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Characterization of a 7 kDa pollen allergen belonging to the gibberellin‐regulated protein family from three Cupressaceae species
Author(s) -
Ehrenberg Angelica E.,
Klingebiel Caroline,
Östling Jonas,
Larsson Håkan,
Mattsson Lars,
Vitte Joana,
Lidholm Jonas
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1111/cea.13675
Subject(s) - cupressaceae , cryptomeria , allergen , pollen , biology , immunoglobulin e , allergy , recombinant dna , botany , cypress , japonica , antibody , immunology , biochemistry , gene
Background Severe allergy to fruits mediated by a 7 kDa allergen belonging to the gibberellin‐regulated protein (GRP) family is known to be associated with Cupressaceae pollinosis. Objective To identify and characterize Cupressaceae pollen allergens involved in GRP‐related fruit allergy. Methods Pru p 7‐related proteins from pollen of Cupressus sempervirens , Juniperus ashei and Cryptomeria japonica were identified using a rabbit anti‐Pru p 7 antiserum, purified chromatographically and sequenced by mass spectrometry and bioinformatic comparisons. The C sempervirens protein was produced as a recombinant allergen in Pichia pastoris . IgE antibody binding to pollen GRP proteins was analysed in a peach allergic (n = 54) and a cypress pollen allergic (n = 88) patient population from southern France using ImmunoCAP. Results In each of the three Cupressaceae species studied, a 7 kDa pollen protein related to Pru p 7 was identified and found to comprise an amino acid sequence of 63 residues in length, 92%‐98% identical to each other and 67%‐68% identical to Pru p 7. The C sempervirens , J ashei and C japonica GRP allergens have been officially recognized by the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub‐Committee and named Cup s 7, Jun a 7 and Cry j 7, respectively. Recombinant Cup s 7 showed IgE antibody binding capacity comparable to that of the purified natural allergen. Among 51 peach allergic subjects sensitized to Pru p 7, substantially higher levels of IgE to Cup s 7 than to Pru p 7 were found. Further, the pollen protein was able to completely outcompete IgE binding to Pru p 7, while the reverse competition effect was modest, consistent with primary sensitization by the pollen allergen. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Pru p 7‐related pollen allergens from three Cupressaceae species have been characterized and may become useful for the identification of pollinosis patients at risk of developing severe fruit allergy.