Identification of immunodominant IgE binding epitopes of Der p 24, a major allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

Background The identification of house dust mite (HDM) allergens and epitopes is important for allergy diagnosis and treatment. We sought to identify the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 24 allergen (Der p 24) and to identify its immunodominant IgE epitope(s). Methods Der p 24 cDNA was cloned and expressed in a pET expression system. The IgE binding activity of purified recombinant (r)Der p 24 was evaluated by western blotting. Truncated Der p 24 proteins and overlapping synthetic polypeptides were subjected to IgE binding assays. Balb/c mice were immunized to investigate IgE epitope induction of IgE production. IgE binding of the 32 N‐terminal residues of Der p 24 was compared to other Der p epitopes in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and dot blot assays. Human skin prick tests (SPTs) were performed. Results We cloned and expressed Der p 24 cDNA (GenBank accession no. KP893174.1). HDM allergic sera bound rDer p 24 in vitro and 5/10 HDM allergic patients (50%) had positive SPT reactions to rDer p 24. The immunodominant IgE epitope of Der p 24 was localized to the N‐terminal 32‐residue region, which produced a high specific IgE antibody titer in vivo and promoted mast cell β‐hexosaminidase release. The IgE binding activity this N‐terminal epitope of Der p 24 was stronger than that of Der p 1 or Der p 2 IgE epitopes. Conclusions We identified Der p 24 as a major HDM allergen with strong IgE binding activity via an immunodominant IgE epitope in the N‐terminal 32‐residue region, which triggers IgE production in vivo. The identified Der p 24 epitope may support HDM allergy diagnosis and treatment.