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Mori Y, Okazaki F, Inuo C, Yamaguchi Y, Masuda S, Sugiura S, Fukuie T, Nagao M, Tsuge I, Yosikawa T, Yagami A, Matsunaga K, Fujisawa T, Ito K, Narita H, Kondo Y. Evaluation of serum IgE in peach-allergic patients with systemic reaction by using recombinant Pru p 7 (gibberellin-regulated protein). Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2018; 46:482-490. [PMID: 29786518 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipid transfer protein (LTP) is a major fruit allergen. It has, however, recently been revealed that the systemic reaction in peach-allergic patients is related not only to LTP (Pru p 3) but also to gibberellin-regulated protein (Pru p 7). We investigated recombinant Pru p 7 (rPru p 7) for its potential use in worldwide standardization for the diagnosis of peach allergy. METHODS Natural Pru p 7 (nPru p 7) was purified from peach crude extract using a monoclonal antibody affinity column. Complementary DNA for Pru p 7 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E in peach-allergic patients was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using nPru p 7 and rPru p 7 (E. coli product: erPru p 7 and P. pastoris product: prPru p 7). RESULTS Peach-allergic patients (n=27) were diagnosed and categorized into oral reaction (n=10) or systemic reaction (n=17). The nPru p 7 positivity based on serum IgE levels was 52% in the systemic-reaction group and 0% in the oral-reaction group (P<0.05). In the systemic-reaction group, there was no significant difference in reactivity between nPru p 7 and prPru p 7, but the reactivity of erPru p 7 was significantly lower than those of nPru p 7 and prPru p 7 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS We found that prPru p 7 exhibited reactivity in ELISA comparable to that of nPru p 7 for the diagnosis of peach allergy with systemic reaction.
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A recombinant isoform of the Ole e 7 olive pollen allergen assembled by de novo mass spectrometry retains the allergenic ability of the natural allergen. J Proteomics 2018; 187:39-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Chen KW, Marusciac L, Tamas PT, Valenta R, Panaitescu C. Ragweed Pollen Allergy: Burden, Characteristics, and Management of an Imported Allergen Source in Europe. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2018; 176:163-180. [PMID: 29788026 DOI: 10.1159/000487997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambrosia artemisiifolia, also known as common or short ragweed, is an invasive annual flowering herbaceous plant that has its origin in North America. Nowadays, ragweed can be found in many areas worldwide. Ragweed pollen is known for its high potential to cause type I allergic reactions in late summer and autumn and represents a major health problem in America and several countries in Europe. Climate change and urbanization, as well as long distance transport capacity, enhance the spread of ragweed pollen. Therefore ragweed is becoming domestic in non-invaded areas which in turn will increase the sensitization rate. So far 11 ragweed allergens have been described and, according to IgE reactivity, Amb a 1 and Amb a 11 seem to be major allergens. Sensitization rates of the other allergens vary between 10 and 50%. Most of the allergens have already been recombinantly produced, but most of them have not been characterized regarding their allergenic activity, therefore no conclusion on the clinical relevance of all the allergens can be made, which is important and necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Pharmacotherapy is the most common treatment for ragweed pollen allergy but fails to impact on the course of allergy. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causative and disease-modifying treatment of allergy with long-lasting effects, but currently it is based on the administration of ragweed pollen extract or Amb a 1 only. In order to improve ragweed pollen AIT, new strategies are required with higher efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Wei Chen
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Marusciac
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Paul Tudor Tamas
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carmen Panaitescu
- OncoGen Center, Pius Brinzeu County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
