An assay to measure antigen-specific immune complexes in food-allergy patients

摘要: An allergen- and isotype-specific assay to quantify the presence of serum immune complexes is described. This based on a two-site recognition system so that only molecular containing both antigen antibody are counted. In this study affinity-purified antibodies egg milk whey were used paper discs in conjunction with soluble, labeled anti-immunoglobulin (IgE or IgG specific). To evaluate assay, prepared vitro by mixing at different concentrations from patient high levels antibody. Complexes detectable over 5 log range concentration. The lower limit sensitivity was estimated be 5.8 ng complexed IgE per milliliter serum. determine if could detect natural vivo-formed complexes, sera patients positive RAST scores white selected for preliminary study. Three nine white-positive two milk-positive found contain significant complexes. versatility should now make it feasible design experiments elucidate role, any, circulating etiology food allergy.