title: Insights into a conformational epitope of Hev b 6.02 (hevein).
abstract: Hevein (Hev b 6.02) is a major IgE-binding allergen in natural rubber latex and manufactured products. Both tryptophans (Trp(21) and Trp(23)) of the hevein molecule were chemically modified with BNPS-skatole (2-nitrophenylsulfenyl-3-methyl-3(')-bromoindolenine); derivatized allergen failed to significantly inhibit binding of serum IgE in ELISA assays. Similarly, skin prick tests showed that hevein-positive patients gave no response with the modified allergen. Dot blot experiments carried out with anti-hevein mono- and polyclonal antibodies confirmed the importance of Trp(21) and Trp(23) for antibody-recognition, and demonstrated the specific cross-reactivity of other molecules containing hevein-like domains. We also report the structure of Hev b 6.02 at an extended resolution (1.5A) and compare its surface properties around Trp residues with those of similar regions in other allergens. Overall our results indicate that the central part of the protein, which comprises three aromatic and other acidic and polar residues, constitutes a conformational epitope.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Cd. Universitaria, 04510, Coyoacán México, DF, Mexico.
authors.forename: César A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Reyes-López
authors.forename: Alejandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hernández-Santoyo
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pedraza-Escalona
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.forename: Andrés
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hernández-Arana
authors.forename: Adela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Romero
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000633:toxicity; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003198:Computer Simulation; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D018604:Epitope Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D037121:Plant Lectins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology / Q000633:toxicity; D011487:Protein Conformation; D012882:Skin Tests; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D000939:Epitopes; D037121:Plant Lectins; C045875:hevein; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D014364:Tryptophan