Abstract:

A series of casein overlapping decapeptides (offset by 5 amino acids) were synthesized on the basis of the sequence of αs1-casein. IgE-binding epitopes were identified using individual sera from cow milk allergic patients. Moreover, the critical amino acids (AAs) for IgE binding were explored. The results indicated that five IgE-binding epitopes were identified to locate in the sequence of aa21－35, aa26－40, aa91－105, aa141－155 and aa186－200, respectively. In addition, histidine, glutamic acid and proline were the critical amino acids for the allergenicity of αs1-casein.

Key words: cow milk, αs1-casein, IgE, epitope