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Schein CH, Ivanciuc O, Midoro-Horiuti T, Goldblum RM, Braun W. An Allergen Portrait Gallery: Representative Structures and an Overview of IgE Binding Surfaces. Bioinform Biol Insights 2010; 4:113-25. [PMID: 20981266 PMCID: PMC2964044 DOI: 10.4137/bbi.s5737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in the biochemical classification and structural determination of allergens and allergen-antibody complexes has enhanced our understanding of the molecular determinants of allergenicity. Databases of allergens and their epitopes have facilitated the clustering of allergens according to their sequences and, more recently, their structures. Groups of similar sequences are identified for allergenic proteins from diverse sources, and all allergens are classified into a limited number of protein structural families. A gallery of experimental structures selected from the protein classes with the largest number of allergens demonstrate the structural diversity of the allergen universe. Further comparison of these structures and identification of areas that are different from innocuous proteins within the same protein family can be used to identify features specific to known allergens. Experimental and computational results related to the determination of IgE binding surfaces and methods to define allergen-specific motifs are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H. Schein
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Sealy Center for Vaccine Development
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology
| | - Ovidiu Ivanciuc
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Terumi Midoro-Horiuti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Sealy Center for Vaccine Development
- Child Health Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 310 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0364, USA
| | - Randall M. Goldblum
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Sealy Center for Vaccine Development
- Child Health Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 310 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0364, USA
| | - Werner Braun
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Sealy Center for Vaccine Development
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Expression, purification, cross-reactivity and homology modeling of peanut profilin. Protein Expr Purif 2010; 73:36-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Revised: 03/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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53
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Scientific Opinion on the assessment of allergenicity of GM plants and microorganisms and derived food and feed. EFSA J 2010. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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54
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Visualization of clustered IgE epitopes on α-lactalbumin. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 125:1279-1285.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Revised: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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55
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Valenta R, Ferreira F, Focke-Tejkl M, Linhart B, Niederberger V, Swoboda I, Vrtala S. From allergen genes to allergy vaccines. Annu Rev Immunol 2010; 28:211-41. [PMID: 20192803 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-030409-101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
IgE-mediated allergy is a hypersensitivity disease affecting more than 25% of the population. The structures of the most common allergens have been revealed through molecular cloning technology in the past two decades. On the basis of this knowledge of the sequences and three-dimensional structures of culprit allergens, investigators can now analyze the immune recognition of allergens and the mechanisms of allergic inflammation in allergic patients. Allergy vaccines have been constructed that are able to selectively target the aberrant immune responses in allergic patients via different pathways of the immune system. Here we review various types of allergy vaccines that have been developed based on allergen structures, results from their clinical application in allergic patients, and future strategies for allergen-specific immunotherapy and allergy prophylaxis.
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56
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Purification, characterisation, and quantification of the soy allergen profilin (Gly m 3) in soy products. Food Chem 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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57
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Rouvinen J, Jänis J, Laukkanen ML, Jylhä S, Niemi M, Päivinen T, Mäkinen-Kiljunen S, Haahtela T, Söderlund H, Takkinen K. Transient dimers of allergens. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9037. [PMID: 20140203 PMCID: PMC2816702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Allergen-mediated cross-linking of IgE antibodies bound to the FcεRI receptors on the mast cell surface is the key feature of the type I allergy. If an allergen is a homodimer, its allergenicity is enhanced because it would only need one type of antibody, instead of two, for cross-linking. Methodology/Principal Findings An analysis of 55 crystal structures of allergens showed that 80% of them exist in symmetric dimers or oligomers in crystals. The majority are transient dimers that are formed at high protein concentrations that are reached in cells by colocalization. Native mass spectrometric analysis showed that native allergens do indeed form transient dimers in solution, while hypoallergenic variants of them exist almost solely in the monomeric form. We created a monomeric Bos d 5 allergen and show that it has a reduced capability to induce histamine release. Conclusions/Significance The results suggest that dimerization would be a very common and essential feature for allergens. Thus, the preparation of purely monomeric variants of allergens could open up novel possibilities for specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha Rouvinen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland.
