Identification of a villin-related tobacco protein as a novel cross-reactive plant allergen.
In a paradigmatic approach we identified cross-reactive plant allergens for allergy diagnosis and treatment by screening of a tobacco leaf complementary DNA (cDNA) library with serum IgE from a polysensitized allergic patient. Two IgE-reactive cDNA clones were isolated which code for proteins with significant sequence similarity to the actin-binding protein, villin. Northern- and Western-blotting demonstrate expression of the villin-related allergens in pollen and somatic plant tissues. In addition, villin-related proteins were detected in several plant allergen sources (tree-, grass-, weed pollen, fruits, vegetables, nuts). A recombinant C-terminal fragment of the villin-related protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and shown to react specifically with allergic patients IgE. After profilin, villin-related proteins represent another family of cytoskeletal proteins, which has been identified as cross-reactive plant allergens. They may be used for the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from multivalent plant allergies.
Mittermann
Irene
I
Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. irene.mittermann@meduniwien.ac.at
Voronin
Viktor
V
Heberle-Bors
Erwin
E
Valenta
Rudolf
R
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D015723:Gene Library; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011058:Pollen / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C026615:villin; D007073:Immunoglobulin E