Shrimp, celebrated for its mouthwatering flavor and its ability to shine in a wide array of culinary dishes, has garnered a devoted following as a popular seafood option. Nonetheless, for a significant portion of the population, relishing shrimp could pose a serious risk, as it can trigger severe and even life-threatening allergic responses. The root cause of these allergies lies in certain proteins present in shrimp. In this article, we embark on a journey into the intriguing domain of shrimp allergen proteins, delving into their unique attributes, functions, and their crucial roles in the fields of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutic interventions.
Shrimp allergen proteins primarily include tropomyosin, a ubiquitous and highly conserved protein in the arthropod family. Tropomyosin is responsible for regulating muscle contractions and is essential for the movement of muscles. In the context of shrimp allergies, tropomyosin becomes a notorious culprit. The full name for the major allergen found in shrimp is "Pen a 1," with the abbreviation "Pen" referring to the genus Penaeus, which encompasses various shrimp species. Tropomyosin belongs to the protein family known as "actin-binding proteins" and plays a crucial role in the structural framework of muscle cells.
Structurally, tropomyosin is a fibrous protein composed of two long polypeptide chains that wind around each other to form a coiled-coil structure. This coiled-coil structure is highly stable and resistant to heat, making it a robust allergen. The classification of shrimp allergens extends beyond tropomyosin, with other minor allergens like arginine kinase (Pen m 2) and myosin light chain (Pen m 4) also contributing to allergic reactions in some individuals.
| Cat.No. | Product Name | Species | Source | Tag |
| ra-3030A | Recombinant Art fr 5 | Artemia franciscana (Brine shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3074A | Recombinant Cra c 1 | Crangon crangon (North Sea shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3075A | Recombinant Cra c 2 | Crangon crangon (North Sea shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3076A | Recombinant Cra c 4 | Crangon crangon (North Sea shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3077A | Recombinant Cra c 5 | Crangon crangon (North Sea shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3088A | Recombinant Cra c 6 | Crangon crangon (North Sea shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3078A | Recombinant Cra c 8 | Crangon crangon (North Sea shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3162A | Recombinant Exo m 1 | Exopalaemon modestus (White legged freshwater shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3179A | Recombinant Lit v 1 | Litopenaeus vannamei (White shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3180A | Recombinant Lit v 2 | Litopenaeus vannamei (White shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3181A | Recombinant Lit v 3 | Litopenaeus vannamei (White shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3182A | Recombinant Lit v 4 | Litopenaeus vannamei (White shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3183A | Recombinant Mac r 1 | Macrobrachium rosenbergii (giant freshwater prawn) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3184A | Recombinant Mel l 1 | Melicertus latisulcatus (King prawn) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3185AB | Recombinant Met e 1, Biotin Labeled | Metapenaeus ensis (Shrimp) | E.coli | His |
| ra-3185A | Recombinant Met e 1 | Metapenaeus ensis (Shrimp) | E.coli | His |
| ra-3190A | Recombinant Pan b 1 | Pandalus borealis (Northern shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3192AB | Recombinant Pen a 1, Biotin Labeled | Brown shrimp | E.coli | His |
| ra-3192A | Recombinant Pen a 1 | Brown shrimp | E.coli | His |
| ra-3193A | Recombinant Pen i 1 | Penaeus indicus (Shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3194A | Recombinant Pen m 1 | Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3200A | Recombinant Pen m 13 | Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3195A | Recombinant Pen m 2 | Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3196A | Recombinant Pen m 3 | Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3197AB | Recombinant Pen m 4, Biotin Labeled | Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp) | E.coli | His-Sumo |
| ra-3197A | Recombinant Pen m 4 | Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp) | E.coli | His-Sumo |
| ra-3198A | Recombinant Pen m 6 | Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
| ra-3199A | Recombinant Pen m 8 | Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp) | E.coli or Yeast | His |
The biological functions of shrimp allergen proteins, such as tropomyosin, are unrelated to their role in allergies. Tropomyosin, for instance, serves as a critical regulator in muscle contraction and does not inherently provoke immune responses. Allergy to shrimp occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies tropomyosin as a threat.
The molecular mechanisms behind shrimp allergies involve the recognition of tropomyosin by specific immune cells, such as T cells and B cells. Upon ingestion of shrimp, the allergen proteins are broken down into smaller fragments during digestion. These fragments are then presented to immune cells, which can trigger the production of antibodies like IgE. IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils, priming them for future encounters with the allergen. Subsequent exposure to shrimp allergen proteins can result in a rapid release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, leading to the classic allergic symptoms of itching, hives, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Shrimp allergen proteins play a crucial role in various aspects of managing shrimp allergies. In diagnostics, allergen proteins like tropomyosin are used to identify individuals with shrimp allergies through skin tests or blood tests. This helps healthcare providers make informed recommendations regarding dietary restrictions and emergency preparedness.
Vaccine development is another area where shrimp allergen proteins are of interest. Researchers are exploring the possibility of developing vaccines that can desensitize individuals with shrimp allergies. These vaccines would expose the immune system to controlled doses of shrimp allergens, gradually reducing allergic responses over time.
Additionally, in the realm of treatment, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is being investigated. AIT involves administering increasing amounts of shrimp allergen proteins to patients, aiming to build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions.
Creative BioMart offers a comprehensive range of shrimp allergen-related protein products to support your research needs. Our extensive portfolio ensures you have access to the tools you need for accurate diagnostics, vaccine development, and treatment investigations. Contact us and explore our comprehensive selection of shrimp allergen proteins and experience the difference in your experiments.
