ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hev b 7 is a Hevea brasiliensis latex allergen with sequence identities of 39% to 42% to patatins recently identified as potato allergens. The complementary DNAs encoding 2 different Hev b 7 isoforms were previously reported. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the sequence variation of Hev b 7 and to compare the IgE reactivity of individual isoforms in vitro and in vivo. A further objective was to evaluate possible cross-reactivities between Hev b 7 and patatins and proteins from banana and avocado. METHODS: An H brasiliensis lambda ZAP complementary DNA (cDNA) library was screened with use of a Hev b 7 cDNA probe. Four Hev b 7 isoforms were produced in recombinant form and their IgE-binding capacities were compared. IgE immunoblot inhibitions and ELISA inhibition assays were used to investigate the possible cross-reactivity between Hev b 7 and recombinant potato patatin and proteins from avocado and banana. RESULTS: Two new isoforms, S2 and D2, were identified by sequencing 32 cDNA clones with full-length coding regions. All 4 recombinant isoforms displayed esterase activity and identical IgE-binding capacities. The new isoforms S2 and D2 were evaluated in skin prick tests and provoked responses equivalent to natural Hev b 7. No cross-reactivity was observed between Hev b 7 isoforms and potato patatin and proteins from avocado and banana. CONCLUSIONS: All 4 recombinant Hev b 7 isoforms have equivalent IgE-binding capacity and therefore represent suitable reagents for the development of in vitro and in vivo diagnostic tests. Hev b 7, patatins, and their homologs appear not to contribute to cross-reactivity in the latex-fruit syndrome.