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58
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Abstract
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is defined as the symptoms of IgE-mediated immediate allergy localized in the oral mucosa, and the characteristics depend on the lability of the antigen. Another term used for this syndrome is pollen-food allergy (PFS); the patient is sensitized with pollen via the airways and exhibits an allergic reaction to food antigen with a structural similarity to the pollen (class 2 food allergy). In addition to PFS, latex-fruit syndrome is also well-known as the disease exhibiting OAS. In treating the condition, it must be noted that most but not all symptoms of PFS are those of OAS. In many cases, antigens become edible by heating, but some are resistant to heating. Also, since the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis is occasionally observed after the intake of cooked antigens in asymptomatic individuals, careful inquiry of the history is important in designing the treatment. Immunotherapy against the cross-reacting pollen has also been attempted in PFS.
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MESH Headings
- Allergens/immunology
- Dermatitis, Atopic/complications
- Dermatitis, Atopic/diagnosis
- Dermatitis, Atopic/immunology
- Dermatitis, Atopic/physiopathology
- Food
- Food Hypersensitivity/complications
- Food Hypersensitivity/diagnosis
- Food Hypersensitivity/immunology
- Food Hypersensitivity/physiopathology
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/complications
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/diagnosis
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/immunology
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/physiopathology
- Latex
- Medical History Taking
- Molecular Mimicry
- Mouth Mucosa/immunology
- Pollen
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/complications
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/diagnosis
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuto Kondo
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan.
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59
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Iakhiaev MA, Iakhiaev AV. Graph-theoretical comparison of protein surfaces reveals potential determinants of cross-reactivity and the molecular mimicry. Mol Immunol 2009; 47:719-25. [PMID: 19939450 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Different proteins, even without sequence similarity, still can contain similar surface regions involved in protein-protein interactions with common target. These regions can serve as structural determinants of cross-reactivity and molecular mimicry. Molecular mimicry, defined as the process in which structural properties of one molecule are simulated by the dissimilar molecules, is implicated in several biologically important processes, including autoimmune and allergic reactions, binding of some ligands to common receptor, and interactions in cell signaling. The problem of identification of the determinants of molecular mimicry is not completely solved at this time. We hypothesize that identification of structurally and chemically similar surface regions of two protein molecules capable of binding to the same target will allow us to identify sites involved in cross-reactivity including determinants of the molecular mimicry. We used a graph-theoretical approach in order to determine highly similar surface regions of two proteins with known three-dimensional structures. This approach uses a variation of Maximal Common Subgraph (MCS) isomorphism, where an association graph is constructed based on the surface-exposed residues of the two molecules and the matching regions are found based on the maximum cliques in the association graph. Testing the proposed method on the targets of autoantibody involved in antiphopholipid syndrome (APS)--beta2-GPI, PC, thrombin, factor IX, factor X, and plasmin allowed identifying potential epitopes for antibody that can inhibit coagulation proteases. Application of this method to the Activated Protein C and factor VII Gla-domains revealed surface regions involved in EPCR and plasma membrane binding, consistent with known experimental results. Analysis of major pollen allergen that can cause food allergies through cross-reactivity found known epitopes involved in cross-reactivity and also revealed additional surface regions that can complement the list of epitopes. Taken together, our results suggest that the proposed graph-theoretical approach can identify determinants of cross-reactivity and molecular mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail A Iakhiaev
- Graduate Program of the Computer Science Department, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, United States
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60
