Project Number: 6435-43440-044-01
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Dec 01, 2008
End Date: Nov 30, 2011

Objective:
1. Identify cross-reactive epitopes using the peptide SPOTS membrane and serum IgE from patients allergic to peanut, walnut, and almond. 2. Develop models to predict cross-reactive epitopes among the nut allergens. 3. Synthesize free peptides of the cross-reactive epitopes. 4. Determine clinically relevant cross-reactive epitopes.

Approach:
SPOTS membrane analysis will be used to identify cross-reactive epitopes of nuts. The SPOTS data will be used to enhance the accuracy of prediction models. Free peptides of the cross-reactive epitopes will be synthesized and used to compare dissociation constants to allow the highest affinity peptides to be chosen for skin prick tests. Use SPOTS analysis, prediction tools, and inhibition analysis by basophile-histamine release analysis using basophils isolated from nuts to determine clinically relevant cross-reactive epitopes.