Shellfish Protein Allergen

Shellfish protein allergens are proteins found in shellfish (crustaceans and mollusks) that can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. The major allergen is tropomyosin, a muscle protein involved in muscle contraction. Other allergens include arginine kinase, myosin light chain, sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein, troponin C, triosephosphate isomerase, and actin. Exposure to these allergens in sensitized individuals leads to IgE-mediated allergic reactions, ranging from mild skin and gastrointestinal symptoms to severe anaphylaxis. Cross-reactivity with other invertebrate allergens, such as those from mites and insects, can occur due to structural similarities, particularly in tropomyosin.

Other names

Tropomyosin (shellfish)Arginine kinase (shellfish)Myosin light chain (shellfish)Sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein (shellfish)Troponin C (shellfish)Triosephosphate isomerase (shellfish)Actin (shellfish)Crustacean allergenMollusk allergen