Recombinant and purified allergens are currently available for determining
specific IgE targeted to different allergenic components. In this way it is
possible to diagnose the sensitization profile of each individual patient. The
microarray technique makes it possible to determine specific IgE against multiple
allergens simultaneously in one same patient, with a minimum amount of serum, and
even allows the determination of IgG and IgM against the same allergens in one
same serum sample. Microarray procedures are being developed not only for the
determination of antibodies but also for cell activation tests. In addition,
microarray technology will help explain cross-reactions, and will facilitate the
evaluation of subjects in which skin tests cannot be performed. These techniques
will allow a great step forward in the development of immunotherapy specifically
targeted to the sensitizations found in each individual patient, yielding
especially hypoallergenic forms of great immunogenic capacity, and thus improving
the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy. Lastly, microarrays will improve our
understanding of the physiopathology of allergic diseases