Use of immunoblotting and monoclonal antibodies to evaluate the residual antigenic activity of milk protein hydrolysed formulae

Background: Partial and extensive hydrolysed protein formulae have been developed to lower or eliminate the antigenicity of milk proteins. Although normally well tolerated, extensive hydrolysates have been reported to induce serious allergic reactions in very sensitive children. Moreover, clinical practice has often raised concern about the role of partial hydrolysates in cow's milk allergy prevention. Objective: Starting from these considerations, we used anti-casein monoclonal antibodies to evaluate the presence of residual antigenic activity in both partially and extensively protein hydrolysates. Methods: Electrophoretic analyses associated with immunoblotting technique were performed using nine protein-enriched commercial formulae. Results: The presence of different amounts of residual intact cow's milk proteins and/or polypeptidic material with conserved antigenic activity (according to the extensive or partial hydrolysis) was verified in most milk-based samples considered. Conclusion: The use of monoclonal antibodies and immunoblotting could be useful for the quality control of commercial 'hypoallergenic' formulae.