Production of recombinant allergens

Advances in genetic engineering techniques, applied to the field of allergy, allowed to program a cell to synthesize recombinant allergens. Recombinant allergenic proteins have been produced in a variety of different expression systems such as prokaryotic (bacterial) or eukaryotic expression systems (yeasts, insect cells, plant). One of the most important factor to consider in choosing an expression system is the processing of post-translational modifications in order to produce proteins that are correctly folded and biologically active. Biochemical and biophysical characterization of the allergen is recommended to check the conformation of the protein produced. Assessment of the immunological activity of the recombinant allergen require to perform various tests in vitro and in vivo. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.