title: Molecular cloning and immunochemical characterization of a new Japanese cedar pollen allergen homologous to plant subtilisin-like serine protease.
abstract: Protease activities in allergen sources are thought to be involved in triggering allergic inflammation through the disruption of epithelial barrier or the induction of proinflammatory cytokines. Protease allergens may also work as type 2 helper T cell (TH2) adjuvants through the cleavage of cell surface receptors. Here, we report molecular cloning and immunochemical characterization of a new Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergen (CPA9) homologous to serine protease, which is initially found as a high IgE-binding spot on our two-dimensional (2-D) IgE immunoblotting map. The cpa9 cDNA encoded a 757 amino acid polypeptide showing a significant sequence identity with plant subtilisin-like serine protease family members including melon major allergen Cuc m 1. We found that native CPA9 purified from C. japonica pollen showed a high IgE-binding frequency and IgE cross-reactivity with melon extract.
authors.affiliation: From the 1Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Graduate School of Advanced Sciences of Matter, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan; 2JST Innovation Plaza Hiroshima, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan; 3Nishikawa Rubber Co. Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan; 4Takanobashi Central Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
authors.forename: Ahmed Ragaa Nour
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
authors.forename: Seiji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kawamoto
authors.forename: Keisuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mizuno
authors.forename: Yayoi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shimada
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rikimaru
authors.forename: Nobukazu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Onishi
authors.forename: Kunihiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hashimoto
authors.forename: Tsunehiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aki
authors.forename: Takaharu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hayashi
authors.forename: Kazuhisa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ono