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Chen N, Qu X, Wu Y, Huang S. Regulation of actin dynamics in pollen tubes: control of actin polymer level. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2009; 51:740-750. [PMID: 19686371 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2009.00850.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Actin cytoskeleton undergoes rapid reorganization in response to internal and external cues. How the dynamics of actin cytoskeleton are regulated, and how its dynamics relate to its function are fundamental questions in plant cell biology. The pollen tube is a well characterized actin-based cell morphogenesis in plants. One of the striking features of actin cytoskeleton characterized in the pollen tube is its surprisingly low level of actin polymer. This special phenomenon might relate to the function of actin cytoskeleton in pollen tubes. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying this special phenomenon requires careful analysis of actin-binding proteins that modulate actin dynamics directly. Recent biochemical and biophysical analyses of several highly conserved plant actin-binding proteins reveal unusual and unexpected properties, which emphasizes the importance of carefully analyzing their action mechanism and cellular activity. In this review, we highlight an actin monomer sequestering protein, a barbed end capping protein and an F-actin severing and dynamizing protein in plant. We propose that these proteins function in harmony to regulate actin dynamics and maintain the low level of actin polymer in pollen tubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naizhi Chen
- Center for Signal Transduction and Metabolomics, Key Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environmental Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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61
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Food allergen protein families and their structural characteristics and application in component-resolved diagnosis: new data from the EuroPrevall project. Anal Bioanal Chem 2009; 395:25-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-009-2953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2009] [Revised: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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62
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Linking allergy to autoimmune disease. Trends Immunol 2009; 30:109-16. [PMID: 19231288 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2008.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2008] [Revised: 12/15/2008] [Accepted: 12/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Type I allergy is a classical Th2-driven hypersensitivity disease based on IgE recognition of environmental allergens. Exposure of allergic individuals to exogenous allergens leads to immediate type inflammation caused by degranulation of mast cells via IgE-allergen immune complexes and the release of inflammatory mediators, proteases and pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, allergic inflammation can occur and persist in the absence of exposure to exogenous allergens and might paradoxically resemble a Th1-mediated chronic inflammatory reaction. We summarize evidence supporting the view that autoimmune mechanisms might contribute to these processes. IgE recognition of autoantigens might augment allergic inflammation in the absence of exogenous allergen exposure. Moreover, autoantigens that activate Th1-immune responses could contribute to chronic inflammation in allergy, thus linking allergy to autoimmunity.
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63
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Padavattan S, Flicker S, Schirmer T, Madritsch C, Randow S, Reese G, Vieths S, Lupinek C, Ebner C, Valenta R, Markovic-Housley Z. High-Affinity IgE Recognition of a Conformational Epitope of the Major Respiratory Allergen Phl p 2 As Revealed by X-Ray Crystallography. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:2141-51. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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64
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Ivanciuc O, Schein CH, Garcia T, Oezguen N, Negi SS, Braun W. Structural analysis of linear and conformational epitopes of allergens. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2008; 54:S11-9. [PMID: 19121639 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2008.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2008] [Revised: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In many countries regulatory agencies have adopted safety guidelines, based on bioinformatics rules from the WHO/FAO and EFSA recommendations, to prevent potentially allergenic novel foods or agricultural products from reaching consumers. We created the Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP, http://fermi.utmb.edu/SDAP/) to combine data that had previously been available only as flat files on Web pages or in the literature. SDAP was designed to be user friendly, to be of maximum use to regulatory agencies, clinicians, as well as to scientists interested in assessing the potential allergenic risk of a protein. We developed methods, unique to SDAP, to compare the physicochemical properties of discrete areas of allergenic proteins to known IgE epitopes. We developed a new similarity measure, the property distance (PD) value that can be used to detect related segments in allergens with clinical observed cross-reactivity. We have now expanded this work to obtain experimental validation of the PD index as a quantitative predictor of IgE cross-reactivity, by designing peptide variants with predetermined PD scores relative to known IgE epitopes. In complementary work we show how sequence motifs characteristic of allergenic proteins in protein families can be used as fingerprints for allergenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu Ivanciuc
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0857, USA
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65