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Pablos I, Eichhorn S, Briza P, Asam C, Gartner U, Wolf M, Ebner C, Bohle B, Arora N, Vieths S, Ferreira F, Gadermaier G. Proteomic profiling of the weed feverfew, a neglected pollen allergen source. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6049. [PMID: 28729676 PMCID: PMC5519751 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Feverfew (Parthenium hysterophorus), an invasive weed from the Asteraceae family, has been reported as allergen source. Despite its relevance, knowledge of allergens is restricted to a partial sequence of a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein. We aimed to obtain the entire sequence for recombinant production and characterize feverfew pollen using proteomics and immunological assays. Par h 1, a defensin-proline fusion allergen was obtained by cDNA cloning and recombinantly produced in E. coli. Using two complementary proteomic strategies, a total of 258 proteins were identified in feverfew pollen among those 47 proteins belonging to allergenic families. Feverfew sensitized patients’ sera from India revealed IgE reactivity with a pectate lyase, PR-1 protein and thioredoxin in immonoblot. In ELISA, recombinant Par h 1 was recognized by 60 and 40% of Austrian and Indian sera, respectively. Inhibition assays demonstrated the presence of IgE cross-reactive Par h 1, pectate lyase, lipid-transfer protein, profilin and polcalcin in feverfew pollen. This study reveals significant data on the allergenic composition of feverfew pollen and makes recombinant Par h 1 available for cross-reactivity studies. Feverfew might become a global player in weed pollen allergy and inclusion of standardized extracts in routine allergy diagnosis is suggested in exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pablos
- University of Salzburg, Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stephanie Eichhorn
- University of Salzburg, Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Briza
- University of Salzburg, Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Claudia Asam
- University of Salzburg, Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrike Gartner
- University of Salzburg, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Wolf
- University of Salzburg, Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Barbara Bohle
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Naveen Arora
- CSIR-Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology, Allergy and Immunology Section, Delhi, India
| | - Stefan Vieths
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen, Germany
| | - Fatima Ferreira
- University of Salzburg, Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gabriele Gadermaier
- University of Salzburg, Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Salzburg, Austria.
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Abstract
Pollen allergens from short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) cause severe respiratory allergies in North America and Europe. To date, ten short ragweed pollen allergens belonging to eight protein families, including the recently discovered novel major allergen Amb a 11, have been recorded in the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) allergen database. With evidence that other components may further contribute to short ragweed pollen allergenicity, a better understanding of the allergen repertoire is a requisite for the design of proper diagnostic tools and efficient immunotherapies. This review provides an update on both known as well as novel candidate allergens from short ragweed pollen, identified through a comprehensive characterization of the ragweed pollen transcriptome and proteome.
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Identification of Novel Short Ragweed Pollen Allergens Using Combined Transcriptomic and Immunoproteomic Approaches. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136258. [PMID: 26317427 PMCID: PMC4552831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergy to short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen is a serious and expanding health problem in North America and Europe. Whereas only 10 short ragweed pollen allergens are officially recorded, patterns of IgE reactivity observed in ragweed allergic patients suggest that other allergens contribute to allergenicity. The objective of the present study was to identify novel allergens following extensive characterization of the transcriptome and proteome of short ragweed pollen. METHODS Following a Proteomics-Informed-by-Transcriptomics approach, a comprehensive transcriptomic data set was built up from RNA-seq analysis of short ragweed pollen. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses and IgE reactivity profiling after high resolution 2D-gel electrophoresis were then combined to identify novel allergens. RESULTS Short ragweed pollen transcripts were assembled after deep RNA sequencing and used to inform proteomic analyses, thus leading to the identification of 573 proteins in the short ragweed pollen. Patterns of IgE reactivity of individual sera from 22 allergic patients were assessed using an aqueous short ragweed pollen extract resolved over 2D-gels. Combined with information derived from the annotated pollen proteome, those analyses revealed the presence of multiple unreported IgE reactive proteins, including new Amb a 1 and Amb a 3 isoallergens as well as 7 novel candidate allergens reacting with IgEs from 20-70% of patients. The latter encompass members of the carbonic anhydrase, enolase, galactose oxidase, GDP dissociation inhibitor, pathogenesis related-17, polygalacturonase and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase families. CONCLUSIONS We extended the list of allergens identified in short ragweed pollen. These findings have implications for both diagnosis and allergen immunotherapy purposes.
