Immunopathology & Immunotherapy

Trends in Parasitology

Volume 28, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 9–15

Alvaro Daschner, ,Carmen Cuéllar,Marta Rodero

Servicio de Alergia, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain

Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2011.10.001,

Allergic phenomena share common pathways with the immune response against helminth parasites. The definitions regarding allergens and their related concepts have their roots in the area of allergy research. The experience with the fish parasite Anisakis simplex-associated allergic features still nurtures an open debate on the necessity of larvae being alive to induce allergic reactions such as urticaria or anaphylaxis. Conceptual definitions of allergen, major allergen, as well as putatively crossreacting antibodies, as are used in food allergy, depend on the clinical relevance of specific IgE and deserve careful interpretation in the various forms of A. simplex-associated allergic features. Conversely, an evolutionary based interpretation of the presence of specific IgE depends on the viability of A. simplex.