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Allergenicity testing of GM crops

Nature Biotechnology volume 26, pages 1070–1071 (2008)Cite this article

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to the Perspective on “Allergenicity assessment of genetically modified crops—what makes sense” by Goodman et al. in your January issue1. A recurring theme is “validation” of tests, or rather, the lack of validation. In fact, this is the most important argument in the case of targeted serum screens. I am not an expert on regulatory affairs and do not know the fine details on the regulatory aspects of test validation. It is undoubtedly extremely important. However, if a test has not been validated, its results are not necessarily invalid. There is a problem with 'targeted serum screens': the terminology is unclear and not well defined, and was introduced at the World Health Organization (WHO; Geneva)/Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO; Rome) meeting2. It is used particularly in relation to a specific situation to address a very specific problem. The situation is: the source of the genetically modified (GM) protein is not a known allergen source and has no significant homology to a known allergen in the database. The problem is: might the GM protein be a member of a pan-allergen family, that is, might it be cross-reactive with allergenic proteins that are not closely taxonomically related?

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References

  1. Goodman, R.E. et al. Nat. Biotechnol. 26, 73–81 (2008).

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  2. FAO/WHO. Evaluation of Allergenicity of Genetically Modified Foods. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO. Expert Consultation on Allergenicity of Foods Derived from Biotechnology (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, 2001).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Immunopathology, University of Amsterdam, Sanquin Research at CLB, Plesmanlaan 125, Amsterdam, 1066 CX, The Netherlands

    Rob C Aalberse

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  1. Rob C Aalberse
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Competing interests

The author is employed by Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation. One of Sanquin's activities is contract research in the field of immunogenicity and allergenicity of GMO-derived proteins.

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Aalberse, R. Allergenicity testing of GM crops. Nat Biotechnol 26, 1070–1071 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1008-1070

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