Variability of allergenicity in eight strains of the green algal genus Chlorella.
Biochemical and immunological properties of allergen extracts from eight strains within four species of the unicellular green alga Chlorella were compared. The total protein and carbohydrate contents ranged from 13 to 29 and 18 to 47% of the dry weight, respectively. It was shown, both with RAST inhibition and immunoblotting, that Chlorella contain components which specifically bind to patient IgE antibodies. The relative allergen potency as assayed by RAST inhibition varied fivefold. Between seven and twenty IgE-binding components were identified in the various strains with molecular weights from 13 to 80 kD. Thus, the use of thoroughly characterized Chlorella strains is mandatory for preparation of relevant allergen extracts.
Tiberg
E
E
Institute of Physiological Botany, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Einarsson
R
R
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000276:immunology; D002708:Chlorella / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D013045:Species Specificity
D000485:Allergens; D002241:Carbohydrates; D010940:Plant Proteins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E