Cow's milk protein allergen (CMP)

Cow's milk protein allergens are a heterogeneous group of proteins found in bovine milk that serve as the primary triggers for cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) [1]. These allergens are divided into two main fractions: caseins (Bos d 8) and whey proteins, which include beta-lactoglobulin (Bos d 5) and alpha-lactalbumin (Bos d 4) [1][2]. In sensitized individuals, these proteins act as antigens that cross-link allergen-specific IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells and basophils [3]. This cross-linking triggers the degranulation of these cells, releasing inflammatory mediators like histamine and leukotrienes, which cause clinical symptoms ranging from hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis [3]. While not traditional therapeutic targets like receptors or enzymes, these proteins are the focus of diagnostic assays and specific immunotherapy protocols [2][4]. Management of CMPA typically involves strict dietary avoidance of milk-containing products and the use of rescue medications like epinephrine for accidental exposures [3]. Emerging treatments such as oral immunotherapy (OIT) involve the gradual administration of these allergens to desensitize the immune system and increase the threshold for allergic reactions [4][5]. Additionally, monoclonal antibodies like omalizumab may be used as adjunct therapy to reduce the risk of reactions during the desensitization process [4]. Sources: [1] Villa C, et al. (2018). "Bovine Milk Allergens: A Comprehensive Review." Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. [2] Hochwallner H, et al. (2014). "Cow's milk allergy: From allergens to new forms of diagnosis, therapy and prevention." Methods. [3] StatPearls. "Cow's Milk Protein Allergy." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542269/) [4] Wood RA. (2020). "Food Allergen Immunotherapy: Current Status and Future Directions." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. [5] NIH. "Food Allergy: An Overview." (https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/food-allergy)

Other names

Milk allergenBos dCaseinWhey proteinBovine milk protein

Induction of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity through cross-linking of IgE on mast cells and basophils; induction of immune tolerance via oral immunotherapy.