Multivariate statistical analysis of large-scale IgE antibody measurements reveals allergen extract relationships in sensitized individuals

Silhouette analysis of k-means clustering. The influence of predefined cluster numbers (k) on mean silhouette values of all cluster members (A) using logarithm (solid line) or column ranks values (dashed line; A) is shown. Applying an accordingly derived optimal setting (k = 12), cluster silhouettes are depicted for logarithm (B) and column rank values (C). Each horizontal bar represents 1 of 89 extracts.

Allergen map of all 89 allergens. A 3-dimensional map (2 separate views) showing interrelationships between extracts projected in 3 dimensions by means of CMDS on logarithm values of IgE reactivity data is shown. Each preparation is color encoded according to 12 clusters generated by k-means clustering.

Sequence similarity dendrogram for 57 allergens. Relationships within 57 extracts are based on amino acid sequence similarity, as derived by means of hierarchic clustering (average linkage). Cluster indices are indicated below each branch. For each such formation (except for single clusters), protein families dictating extract assembly formations are listed below dashed lines.