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Sánchez-López J, Tordesillas L, Pascal M, Muñoz-Cano R, Garrido M, Rueda M, Vilella R, Valero A, Díaz-Perales A, Picado C, Bartra J. Role of Art v 3 in pollinosis of patients allergic to Pru p 3. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 133:1018-25. [PMID: 24080266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food allergy caused by lipid transfer protein (LTP) from peach (Pru p 3) is frequently associated with sensitization to mugwort LTP (Art v 3). Although in vitro cross-reactivity is already well known, it has yet to be elucidated whether a pollen LTP can induce rhinitis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether mugwort LTP could elicit respiratory symptoms and whether a primary food LTP allergy could lead to a respiratory allergy. METHODS Patients with confirmed Pru p 3 allergy and control subjects were selected. Immediate responses to nasal allergen provocation tests (NAPTs) with Art v 3, Pru p 3, and mugwort were assessed by using the visual analog scale score, total nasal symptom score, and acoustic rhinometry. Tryptase and cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) levels were measured in nasal lavage fluid. Immunoblotting, ELISAs, and ELISA inhibition assays were also performed. RESULTS Fifteen patients and 9 control subjects were selected. NAPT results with Art v 3 and Pru p 3 showed significant changes in acoustic rhinometry, visual analog scale scores, total nasal symptom scores, and cysLT levels (P < .001). Tryptase levels were only increased in NAPTs with Pru p 3. NAPTs with mugwort were used in those patients who were only sensitized to Art v 3, with similar results (P < .05). No significant changes were detected in control subjects. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that a pollen LTP can elicit rhinitis in sensitized patients. Findings also suggest that a primary sensitization to Pru p 3 can lead to a respiratory allergy through cross-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Sánchez-López
- Unitat d'Al·lèrgia, Institut Clínic del Tòrax (ICT), Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Leticia Tordesillas
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Campus Montegancedo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariona Pascal
- Servei d'Immunologia, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic (CDB), Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Muñoz-Cano
- Unitat d'Al·lèrgia, Institut Clínic del Tòrax (ICT), Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Garrido
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Campus Montegancedo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Rueda
- Unitat d'Al·lèrgia, Institut Clínic del Tòrax (ICT), Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón Vilella
- Servei d'Immunologia, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic (CDB), Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Valero
- Unitat d'Al·lèrgia, Institut Clínic del Tòrax (ICT), Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Araceli Díaz-Perales
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Campus Montegancedo, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Picado
- Unitat d'Al·lèrgia, Institut Clínic del Tòrax (ICT), Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Bartra
- Unitat d'Al·lèrgia, Institut Clínic del Tòrax (ICT), Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Gadermaier G, Hauser M, Ferreira F. Allergens of weed pollen: an overview on recombinant and natural molecules. Methods 2013; 66:55-66. [PMID: 23806644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2013.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Weeds represent a botanically unrelated group of plants that usually lack commercial or aesthetical value. Pollen of allergenic weeds are able to trigger type I reactions in allergic patients and can be found in the plant families of Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Plantaginaceae, Urticaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. To date, 34 weed pollen allergens are listed in the IUIS allergen nomenclature database, which were physicochemically and immunologically characterized to varying degrees. Relevant allergens of weeds belong to the pectate lyase family, defensin-like family, Ole e 1-like family, non-specific lipid transfer protein 1 family and the pan-allergens profilin and polcalcins. This review provides an overview on weed pollen allergens primarily focusing on the molecular level. In particular, the characteristics and properties of purified recombinant allergens and hypoallergenic derivatives are described and their potential use in diagnosis and therapy of weed pollen allergy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Gadermaier
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Michael Hauser
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fatima Ferreira
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Pokoj S, Lauer I, Fötisch K, Himly M, Mari A, Enrique E, Miguel-Moncin MDMS, Lidholm J, Vieths S, Scheurer S. Pichia pastoris is superior to E. coli for the production of recombinant allergenic non-specific lipid-transfer proteins. Protein Expr Purif 2010; 69:68-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2009.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2009] [Revised: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 08/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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González-Rioja R, Asturias JA, Martínez A, Goñi FM, Viguera AR. Par j 1 and Par j 2, the two major allergens in Parietaria judaica, bind preferentially to monoacylated negative lipids. FEBS J 2009; 276:1762-75. [PMID: 19236482 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2009.06911.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Par j 1 and Par j 2 proteins are the two major allergens in Parietaria judaica pollen, one of the main causes of allergic diseases in the Mediterranean area. Each of them contains eight cysteine residues organized in a pattern identical to that found in plant nonspecific lipid transfer proteins. The 139- and 102-residue recombinant allergens, corresponding respectively to Par j 1 and Par j 2, refold properly to fully functional forms, whose immunological properties resemble those of the molecules purified from the natural source. Molecular modeling shows that, despite the lack of extensive primary structure homology with nonspecific lipid transfer proteins, both allergens contain a hydrophobic cavity suited to accommodate a lipid ligand. In the present study, we present novel evidence for the formation of complexes of these natural and recombinant proteins from Parietaria pollen with lipidic molecules. The dissociation constant of oleyl-lyso-phosphatidylcholine is 9.1 +/- 1.2 microm for recombinant Par j 1, whereas pyrenedodecanoic acid shows a much higher affinity, with a dissociation constant of approximately 1 microm for both recombinant proteins, as well as for the natural mixture. Lipid binding does not alter the secondary structure content of the protein but is very efficient in protecting disulfide bonds from reduction by dithiothreitol. We show that Par j 1 and Par j 2 not only bind lipids from micellar dispersions, but also are able to extract and transfer negative phospholipids from bilayers.
