New Antigens in Lactose

Summary

Four unidentified antigens, which are distinct from known milk proteins, are contained in commercial, reagent-grade α-lactose and β-lactose. These unidentified antigens, rather than the condensation product of lactose with the ∊-amino group of lysine of β-lactoglobulin, may cause, or partially cause, the reported increase in allergenicity of crystallized β-lactoglobulin on heating with lactose. The unidentified antigens present in lactose have possible, hitherto unrecognized, allergenic significance.