Characterization of allergens from deer: cross-reactivity with allergens from cow dander.
BACKGROUND
Animal hair/dander proteins frequently cause Type I hypersensitivities. Species-specific and broadly cross-reacting allergens have been characterized in the past.


METHODS
Sera from eight individuals suffering from symptoms due to exposure to deer and deer-derived products were investigated by immunoblotting. Extracts from deer, dog, cat, horse, rabbit and cow, respectively, were tested for IgE-binding. To reveal cross-reactivities patients' sera were preadsorbed with these extracts prior to testing with deer extract.


RESULTS
Deer allergens with the molecular mass of 22 and 25 kD (major allergens), as well as 60 kD were identified. The 22 and 25 kD allergens are cross-reactive with the corresponding cow allergens.


CONCLUSIONS
Deer allergy is a rare sensitization mainly affecting persons exposed to deer, who displayed an atopic disposition. From our results it can be assumed that this hypersensitivity is partly associated with allergy to cow dander.
Spitzauer
S
S
Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, AKH, University of Vienna, Austria.
Valenta
R
R
Mühl
S
S
Rumpold
H
H
Ebner
H
H
Ebner
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D002415:Cats; D002417:Cattle / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D003670:Deer / Q000276:immunology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000276:immunology*; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011817:Rabbits
D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E