Antigenic analyses of Sugi basic protein by monoclonal antibodies: I. Distribution and characterization of B-cell-tropic epitopes of Cry j I molecules.
Using 23 monoclonal antibodies raised against Sugi basic protein (SBP, major allergen of Japanese cedar pollen), composed of Cry j I and Cry j II, analyses of B-cell-tropic epitopes of Cry j I were performed. The following results were obtained. (1) As far as the mAbs were used, no major cross-reactive determinants were detected between Cry j I and Cry j II molecules. (2) 21 of the 23 mAbs were specific for Cry j I, and the anti-Cry j II mAbs were classified into four groups by their fine specificities, suggesting that Cry j I bears at least four antigenic determinant regions. (3) Cry j I molecules were found to take a monomeric form in solution and to display no repeating antigenic epitopes on their surfaces. (4) Some of the determinants seemed to be located in the interior of a Cry j I molecule, and when the Ag is coated on a plastic plate, the determinants become exposed on its surface. (5) Binding of human IgE antibodies to Cry j I and Cry j II was blocked by some of the obtained mAbs, suggesting that these epitopes recognized by the mAbs might have an important role in human allergic response against the cedar pollen.
Kawashima
T
T
Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratories, Okayama, Japan.
Taniai
M
M
Taniguchi
Y
Y
Usui
M
M
Ando
S
S
Kurimoto
M
M
Matuhasi
T
T
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D000939:Epitopes; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D051379:Mice; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology*; D014197:Trees
D000485:Allergens; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D052179:Antigens, Plant; C065290:Cry j I protein, Cryptomeria japonica; D000939:Epitopes; D010940:Plant Proteins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E