the shellfish, can pose a threat to individuals with allergies. Tropomyosin, for example, plays a crucial role in muscle contraction in shellfish. However, when consumed by someone allergic to it, the immune system identifies tropomyosin as a threat and initiates an allergic reaction.
The molecular mechanisms underlying shellfish allergies involve the immune system's recognition of tropomyosin as an allergen. Immune cells, such as mast cells, release histamines and other chemicals in response to the allergen, leading to symptoms like hives, swelling, digestive distress, and even anaphylaxis in severe cases.
Marine shellfish allergen proteins have paved the way for advancements in the fields of allergy diagnosis, vaccine development, and treatment. In diagnostics, purified tropomyosin proteins are used in allergy tests to identify shellfish allergies accurately. These tests enable healthcare professionals to provide targeted advice to allergic individuals, helping them avoid potentially life-threatening reactions.
Vaccine development has also benefited from the study of marine shellfish allergen proteins. Researchers are exploring the use of modified tropomyosin molecules as potential components of allergy vaccines. These vaccines aim to desensitize individuals by exposing them to small, controlled amounts of the allergen, reducing their sensitivity over time.
Moreover, the study of allergen proteins has contributed to the development of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). AIT involves gradually exposing allergic individuals to increasing amounts of allergen proteins, which can help build tolerance and alleviate allergic symptoms.
At Creative BioMart, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of marine shellfish allergen protein products that cater to the diverse needs of researchers and healthcare professionals. Our high-quality allergen proteins, with a primary focus on tropomyosin, are meticulously purified and characterized, ensuring accuracy and reliability in your experiments and diagnostics. Whether you are working on allergy diagnostics, vaccine development, or allergy treatment research, our marine shellfish allergen proteins are valuable tools to advance your projects. Contact us and explore our extensive catalog today to find the marine shellfish allergen proteins that suit your specific requirements.
