Allergenemner

Allergenemner is the systematic practice of naming allergenic proteins in a standardized way to ensure precise and consistent reference across research, diagnostics, and labeling. The convention is developed and maintained by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) Allergen Nomenclature Subcommittee, in coordination with the World Health Organization. Names are built from a short code for the source organism, followed by a number identifying the specific protein, and sometimes additional information about isoforms or recombinant forms.

The naming format usually uses an abbreviated genus and species code (for example, Bet v for Betula verrucosa, the common birch) and a numerical identifier for the allergen (Bet v 1). Other examples include Ara h 2 for a peanut allergen from Arachis hypogaea, Der p 1 for a Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mite allergen, and Fel d 1 for the cat-derived allergen Felis catus. The same source can yield multiple named allergens (such as Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3 in peanut), each representing a distinct protein.

Key purposes include facilitating component-resolved diagnostics (CRD), enabling precise communication in scientific literature, and improving risk assessment and labeling. The system distinguishes between major allergens (those that frequently sensitize patients) and minor ones, and it accommodates isoforms and recombinant proteins. While the nomenclature provides a clear framework, older literature may use synonyms, and new discoveries are submitted to the IUIS committee for official assignment of a code. Overall, allergenemner supports clarity and interoperability in allergy science and clinical practice.