Relative immunogenicity of beta-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, and a model acid whey product

The relative immunogenicities of bovine beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated using a rat model system. ELISAs were developed to quantify antibody titers in Sprague-Dawley rats injected intraperitoneally with dosages of beta-LG ranging from 0.01 to 1000 mu g, and dosages of BSA ranging from 0.1 to 1000 mu g. Primary IgG and IgE responses to BSA increased with increasing dosage of BSA, with a minimum of 100 and 1000 mu g (respectively) necessary for responses significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that of untreated controls. Secondary (boosted) IgE responses to BSA were not significantly (P < 0.05) greater than primary responses. Greater specific IgG and IgE responses to beta-LG occurred at 3 than 2 weeks post-injection, and at lower dosages (0.1 or 1.0 mu g). Compared over a range of dosages, the immunogenicities of BSA and beta-LG did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The results of this study may aid in developing operating parameters for affinity absorption methods that selectively remove allergenic proteins from milk or acid whey. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.