IgE-mediated hypersensitive reactions to ingestion of shellfish are among the most serious forms of food allergies. Sensitized individuals can develop urticaria, angioedema, asthma, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Although tropomyosin (TM) is assumed to be a major allergen in decapod crustaceans, few experimental data are available on allergens in crabs in China, such as Chinese mitten crab. Thus, it is important to confirm whether TM is the major allergen or not.
Chinese mitten crab (Eri...