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Morales S, Jiménez-López JC, Castro AJ, Rodríguez-García MI, Alché JD. Olive pollen profilin (Ole e 2 allergen) co-localizes with highly active areas of the actin cytoskeleton and is released to the culture medium during in vitro pollen germination. J Microsc 2008; 231:332-41. [PMID: 18778430 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2008.02044.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pollen allergens offer a dual perspective of study: some of them are considered key proteins for pollen physiology, but they are also able to trigger allergy symptoms in susceptible humans after coming in contact with their tissues. Profilin (Ole e 2 allergen) has been characterized, to some extent, as one of the major allergens from Olea europaea L. pollen, a highly allergenic species in the Mediterranean countries. In order to obtain clues regarding the biological role of this protein, we have analyzed both its cellular localization and the organization of actin throughout pollen hydration and early pollen tube germination. The localization of the cited proteins was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy immunofluorescence using different antibodies. Upon pollen hydration and pollen germination, a massive presence of profilin was detected close to the site of pollen tube emergence, forming a ring-like structure around the 'effective' apertural region. Profilin was also detected in the pollen exine of the germinating pollen grains and in the germination medium. After using a permeabilization-enhanced protocol for immunolocalization, profilin was also localized in the cytoplasm of the pollen tube, particularly at both the proximal and apical ends. Noticeable accumulations of actin were observed in the cytoplasm of the pollen tube; particularly, in both the apical region and the area immediately close to the aperture. Actin filaments were not observed, probably due to the need of further enhanced fixation procedures. The ultrastructural localization of profilin showed the presence of the protein in the cytoplasm of both the mature pollen grain and the pollen tube. The results shown here could be interpreted as signs of a massive dissociation of the actin-profilin complexes, mobilization of actin monomers, and therefore, an intense activity of the actin cytoskeleton. The extensive release of allergenic proteins from the pollen grain into the surrounding aqueous media, as described here for profilin, may help us to understand the mechanisms by which these allergens might come in contact with the human mucosa, therefore triggering the symptoms of allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Morales
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants, Estación Experimental del Zaidin. CSIC, Profesor Albareda, 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
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66
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Ivanciuc O, Midoro-Horiuti T, Schein CH, Xie L, Hillman GR, Goldblum RM, Braun W. The property distance index PD predicts peptides that cross-react with IgE antibodies. Mol Immunol 2008; 46:873-83. [PMID: 18950868 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2008] [Accepted: 09/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Similarities in the sequence and structure of allergens can explain clinically observed cross-reactivities. Distinguishing sequences that bind IgE in patient sera can be used to identify potentially allergenic protein sequences and aid in the design of hypo-allergenic proteins. The property distance index PD, incorporated in our Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP, http://fermi.utmb.edu/SDAP/), may identify potentially cross-reactive segments of proteins, based on their similarity to known IgE epitopes. We sought to obtain experimental validation of the PD index as a quantitative predictor of IgE cross-reactivity, by designing peptide variants with predetermined PD scores relative to three linear IgE epitopes of Jun a 1, the dominant allergen from mountain cedar pollen. For each of the three epitopes, 60 peptides were designed with increasing PD values (decreasing physicochemical similarity) to the starting sequence. The peptides synthesized on a derivatized cellulose membrane were probed with sera from patients who were allergic to Jun a 1, and the experimental data were interpreted with a PD classification method. Peptides with low PD values relative to a given epitope were more likely to bind IgE from the sera than were those with PD values larger than 6. Control sequences, with PD values between 18 and 20 to all the three epitopes, did not bind patient IgE, thus validating our procedure for identifying negative control peptides. The PD index is a statistically validated method to detect discrete regions of proteins that have a high probability of cross-reacting with IgE from allergic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu Ivanciuc
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0857, United States
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67
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Engineered Alt a 13 Fragment of Alternaria alternata Abrogated IgE Binding without Affecting T-cell Stimulation. J Clin Immunol 2008; 29:63-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s10875-008-9224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2008] [Accepted: 07/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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68