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Murakami-Yamaguchi Y, Hirose J, Fujii W, Narita H. An Novel Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay for Barley Lipid Transfer Protein as a Quality Control System of Beer. J JPN SOC FOOD SCI 2009. [DOI: 10.3136/nskkk.56.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Murakami-Yamaguchi Y, Hirose J, Honjoh T, Narita H. Evaluation of Wheat Content with Monoclonal Antibodies against Lipid Transfer Protein. J JPN SOC FOOD SCI 2009. [DOI: 10.3136/nskkk.56.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Salcedo G, Sánchez-Monge R, Barber D, Díaz-Perales A. Plant non-specific lipid transfer proteins: an interface between plant defence and human allergy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2007; 1771:781-91. [PMID: 17349819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2007.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2006] [Revised: 12/18/2006] [Accepted: 01/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Plant non-specific LTPs (lipid transfer proteins) form a protein family of basic polypeptides of 9 kDa ubiquitously distributed throughout the plant kingdom. The members of this family are located extracellularly, usually associated with plant cell walls, and possess a broad lipid-binding specificity closely related to their three-dimensional structure. The nsLTP fold is characterized by a compact domain composed of 4 alpha-helices, firmly held by a network of 4 conserved disulphide bridges. This fold presents a large internal tunnel-like cavity, which can accommodate different types of lipids. nsLTPs are involved in plant defence mechanisms against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi, and, possibly, in the assembly of hydrophobic protective layers of surface polymers, such as cutin. In addition, several members of the nsLTP family have been identified as relevant allergens in plant foods and pollens. Their high resistance to both heat treatment and digestive proteolytic attack has been related with the induction by these allergens of severe symptoms in many patients. Therefore, they are probably primary sensitizers by the oral route. nsLTP sensitization shows an unexpected pattern throughout Europe, with a high prevalence in the Mediterranean area, but a low incidence in Northern and Central European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Salcedo
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Departamento de Biotecnología, E.T.S. Ingenieros Agrónomos, UPM, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040-Madrid, Spain.
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Asero R, Wopfner N, Gruber P, Gadermaier G, Ferreira F. Artemisia and Ambrosia hypersensitivity: co-sensitization or co-recognition? Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 36:658-65. [PMID: 16650052 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02477.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ragweed and mugwort have nearly identical flowering periods. Clinical and serological studies showed that ragweed and mugwort sensitization are often associated and this poses relevant clinical problems in patients for whom specific immunotherapy is warranted. OBJECTIVE To establish whether the concurrent ragweed and mugwort pollen hypersensitivity is the result of co-sensitization or of co-recognition by using purified recombinant allergens. METHODS Sensitization to ragweed and mugwort pollen was assessed by skin prick test (SPT) in all patients reporting allergic symptoms in August and September. IgE reactivity of sera from 42 patients (26 Amb+/Art+, 14 Amb+/Art-, and two Amb-/Art+) to ragweed and mugwort pollen extract as well as to several recombinant ragweed (rAmb a 1, rAmb a 5, rAmb a 6, rAmb a 8, rAmb a 9, and Amb a 10) and mugwort (rArt v 1, rArt v 4, rArt v 5, rArt v 6, and three EF-hand calcium-binding protein) allergens was detected by dot-blot and ELISA analyses. RESULTS IgE reactivity of 372 weed pollen-allergic patients was studied. Mugwort reactivity was strongly associated with ragweed hypersensitivity: only 10/147 (7%) mugwort-hypersensitive patients were not sensitized to ragweed, whereas 225/362 (62%) ragweed-hypersensitive patients were not sensitized to mugwort. In vitro, 90% of ragweed-allergic patients reacted with rAmb a 1. Reactivity to other ragweed allergens ranged between 20% and 35%. Forty-six percent of the mugwort-sensitized patients recognized rArt v 1%, 25% reacted to Art v 4, Art v 5, and Art v 6, and 7% recognized the three-EF hand calcium-binding protein. Immunoblot inhibition experiments showed that pre-incubation with ragweed pollen extract only weakly decreased IgE reactivity to mugwort allergens. CONCLUSION Patients showing both ragweed- and mugwort-positive SPT and/or RAST are co-sensitized. Future studies will establish whether IgE reactivity translates into clinical symptoms and, hence, if co-sensitized patients should undergo specific immunotherapy with extracts of both mugwort and ragweed pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Asero
- Ambulatorio di Allergologia, Clinica San Carlo, Paderno Dugnano (MI), Italy.
