RESUMO
Objective:To explore the mechanism for the immune cross-reaction between crabs and shrimps.Methods:The cross-reactivity between shrimps and crabs was observed by inhibition of ELISA and Western blot.Results:The protein constituents were similar where their genus relationship was closer in shrimps and crabs.There were the same bands at 20,36,38,44,68,75,and 85 kD of molecule weight.The protein at 36 kD was the main allergen for shrimps and the proteins at 36,66 and 85 kD were the main allergens for crabs.S.serrata and M.nipponense could inhibit the allergic response of various kinds of shrimp and crab in a concentration-dependent pattern.Conclusion:There is a strong immune cross-reaction between different species of shrimp and crab in 36 000.