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Bousquet J, Khaltaev N, Cruz AA, Denburg J, Fokkens WJ, Togias A, Zuberbier T, Baena-Cagnani CE, Canonica GW, van Weel C, Agache I, Aït-Khaled N, Bachert C, Blaiss MS, Bonini S, Boulet LP, Bousquet PJ, Camargos P, Carlsen KH, Chen Y, Custovic A, Dahl R, Demoly P, Douagui H, Durham SR, van Wijk RG, Kalayci O, Kaliner MA, Kim YY, Kowalski ML, Kuna P, Le LTT, Lemiere C, Li J, Lockey RF, Mavale-Manuel S, Meltzer EO, Mohammad Y, Mullol J, Naclerio R, O'Hehir RE, Ohta K, Ouedraogo S, Palkonen S, Papadopoulos N, Passalacqua G, Pawankar R, Popov TA, Rabe KF, Rosado-Pinto J, Scadding GK, Simons FER, Toskala E, Valovirta E, van Cauwenberge P, Wang DY, Wickman M, Yawn BP, Yorgancioglu A, Yusuf OM, Zar H, Annesi-Maesano I, Bateman ED, Ben Kheder A, Boakye DA, Bouchard J, Burney P, Busse WW, Chan-Yeung M, Chavannes NH, Chuchalin A, Dolen WK, Emuzyte R, Grouse L, Humbert M, Jackson C, Johnston SL, Keith PK, Kemp JP, Klossek JM, Larenas-Linnemann D, Lipworth B, Malo JL, Marshall GD, Naspitz C, Nekam K, Niggemann B, Nizankowska-Mogilnicka E, Okamoto Y, Orru MP, Potter P, Price D, Stoloff SW, Vandenplas O, Viegi G, Williams D. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2008 update (in collaboration with the World Health Organization, GA(2)LEN and AllerGen). Allergy 2008; 63 Suppl 86:8-160. [PMID: 18331513 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01620.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3035] [Impact Index Per Article: 189.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Asthma/epidemiology
- Asthma/etiology
- Asthma/therapy
- Child
- Global Health
- Humans
- Prevalence
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/complications
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/diagnosis
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/epidemiology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/complications
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/diagnosis
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/therapy
- Risk Factors
- World Health Organization
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bousquet
- University Hospital and INSERM, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
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69
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Westritschnig K, Linhart B, Focke-Tejkl M, Pavkov T, Keller W, Ball T, Mari A, Hartl A, Stöcklinger A, Scheiblhofer S, Thalhamer J, Ferreira F, Vieths S, Vogel L, Böhm A, Valent P, Valenta R. A hypoallergenic vaccine obtained by tail-to-head restructuring of timothy grass pollen profilin, Phl p 12, for the treatment of cross-sensitization to profilin. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 179:7624-34. [PMID: 18025208 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.11.7624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Profilins are highly cross-reactive allergens in pollens and plant food. In a paradigmatic approach, the cDNA coding for timothy grass pollen profilin, Phl p 12, was used as a template to develop a new strategy for engineering an allergy vaccine with low IgE reactivity. Non-IgE-reactive fragments of Phl p 12 were identified by synthetic peptide chemistry and restructured (rs) as a new molecule, Phl p 12-rs. It comprised the C terminus of Phl p 12 at its N terminus and the Phl p 12 N terminus at its C terminus. Phl p 12-rs was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Determination of secondary structure by circular dichroism indicated that the restructuring process had reduced the IgE-reactive alpha-helical contents of the protein but retained its beta-sheet conformation. Phl p 12-rs exhibited reduced IgE binding capacity and allergenic activity but preserved T cell reactivity in allergic patients. IgG Abs induced by immunization of mice and rabbits with Phl p 12-rs cross-reacted with pollen and food-derived profilins. Recombinant Phl p 12-rs, rPhl p 12-rs, induced less reaginic IgE to the wild-type allergen than rPhl p 12. However, the rPhl p 12-rs-induced IgGs inhibited allergic patients' IgE Ab binding to profilins to a similar degree as those induced by immunization with the wild type. Phl p 12-rs specific IgG inhibited profilin-induced basophil degranulation. In conclusion, a restructured recombinant vaccine was developed for the treatment of profilin-allergic patients. The strategy of tail-to-head reassembly of hypoallergenic allergen fragments within one molecule represents a generally applicable strategy for the generation of allergy vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Westritschnig
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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70
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Liu Q, Guo Z. Molecular cloning and characterization of a profilin gene BnPFN from Brassica nigra that expressing in a pollen-specific manner. Mol Biol Rep 2007; 36:135-9. [PMID: 17932787 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-007-9161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2007] [Accepted: 10/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Brassica nigra is a newly found invasive species in Zhejiang Province, China. It distributes alongside the roads, in vegetable fields and on riversides. When it blooms, some natives there will suffer from allergic rhinitis. We designed gene-specific primer pairs according to reported profilin genes and successfully isolated their homolog from flower bud cDNA of B. nigra. The gene, designated BnPFN, was submitted to GenBank under accession number EU004073. BnPFN was 405 bp in length encoding 134 amino acids. Expression analysis of BnPFN gene was carried out by means of RT-PCR. The results showed that BnPFN express only in anthers and pollens, and there was no detection in roots, leaves, stems, sepals, petals and pistils. We suggest that BnPFN is a pollen-specific gene and may be responsible for pollen anaphylactic reactions in those invading areas when B. nigra blooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinge Liu
- Department of Biology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, People's Republic of China.
