In vivo rodent models are frequently used to assess the sensitizing and eliciting properties of proteins and food products. However, no generic good validated in vivo model does exist. Furthermore, no experiments were performed where a broader panel of allergens, including high allergenic and low allergenic or even non-allergenic proteins, were tested simultaneously. This Action will therefore try to find answers to the following questions:
The Working Group will identify the different in vivo models currently applied in food allergy risk assessment. The applicability of the models will be discussed and consensus should be obtained on which model or combination of models is the best to assess the allergenicity as well as adjuvant properties of proteins. Furthermore a harmonized protocol (incl. doses scheme, administration route, purity of the allergens etc.) will be drafted, which can be applied, and validated in different laboratories. The WG will also discuss and evaluate the potential routes of sensitization and elaborate on how the sensitizing route of a protein can be assessed. Next to this, the WG will study the literature dealing with the role of microbiota during the sensitizing phase of food allergy and emphasize on how this can be tested in an in vivo model.
Representatives is this group are gut/lung/skin physiologists, immunologists, biochemists, toxicologists, analytical scientists.
WG 3 LEADER
DR. KATRINE BOGH
Technical University of Denmark National Food Institute
Toxicology and Risk Assessment
Morkhoj Bygade 19
2860 Soborg
Denmark
WG 3 DEPUTY LEADER
DR. LIAM O’MAHONY
Swiss Institute of Allergy
and Asthma
Obere Strasse 22
CH-7270 Davos Platz
Switzerland