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Wopfner N, Gadermaier G, Egger M, Asero R, Ebner C, Jahn-Schmid B, Ferreira F. The Spectrum of Allergens in Ragweed and Mugwort Pollen. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005; 138:337-46. [PMID: 16254437 DOI: 10.1159/000089188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ragweed and mugwort are important allergenic weeds belonging to the Asteraceae or Compositae plant family. Pollen of mugwort is one of the main causes of allergic reactions in late summer and autumn in Europe and affects about 10-14% of the patients suffering from pollinosis. Ragweed pollen represents the major source of allergenic protein in the United States, with a prevalence of about 50% in atopic individuals. In Europe, ragweed allergy is now rapidly increasing particularly in certain areas in France, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria. Amb a 1 and Art v 1, the major allergens of ragweed and mugwort, respectively, are unrelated proteins. Amb a 1 is an acidic 38-kDa nonglycosylated protein. The natural protein undergoes proteolysis during purification and is cleaved into a 26-kDa alpha chain, which associates noncovalently with the beta chain of 12 kDa. The two-chain form seems to be immunologically indistinguishable from the full-length molecule. Art v 1 is a basic glycoprotein comprising two domains: an N-terminal cysteine-rich, defensin-like domain and a C-terminal proline/hydroxyproline-rich module. The proline/hydroxyproline-rich domain was recently shown to contain two types of glycosylation: (1) a large hydroxyproline-linked arabinogalactan composed of a short beta1,6-galactan core substituted by a variable number (5-28) of alpha-arabinofuranose residues forming branched side chains with 5-, 2,5-, 3,5-, and 2,3,5-substituted arabinoses, and (2) single and adjacent beta-arabinofuranoses linked to hydroxyproline. As described for other pollen, ragweed and mugwort pollen also contain the pan-allergen profilin and calcium-binding proteins, which are responsible for extensive cross-reactivity among pollen-sensitized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Wopfner
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Gadermaier G, Dedic A, Obermeyer G, Frank S, Himly M, Ferreira F. Biology of weed pollen allergens. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2004; 4:391-400. [PMID: 15283880 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-004-0090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Weeds represent a heterogeneous group of plants, usually defined by no commercial or aesthetic value. Important allergenic weeds belong to the plant families Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Urticaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Plantaginaceae. Major allergens from ragweed, mugwort, feverfew, pellitory, goosefoot, Russian thistle, plantain, and Mercurialis pollen have been characterized to varying degrees. Four major families of proteins seem to be the major cause of allergic reactions to weed pollen: the ragweed Amb a 1 family of pectate lyases; the defensin-like Art v 1 family from mugwort, feverfew, and probably also from sunflower; the Ole e 1-like allergens Pla l 1 from plantain and Che a 1 from goosefoot; and the nonspecific lipid transfer proteins Par j 1 and Par j 2 from pellitory. As described for other pollens, weed pollen also contains the panallergens profilin and calcium-binding proteins, which are responsible for extensive cross-reactivity among pollen-sensitized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Gadermaier
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Stumvoll S, Westritschnig K, Lidholm J, Spitzauer S, Colombo P, Duro G, Kraft D, Geraci D, Valenta R. Identification of cross-reactive and genuine Parietaria judaica pollen allergens. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003; 111:974-9. [PMID: 12743560 DOI: 10.1067/mai.2003.1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The weed Parietaria judaica is one of the most important pollen allergen sources in the Mediterranean area. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify P judaica pollen allergen, which might be used to serologically distinguish genuine Parietaria sensitization and cross-reactivity to allergens from other weed species (eg, mugwort and ragweed). METHODS The allergen profile of P judaica IgE-reactive sera from weed pollen-sensitized allergic individuals from the Mediterranean region (n = 36) with high Parietaria pollen exposure and from weed pollen-allergic patients with little or no Parietaria exposure (Austria, n = 42; Scandinavia, n = 8; United States, n = 19) was established by CAP FEIA measurements and by IgE immunoblot inhibition experiments with recombinant allergens. RESULTS The majority (83%) of the Mediterranean weed pollen-allergic patients mounted high IgE antibody levels (mean specific IgE, 20.89 kUA/L) against recombinant (r) Par j 2, whereas only 7% of the non-Mediterranean weed-allergic patients showed low IgE reactivity to rPar j 2 (mean specific IgE, 1.03 kUA/L). The cytoskeletal protein profilin and a 2-EF-hand calcium-binding allergen were identified as cross-reactive Parietaria allergens, which were recognized preferentially by Parietaria -positive, non-Mediterranean weed pollen-allergic patients. CONCLUSION rPar j 2 might be used as a diagnostic marker allergen to identify weed pollen-allergic patients who are genuinely sensitized against Parietaria pollen and thus would be particularly suited for specific immunotherapy with Parietaria pollen extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Stumvoll
