Linear Epitope-Mediated Immunological Cross-Reactivity in Livestock Product Allergens

Linear epitopes, comprising continuous amino acid sequences, are critically implicated in the immunological cross-reactivity of livestock products owing to their stability during food processing. This paper aims to comprehensively review linear epitope-mediated cross-allergic reactions in major livestock products, including milk, eggs, and meat. Furthermore, this review systematically delineates the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying classical cross-allergic reactions, including α-Gal syndrome and avian egg syndrome, while addressing novel cross-reactive allergens, such as the thermostable poultry meat allergen Gal d 7 and the egg-milk cross-reactive protein α-vitellin, alongside their respective linear B-cell epitope profiles. Finally, this study summarizes the roles of these cross-reactive allergens in precise diagnosis and targeted therapy, providing a theoretical basis for future in-depth research on food cross-allergenic mechanisms.