Plant Food Allergens


Book Description

Plant Food Allergens is concerned with a paradox of immense, potentially life-threatening significance to about 1 in 100 adults and 1 in 10 children. The paradox is that certain nutritious proteins from wholesome foods can act as if the were harmful, sometimes deadly poisons, to these people who possess an allergy to them. In order to study the complex problems of food allergy a EU funded network, called PROTALL was set up, bringing together a wide range of clinicians and scientists. This important book is largely based on the outcome of its investigations. Written by over 30 acknowledged experts and carefully edited by Dr Clare Mills and Professor Peter Shewry, themselves well known internationally; this important work covers all major aspects of the subject. Commencing with introductory chapters, the comprehensive contents of Plant Food Allergens includes details of the major allergens including: plant lipid transfer proteins, the 2S albumin proteins, the cereal á-amylase/trypsin family, latex and plant chitinases, profilins, bet v 1-homologous allergens and plant seed globulins. The book concludes with important chapters on the assessment of the allergenicity of novel and GM foods, and the monitoring of and technological effects on allergenicity of proteins in the food industry. Plant Food Allergens is an essential purchase for a wide range of scientists and clinicians including plant and agricultural scientists, chemists, allergy specialists, food scientists and technologists, pharmacologists, physiologists and nutritionists. Libraries in all research establishments and universities researching and teaching these subjects will need copies of this important book on their shelves Dr Clare Mills is based at The Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK. Professor Peter Shewry is based at Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK.




Molecular Allergy Diagnostics


Book Description

This book, based on a recent German publication, offers an overview of basic data and recent developments in the groundbreaking field of molecular allergology. It comprehensively explores the origin and structure of single allergen molecules ("components") and their utility in improving the management of type I, IgE-mediated allergic reactions and disorders like allergic respiratory diseases, food allergies, and anaphylaxis. Highly specific testing, called component-resolved diagnostics, aims to identify and utilize single molecules. Over 200 single allergens from plant or animal sources have been applied to single or multiplex laboratory testing for the presence of allergen-specific IgE. This leap in assay sensitivity and specificity has led to three major advances in patient management: discrimination between primary allergic sensitization and complex cross-reactivity, recognition of IgE profiles for certain allergens and identification of patients most likely to benefit from allergen-specific immunotherapy. The book discusses in detail the benefits and limitations of this 21st century technology, and offers suggestions for the use of molecular allergology in routine clinical practice. It is a “must read” for physicians treating allergic patients as well as scientists interested in natural allergic molecules and their interactions with the human immune system.




Vaccines and Autoimmunity


Book Description

In light of the discovery of Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants, or ASIA, Vaccines and Autoimmunity explores the role of adjuvants – specifically aluminum in different vaccines – and how they can induce diverse autoimmune clinical manifestations in genetically prone individuals. Vaccines and Autoimmunity is divided into three sections; the first contextualizes the role of adjuvants in the framework of autoimmunity, covering the mechanism of action of adjuvants, experimental models of adjuvant induced autoimmune diseases, infections as adjuvants, the Gulf War Syndrome, sick-building syndrome (SBS), safe vaccines, toll-like receptors, TLRS in vaccines, pesticides as adjuvants, oil as adjuvant, mercury, aluminum and autoimmunity. The following section reviews literature on vaccines that have induced autoimmune conditions such as MMR and HBV, among others. The final section covers diseases in which vaccines were known to be the solicitor – for instance, systemic lupus erythematosus – and whether it can be induced by vaccines for MMR, HBV, HCV, and others. Edited by leaders in the field, Vaccines and Autoimmunity is an invaluable resource for advanced students and researchers working in pathogenic and epidemiological studies.




Chemical and Biological Properties of Food Allergens


Book Description

In the U.S. alone, severe food-related allergic reactions account for an estimated 30,000 emergency room visits and 150 deaths per year - unsettling statistics for food product developers and manufacturers who are charged with ensuring food safety and quality throughout the entire farm-to-table production chain. Providing the clear-cut information




Allergen Management in the Food Industry


Book Description

This book comprehensively addresses the sources of allergenic contaminants in foods, their fate during processing, and the specific measures that need to be taken to minimize their occurrence in foods. The book provides up-to-date information on the nine major allergens (as well as other emerging allergens) and practical guidelines on how these allergens can be identified and controlled during production and processing. Starting with an introduction to food allergens, the book follows with sections on food allergen management during production and processing, guidelines for the processing of specific allergen-free foods, techniques for hypo-allergenization and allergen detection, and allergen-free certification.




Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy


Book Description

Over the past 20 years, public concerns have grown in response to the apparent rising prevalence of food allergy and related atopic conditions, such as eczema. Although evidence on the true prevalence of food allergy is complicated by insufficient or inconsistent data and studies with variable methodologies, many health care experts who care for patients agree that a real increase in food allergy has occurred and that it is unlikely to be due simply to an increase in awareness and better tools for diagnosis. Many stakeholders are concerned about these increases, including the general public, policy makers, regulatory agencies, the food industry, scientists, clinicians, and especially families of children and young people suffering from food allergy. At the present time, however, despite a mounting body of data on the prevalence, health consequences, and associated costs of food allergy, this chronic disease has not garnered the level of societal attention that it warrants. Moreover, for patients and families at risk, recommendations and guidelines have not been clear about preventing exposure or the onset of reactions or for managing this disease. Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy examines critical issues related to food allergy, including the prevalence and severity of food allergy and its impact on affected individuals, families, and communities; and current understanding of food allergy as a disease, and in diagnostics, treatments, prevention, and public policy. This report seeks to: clarify the nature of the disease, its causes, and its current management; highlight gaps in knowledge; encourage the implementation of management tools at many levels and among many stakeholders; and delineate a roadmap to safety for those who have, or are at risk of developing, food allergy, as well as for others in society who are responsible for public health.




Plant Food Allergy


Book Description




Food Allergens


Book Description

This detailed volume provides a comprehensive collection of methods and protocols in food allergy and food allergens studies. The selected protocols explore the study of food allergens, from recombinant production, purification procedures, IgE and T cell epitopes characterization, to allergen structure description, cellular responses, and tolerance induction, through a variety of techniques and animal models. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Food Allergens: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal reference for scientists at all stages involved in the study of food allergy and allergenic components.




Novel Proteins for Food, Pharmaceuticals, and Agriculture


Book Description

A groundbreaking text that highlights the various sources, applications and advancements concerning proteins from novel and traditional sources Novel Proteins for Food, Pharmaceuticals and Agriculture offers a guide to the various sources, applications, and advancements that exist and are currently being researched concerning proteins from novel and traditional sources. The contributors—noted experts in the field—discuss sustainable protein resources and include illustrative examples of bioactive compounds isolated from several resources that have or could obtain high market value in specific markets. The text also explores a wide range of topics such as functional food formulations and pharmaceutical applications, and how they alter biological activity to provide therapeutic benefits, nutritional values and health protection. The authors also examine the techno-functional applications of proteins and looks at the screening process for identification of bioactive molecules derived from protein sources. In addition, the text provides insight into the market opportunities that exist for novel proteins such as insect, by-product derived, macroalgal and others. The authors also discuss the identification and commercialization of new proteins for various markets. This vital text: Puts the focus on the various sources, applications and advancements concerning proteins from novel and traditional sources Contains a discussion on how processing technologies currently applied to dairy could be applied to novel protein sources such as insect and macroalgal Reviews the sustainability of protein sources and restrictions that exist concerning development Offers ideas for creating an innovative and enterprising economy that is built on recent developments Details the potential to exploit key market opportunities in sports, infant and elderly nutrition and techno-functional protein applications Written for industrial researchers as well as PhD and Post-doctoral researchers, and undergraduate students studying biochemistry, food engineering and biological sciences and those interested in market developments, Novel Proteins for Food, Pharmaceuticals and Agriculture offers an essential guide to the sources, applications and most recent developments of the proteins from both innovative and traditional sources.




Indoor Allergens


Book Description

More than 50 million Americans, one out of five, suffer from hay fever, asthma, and other allergic diseases. Many of these conditions are caused by exposure to allergens in indoor environments such as the house, work, and schoolâ€"where we spend as much as 98 percent of our time. Developed by medical, public health, and engineering professionals working together, this unique volume summarizes what is known about indoor allergens, how they affect human health, the magnitude of their effect on various populations, and how they can be controlled. The book addresses controversies, recommends research directions, and suggests how to assist and educate allergy patients, as well as professionals. Indoor Allergens presents a wealth of information about common indoor allergens and their varying effects, from significant hay fever to life-threatening asthma. The volume discusses sources of allergens, from fungi and dust mites to allergenic chemicals, plants, and animals, and examines practical measures for their control. Indoor Allergens discusses how the human airway and immune system respond to inhaled allergens and assesses patient testing methods, covering the importance of the patient's medical history and outlining procedures and approaches to interpretation for skin tests, in vitro diagnostic tests, and tests of patients' pulmonary function. This comprehensive and practical volume will be important to allergists and other health care providers; public health professionals; specialists in building design, construction, and maintenance; faculty and students in public health; and interested allergy patients.