In silico identification of potential new latex allergens.

Background Allergy to latex of Hevea brasiliensis is a frequent problem. In spite of the significant progress of research, the identity and cross-reactivity of some latex allergens are unknown. Objective To identify, among the fully characterized latex proteins, those with a higher probability to be allergenic. Methods We used in silico techniques (amino acid sequence comparison and molecular modelling) to identify potential new allergens among the known proteins of H. brasiliensis. Results Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, heat shock protein and calmodulin of H. brasiliensis show highly significant (E < 10(-9)) amino acid sequence homologies with known allergens. Conclusions On the basis of our data, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, heat shock protein and calmodulin are the most probable allergens among fully characterized proteins of H. brasiliensis, and could potentially explain, at least in part, the multiple cross-reactivities of latex with vegetable foods and other plant-derived products. Consequently, we think that the above proteins should be particularly considered in the future laboratory and clinical research.