Calcium-binding proteins as allergens

Calcium-binding proteins, particularly those in the EF-hand family, are found ubiquitously in nature, primarily for calcium transport and storage in the body. In this review, we discuss allergens in the parvalbumin, polcalcin, sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein, and troponin C families, as well as additional allergens. Allergens from these protein families display a wide range of IgE reactivity and cross-reactivity. They are implicated in both inhaled and food allergies, and, due to their common presence, they are difficult to avoid.