Immunoglobulin E-binding reactivities of natural pollen grain extracts from selected grass species in the Philippines.
BACKGROUND
Pollen grains have been reported to be present in the Philippine atmosphere but studies regarding their allergenicity are limited.


OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to profile the sensitization of allergic individuals to selected grass pollen species and to characterize the pollen proteins that may be responsible for this allergenic response.


METHODS
The protein profile of the grass pollen extracts from Cynodon dactylon, Saccharum spontaneum, Sporobulus indicus, Chloris barbata, Oryza sativa, Imperata cylindrica, and Zea mays was analyzed by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis. The specific-IgE profile of the allergic individuals and the allergenic potential of the pollen extracts were evaluated through Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay and IgE immunoblotting.


RESULTS
Sensitization of the allergic individuals to the pollen extracts was detected with I. cylindrica and O. sativa to be the most frequently recognized with more that 92% reactivity, whereas for C. dactylon and Z. mays, were found to have less than 25% reactivity.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple IgE-binding proteins from S. indicus, S. spontaneum and C. barbata that were detected may be responsible for the allergic reactions among Filipino subjects.
Center for Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Saint Mary's University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya 3700, Philippines.
Clarissa R
CR
Cabauatan
John Donnie A
JD
Ramos