Kiwellin, a novel protein from kiwi fruit. Purification, biochemical characterization and identification as an allergen*.
Kiwellin is a novel protein of 28 kDa isolated from kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) fruit. It is one of the three most abundant proteins present in the edible part of this fruit. Kiwellin has been purified by ion exchange chromatography. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence revealed high identity with that previously reported for a 28 kDa protein described as one of the most important kiwi allergens. This observation prompted us to fully characterize this protein. The complete primary structure, elucidated by direct sequencing, indicated that kiwellin is a cysteine-rich protein. Serological tests and Western Blotting analysis showed that kiwellin is specifically recognized by IgE of patients allergic to kiwi fruit.
Tamburrini
Maurizio
M
Institute of Protein Biochemistry, C.N.R., Via Pietro Castellino 111, I-80131, Napoli, Italy. m.tamburrini@ibp.cnr.it
Cerasuolo
Ivana
I
Carratore
Vito
V
Stanziola
Anna Agnese
AA
Zofra
Sergio
S
Romano
Luigi
L
Camardella
Laura
L
Ciardiello
M Antonietta
MA
D029042:Actinidia / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D000485:Allergens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D052179:Antigens, Plant / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D012882:Skin Tests
D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010940:Plant Proteins; C507612:kiwellin protein, Actinidia chinensis; D007073:Immunoglobulin E