- Department of Pathophysiology, AKH, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
The present state of proteomics research is generally outlined and the character of allergenic compounds briefly elucidated. The principles of experimental approaches to isolation, purification, identification and characterization of allergens and to monitoring of their biological activity are described, with emphasis on the most modern methods. Selected examples are given for illustration and important results are summarized in tables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Tichá
- Department of Biochemistry, Charles University, Faculty of Sciences, Albertov 2030, 128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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19
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Baric RS, Yount B, Lindesmith L, Harrington PR, Greene SR, Tseng FC, Davis N, Johnston RE, Klapper DG, Moe CL. Expression and self-assembly of norwalk virus capsid protein from venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicons. J Virol 2002; 76:3023-30. [PMID: 11861868 PMCID: PMC135954 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.76.6.3023-3030.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Norwalk virus (NV) capsid protein was expressed using Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicon particles (VRP-NV1). VRP-NV1 infection resulted in large numbers of recombinant NV-like particles that were primarily cell associated and were indistinguishable from NV particles produced from baculoviruses. Mutations located in the N-terminal and P1 domains of the NV capsid protein ablated capsid self-assembly in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, Program in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7400, USA.
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20
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Abstract
The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is now one of the standard tools used in molecular biology for the generation of recombinant protein. P. pastoris has demonstrated its most powerful success as a large-scale (fermentation) recombinant protein production tool. What began more than 20 years ago as a program to convert abundant methanol to a protein source for animal feed has been developed into what is today two important biological tools: a model eukaryote used in cell biology research and a recombinant protein production system. To date well over 200 heterologous proteins have been expressed in P. pastoris. Significant advances in the development of new strains and vectors, improved techniques, and the commercial availability of these tools coupled with a better understanding of the biology of Pichia species have led to this microbe's value and power in commercial and research labs alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Cregg
- Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences, Claremont, CA 91711, USA.
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21
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Abstract
During the past 15 years, the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris has developed into a highly successful system for the production of a variety of heterologous proteins. The increasing popularity of this particular expression system can be attributed to several factors, most importantly: (1) the simplicity of techniques needed for the molecular genetic manipulation of P. pastoris and their similarity to those of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one of the most well-characterized experimental systems in modern biology; (2) the ability of P. pastoris to produce foreign proteins at high levels, either intracellularly or extracellularly; (3) the capability of performing many eukaryotic post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation, disulfide bond formation and proteolytic processing; and (4) the availability of the expression system as a commercially available kit. In this paper, we review the P. pastoris expression system: how it was developed, how it works, and what proteins have been produced. We also describe new promoters and auxotrophic marker/host strain combinations which extend the usefulness of the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Cereghino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology, 20000 N.W. Walker Road, Beaverton, OR, USA
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