Identification and characterization of a pan-allergen profilin, a major allergen from Caryota mitis pollen.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Caryota mitis is a common plant in tropical and subtropical areas. It produces larger amount of pollen, which has great potential for allergenicity in the pollination season. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the components of Caryota mitis pollen contributing to human allergic diseases. METHODS: The sera from 20 patients with a positive skin prick test to Caryota mitis pollen crude extract (CmPCE) were collected; the allergic components were determined by the forming of immune complexes in the sera and CmPCE. The results were confirmed by the immune competitive inhibitory assay. RESULTS: Sixteen out of 20 collected serum samples reacted to a 14 kDa protein fractioned from CmPCE; this 14 kDa antigen also had positive reactions to CmPCE in an ELISA assay. 12 samples from 20 collected serums positively reacted to recombinant CmProfilin (rCmProfilin), as shown by Western blotting, and also showed positive reactivity in ELISA. Preincubation of sera with rCmProfilin eliminated the reactivity of the patients' sera to this 14 kDa band. CONCLUSION: A 14 kDa protein from the CmPCE was identified as the major allergic component of CmPCE.