Bioinformatic methods for allergenicity assessment using a comprehensive allergen database.

Background: A principal aim of the safety assessment of genetically modified crops is to prevent the introduction of known or clinically cross-reactive allergens. Current bioinformatic tools and a database of allergens and gliadins were tested for the ability to identify potential allergens by analyzing 6 Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal proteins, 3 common non-allergenic food proteins and 50 randomly selected corn (Zea mays) proteins.

Methods: Protein sequences were compared to allergens using the FASTA algorithm and by searching for matches of 6, 7 or 8 contiguous identical amino acids.