Mapping of the IgE and IgG4 sequential epitopes of milk allergens with a peptide microarray-based immunoassay.

Background: Peptide microarray analysis is a novel method that can provide useful information on the nature of specific allergies.

Objective: We sought to determine the specificity and diversity of IgE and IgG4 antibodies binding to sequential epitopes of alpha(s1)-, alpha(s2)-, beta-, and kappa-caseins and beta-lactoglobulin by using a peptide microarray-based immunoassay.

Methods: A microarray immunoassay was performed with sera from 31 children with IgE-mediated milk allergy (16 with positive oral milk challenge results [ie, the reactive group] and 15 with negative oral milk challenge results [ie, the tolerant group]).