Health

Researchers warn of allergy risks from insect-based foods

James Cook University researchers say food derived from crickets and flies can cause allergic reactions in people with existing shellfish allergy—and this is not consistently picked up by currently available testing methods. ...

Allergen

An allergen is a nonparasitic antigen capable of stimulating a type-I hypersensitivity reaction in atopic individuals.

Most humans mount significant Immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses only as a defense against parasitic infections. However, some individuals mount an IgE response against common environmental antigens. This hereditory predisposition is called atopy. In atopic individuals, non-parasitic antigens stimulate inappropriate IgE production, leading to type I hypersensitivity. Sensitivities vary from one person to another and it is possible to be allergic to an extraordinary range of substances.

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