Patent ID: 8859210

Claim:
A method for identifying allergenic milk alphaS1-, alphaS2-, beta- or kappa-casein proteins and/or peptides, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one expression library comprising DNA or cDNA derived from the mammary gland tissue of a lactating cow, b) expressing at least one alphaS1-, alphaS2-, beta- or kappa-casein protein or peptide encoded by said expression library, c) determining the binding capacity of said at least one alphaS1-, alphaS2-, beta- or kappa-casein protein or peptide to IgE of at least one serum of an individual who is sensitive to cow's milk, wherein the binding capacity to IgE is indicative of an allergy or a predisposition to an allergy, d) contacting the at least one alphaS1-, alphaS2-, beta- or kappa-casein protein or peptide exhibiting an IgE binding capacity as determined in step c) with basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells, wherein the basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells are loaded with IgE from at least one serum of individual who sensitive to cow's milk and e) identifying the at least one alphaS1-, alphaS2-, beta- or kappa-casein protein or peptide as being allergenic when said basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells release at least one mediator upon contact with at least one alphaS1-, alphaS2-, beta- or kappa-casein protein or peptide of step d).