Optimization of the specific IgE detection method as a tool for the accurate diagnosis of allergies

• Grant number: 18/08495-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: March 01, 2019
• End date: November 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Edson Kiyotaka Ishizuka
• Grantee: Edson Kiyotaka Ishizuka
• Company: Immunogenic Assessoria e Diagnóstico em Saúde Ltda - EPP
• CNAE: Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: São Paulo
• Pesquisadores principais: Antonio Condino Neto
• Associated researchers: Gustavo Falbo Wandalsen
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/05134-1 - Optimization of the specific IgE detection method as a tool for the accurate diagnosis of allergies, BP.TT; 19/05062-0 - Optimization of the specific IgE detection method as a tool for the accurate diagnosis of allergies, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Allergic diseases are a global public health problem due to exposure to a wide range of allergens in genetically predisposed people. The diagnosis of allergy is usually made on the basis of clinical history, skin prick test and the quantification of allergen-specific IgE. However, the allergy diagnosis is compromised in pediatric age and elderly patients due to immaturity and senescence of the immune system, respectively. Thus, the present project aims to develop a methodology to increase the sensitivity for specific IgE detection. Considering the natural synthesis of several isotypes of antibodies (IgA, IgG and IgM) against a specific allergen, our hypothesis is that by depleting theses antibodies, the allergen will bind mostly to its specific IgE, increasing the sensitivity of the IgE dosage, since there will be a significant reduction in the competition of different antibodies binding to a particular allergen. To test the proposed methodology, serum samples from allergic patients will be selected based on the puncture skin test and clinical history. These samples will be subjected to affinity chromatography for IgA and IgG depletion, and then the levels of these antibodies will be compared to the crude samples. Both samples will also be analyzed by immunoblotting to evaluate the immunoreactivity to standardized allergen extracts. It is expected that IgA and IgG depletion will increase the sensitivity of currently available tests, facilitating the diagnosis of allergic diseases and the decision around the treatment. (AU)