About this Research Topic
The prevention and management of cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is still debated. An allergy to cow’s milk requires the avoidance of cow’s milk proteins and, in some infants, the use of hypoallergenic formulas. Although molecular diagnostics have improved our ability to identify relevant cross-reactivity, the optimal approach to patients requires an understanding of the epidemiology of relevant cross-reactivity, as well as the food-specific and patient-specific factors that determine clinical relevance.
In the present Research topic, we focus on recent applications of proteomics to the field of cow's milk allergy, from allergen characterisation of milk (allergenicity, biochemistry) to their detection in food matrices, the prevention of CMA and management. Furthermore, we also shed light on recent advances in the detection and characterisation of milk allergens at trace levels as a key issue to verify labelling compliance and protect CMA patients. Additionally, the current and emergent food processing technologies (thermal and non-thermal technologies) to alleviate allergic potential or produce hypoallergenic formulae will be covered.
Suitable themes include, but are not limited to:
- Cow's milk allergens: molecular characterisation techniques and analytical methods for their detection in food matrices;
- Alternatives to milk proteins for children with CMA: hydrolysates, mammalian milk and plant-based formulas as well as nutritional composition and cross-reactivity risks;
- CMA in food industry, hypoallergenic formulas and effect of processing technologies: thermal and non-thermal technologies;
- Managing milk allergens from a food retailer perspective, including an update on milk allergen labelling regulation;
- Prevention and management of CMA in patients with food allergy;
- Therapy and prevention of cow’s milk allergy: avoidance of milk, immunotherapy, and future therapeutic strategies.
In the present Research topic, we focus on recent applications of proteomics to the field of cow's milk allergy, from allergen characterisation of milk (allergenicity, biochemistry) to their detection in food matrices, the prevention of CMA and management. Furthermore, we also shed light on recent advances in the detection and characterisation of milk allergens at trace levels as a key issue to verify labelling compliance and protect CMA patients. Additionally, the current and emergent food processing technologies (thermal and non-thermal technologies) to alleviate allergic potential or produce hypoallergenic formulae will be covered.
Suitable themes include, but are not limited to:
- Cow's milk allergens: molecular characterisation techniques and analytical methods for their detection in food matrices;
- Alternatives to milk proteins for children with CMA: hydrolysates, mammalian milk and plant-based formulas as well as nutritional composition and cross-reactivity risks;
- CMA in food industry, hypoallergenic formulas and effect of processing technologies: thermal and non-thermal technologies;
- Managing milk allergens from a food retailer perspective, including an update on milk allergen labelling regulation;
- Prevention and management of CMA in patients with food allergy;
- Therapy and prevention of cow’s milk allergy: avoidance of milk, immunotherapy, and future therapeutic strategies.
Keywords: Milk allergy, Allergy management, Food processing, allergenicity, Thermal and non-thermal technologies, Hypoallergenic formulas, Allergens
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
