ABSTRACT
High-molecular-weight (HMW) agents are protein-derived antigens that cause sensitization through an immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated mechanism. This represents an interesting and useful model of common atopic asthma. Some of the HMW agents are covered in the specific chapters: enzymes (Chapter 16), flour and baking additives (Chapter 17), and laboratory animal allergens, including insect and shellfish emanations (Chapter 18). Here, other proteinaceous agents causing occupational asthma (OA) are described.
