Identification of Novel Human IgE-Binding Peptides from a Phage Display Library for Total IgE Detection

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a crucial role in allergic reactions and parasitic infections. Accurate detection of IgE is essential for diagnosing and managing allergic diseases. Conventional methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioallergosorbent tests (RASTs), rely on complex antibody production. This study aimed to identify novel human IgE-binding peptides using phage display technology. A 12-mer phage-displayed peptide library was screened against native human IgE, obtaining sixteen high-specificity phage clones from 208 candidates. Six were selected for peptide synthesis and characterization via bead array assays. All synthetic peptides exhibited specific IgE binding without cross-reactivity to other human antibody isotypes (IgA, IgG, and IgM) or other species (goat, mouse, and rat). Sensitivity analysis identified four peptides with low limits of detection, indicating their suitability for IgE quantification. This study presents the first synthetic peptides targeting human IgE, offering advantages in stability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness over antibody-based methods. These peptides have potential for diagnostic test development, providing a reliable alternative for IgE detection. However, further optimization and clinical validation are necessary to establish their diagnostic utility in clinical tests.