Nomenclature of allergens

Systematic naming of purified (n=natural) or recombinant (r=recombinant) plant, fungal and animal protein allergens. The Allergen Nomenclature Sub Committee(http://www.allergen.org/index.php), which is under the auspices of the IUIS (International Union of Immunological Societies) and the WHO (World Health Organisation), is responsible for the administration of allergens.

The nomenclature is explained in detail using the example of rBet v 1.0102, a major allergen of the birch (Betula verrucosa):

r = recombinant

n = natural, extracted from the allergen source

Bet = short form for (the first 3 letters of the genus): here"betulina/ birch

v = short form for (the first letter of the species): here"verruosa

1 = allergen numbering (from 1-.....)

.01= isoallergen numbering (see below isoallergen)

.02 = variant numbering (see below allergen variant)

rPla a 1:

r = recombinant

Pla = Genus: Platanus

a = acerifolia

1 = allergen number 1