ISSN:
1398-9995
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Pollen allergens are multivalent proteins that cross-link IgE antibodies on mast or basophil cells, inducing secretion of biologic mediators, and resulting in various allergic symptoms. The IgE-binding regions of the Parietaria judaica (Pj) pollen major allergen rPar j 2 were investigated. Twenty-nine single sera from Pj-allergic subjects were tested by Western blot against five recombinant peptides. At least four putative IgE-binding epitopes were identified. The analysis of their diffusion suggested a heterogeneous IgE-binding response. In fact, 75% of the sera reacted with peptide 1–54, 48% with peptide 48–101, 24% with peptide 1–30, 7% with peptide 29–54, and none with peptide 48–76. These five peptides were analyzed with the histamine-release assay. Only peptide 48–101 was capable of inducing degranulation and release of histamine. These results suggest that the recombinant rPar j 2 allergen contains IgE epitopes that are heterogeneously recognized by sensitive patients, and that therefore the therapeutic approach based on the use of haptenic peptides needs a careful evaluation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2000.00265.x
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