Identification of potential allergens in larva, pupa, moth, silk, slough and feces of domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori)

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an important economic insect that can be used as food in many countries in Asia. However, silkworms and their metabolites are an important source of allergens, which can induce severe allergic reactions. So far, there are no systematic studies on the potential allergens in silkworm and its metabolites. These studies have important guiding significance for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of silkworm allergy. The aim of this study was to identify the potential allergens from larva, pupa, moth, silk, slough and feces of silkworm and analyze the sequence homology of silkworm allergens with other allergens identified in the Allergenonline database. We have found 45 potential allergens in silkworm. The results of the homology comparison suggested that silkworm allergens likely cross-react with those of Dermatophagoides farinae, Aedes aegypti, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Triticum aestivum and Malassezia furfur.

Automated summary

The silkworm and its metabolites are important sources of allergens that can induce severe allergic reactions. This study identified 45 potential allergens in silkworm and found that they may cross-react with allergens from other insects and fungi. It is crucial to study these potential allergens for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of silkworm allergy.