2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Use empirical tools to improve computational prediction models for detecting clinically relevant linear IgE binding sites. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) a. Synthesize known and computationally predicted cross-reactive IgE binding epitopes of peanuts and tree nuts on a membrane. b. Use clinically well-characterized patient sera with known peanut and/or tree-nut (walnut and almond or cashew) allergy to assess the clinical relevance of IgE binding to a particular synthetic peptide. c. Continuously optimize computational model based on empirical data obtained from goal b. 3.Progress Report We have cloned and expressed the major peanut allergens, Ara h 2, a shortened Ara h 2, and Ara h 1 leader sequence in E. Coli towards developing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structures. Also, we are working on molecular models for Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 to complement our wet lab structural experiments. University of Texas Medical Branch provides monitoring reports on research progress.