Inhibition of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) enhances the selectivity of in vitro allergy diagnosis

Abstract

Elimination of CCD-specific IgE antibodies by means of a synthetic CCD-blocker drastically reduced the number of false-positive <i>in vitro</i> test results without compromising the sensitivity for relevant IgE interactions. Thus, the herein described CCD-blocker constitutes a valuable tool for increasing the test specificity of routine <i>in vitro</i> allergy diagnosis.