The immunological relationship of epitopes on major tree pollen allergens.
The major allergens of birch (Bet v I), alder (Aln g I), hazel (Cor a I) and hornbeam (Car b I) were investigated by means of high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with immunoblotting. Eleven sera derived from patients allergic to birch pollen as well as mouse monoclonal antibodies BIP 1 and BIP 4, raised against Bet v I, were used as probes. Human IgE antibodies detected 10 spots in birch (Mr 17 kDa, pI 4.9-5.9); four spots in alder (Mr 18.5 kDa, pI 4.7-5.3); four spots in hazel (Mr 17 kDa, pI 5.0-5.8); and 12 + 7 spots in hornbeam (Mr 16.5 kDa, pI 4.9-6.6 and Mr 18 kDa, pI 5.2-6.7), respectively, representing major allergens. Each patient tested reacted in a similar fashion with the spot cluster(s) of a certain allergen. BIP 1 detected the same spot clusters as patients' IgE. BIP 4 reacted with the 17-, 18.5- and 18-kDa spots of birch, alder and hornbeam, but did not react with the 17-kDa spots of hazel and the 16.5-kDa spots of hornbeam. In inhibition experiments with birch pollen extract as inhibitor, IgE binding to Bet v I, as well as to Aln g I, Cor a I and Car b I was abolished, thus suggesting that IgE binding to major tree pollen allergens is confined to shared epitopes. These findings indicate that it might be sufficient to use only Bet v I for diagnostic procedures as well as for immunotherapy in patients with tree pollen allergy.
Rohac
M
M
Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Austria.
Birkner
T
T
Reimitzer
I
I
Bohle
B
B
Steiner
R
R
Breitenbach
M
M
Kraft
D
D
Scheiner
O
O
Gabl
F
F
Rumpold
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003429:Cross Reactions; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology*; D014197:Trees
D000939:Epitopes; D007073:Immunoglobulin E