Monoclonal antibodies against recombinant Der f 3 reveal localization of Der f 3 in the gut and faecal pellets of Dermatophagoides farinae.
Home dust mite derived materials are known to be a major source of problematic inhalant allergens. The aim of this study was to determine the localization of the group 3 allergen, Der f 3, within Dermatophagoides farinae, in order to assess the relative importance of excreted materials and nonexcreted body components as allergen sources. Recombinant Der f 3 (rDer f 3) was expressed in bacteria and purified as an immunogen for production of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against it. Dermatophagoides farinae mites and their faecal pellets were embedded in paraffin, and serial sections were immunoprobed with mAb clone 3D3 against Der f 3. D. farinae midgut mucosa, gut contents and faecal pellets were strongly immunopositive for Der f 3. Der f 3 immunoreactive products were not detected in any other internal organs of the mite. These results suggest that Der f 3 allergen may be synthesized in and secreted from the digestive tract and excreted from the mite's body in the faecal pellets.
State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy at Shengzhen University, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
Zheng-ke
ZK
Zhan
Kun-mei
KM
Ji
Xiao-yu
XY
Liu
Zhi-gang
ZG
Liu
Meng
M
Li
Jia-jie
JJ
Chen
Jia-na
JN
Li
Shi
S
Qiu
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D007422:Intestines / Q000276:immunology*; D039981:Pyroglyphidae / Q000276:immunology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D000939:Epitopes; D011994:Recombinant Proteins