Cow's milk allergen (CMP)

Cow's milk allergen refers to a group of proteins found in bovine milk that trigger adverse immune reactions in sensitized individuals, a condition known as cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). The primary allergens are categorized into caseins (Bos d 8), which include alpha-s1, alpha-s2, beta, and kappa caseins, and whey proteins, such as beta-lactoglobulin (Bos d 5) and alpha-lactalbumin (Bos d 4). Biologically, these proteins function as essential nutrients and enzymes involved in milk production, but they act as potent antigens that cross-link IgE on mast cells and basophils in allergic patients. This interaction leads to the release of inflammatory mediators, resulting in symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress and atopic dermatitis to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Therapeutic strategies focus on strict dietary avoidance and the use of hypoallergenic formulas, while oral immunotherapy (OIT) is increasingly used to induce desensitization and long-term tolerance. Drugs such as omalizumab are often employed as adjuncts to OIT to neutralize circulating IgE and improve the safety profile of the treatment.

Other names

Cow's milk proteinBos dMilk allergenBovine milk proteinCaseinWhey proteinBos d 4Bos d 5Bos d 8

Desensitization, Induction of immunological tolerance, IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation, T-cell modulation