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71
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López-Torrejón G, Díaz-Perales A, Rodríguez J, Sánchez-Monge R, Crespo JF, Salcedo G, Pacios LF. An experimental and modeling-based approach to locate IgE epitopes of plant profilin allergens. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007; 119:1481-8. [PMID: 17397911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2007] [Revised: 01/30/2007] [Accepted: 02/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant profilins are actin-binding proteins that form a well-known panallergen family responsible for cross-sensitization between plant foods and pollens. Melon profilin, Cuc m 2, is the major allergen of this fruit. OBJECTIVE We sought to map IgE epitopes on the 3-dimensional structure of Cuc m 2. METHODS IgE binding to synthetic peptides spanning the full Cuc m 2 amino acid sequence was assayed by using a serum pool and individual sera from 10 patients with melon allergy with significant specific IgE levels to this allergen. Three-dimensional modeling and potential epitope location were based on analysis of both solvent exposure and electrostatic properties of the Cuc m 2 surface. RESULTS Residues included in synthetic peptides that exerted the strongest IgE-binding capacity defined 2 major epitopes (E1, consisting of residues 66-75 and 81-93, and E2, consisting of residues 95-99 and 122-131) that partially overlapped with the actin-binding site of Cuc m 2. Two additional epitopes (E3, including residues 2-10, and E4, including residues 35-45) that should show weaker putative antigen-antibody associations and shared most residues with synthetic peptides with low IgE-binding capacity were predicted on theoretical grounds. CONCLUSIONS Strong and weak IgE epitopes have been uncovered in melon profilin, Cuc m 2. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The different types of IgE epitopes located in the 3-dimensional structure of melon profilin can constitute the molecular basis to explain the sensitization and cross-reactivity exhibited by this panallergen family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema López-Torrejón
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Departamento de Biotecnología, E. T. S. Ingenieros Agrónomos, Madrid, Spain
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72
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Radauer C, Willerroider M, Fuchs H, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K, Thalhamer J, Ferreira F, Scheiner O, Breiteneder H. Cross-reactive and species-specific immunoglobulin E epitopes of plant profilins: an experimental and structure-based analysis. Clin Exp Allergy 2007; 36:920-9. [PMID: 16839408 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02521.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Profilins are cross-reactive plant allergens responsible for multiple pollen sensitization and pollen-associated food allergy. While it is assumed that profilins from different species are immunologically equivalent, some studies suggest partial or even lacking IgE cross-reactivity between certain profilins. OBJECTIVE We aimed to obtain a semi-quantitative assessment of the contributions of conserved and species-specific epitopes to IgE binding of plant profilins. METHODS We compared model structures of profilins from timothy, mugwort, celery and bell pepper with crystal structures of birch and latex profilins. We predicted potential conformational epitopes that consisted of contiguous patches of at least 20% surface-exposed residues. Celery and timothy profilins were purified from their natural sources, and profilins from birch, mugwort, bell pepper and latex were expressed in Escherichia coli. The structural integrity of all purified proteins was confirmed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. IgE ELISAs and ELISA inhibitions using sera from 22 profilin-sensitized allergic patients were carried out. RESULTS Peptide backbone conformations of all six profilins were highly similar. Nine variable epitopes and two containing high proportions of conserved residues were predicted. IgE from all sera bound to all tested profilins and the amounts were highly correlated. However, IgE inhibition experiments revealed that up to 60% of total IgE binding was mediated by species-specific epitopes. The extent of cross-reactivity among profilins from timothy, birch, latex and celery was greater than cross-reactivity to mugwort and bell pepper profilins. This pattern was mirrored by sequence similarities among one of the predicted variable epitopes. Patients with IgE to cross-reactive epitopes displayed allergic reactions to a greater number of plant foods than patients having IgE directed to species-specific epitopes. CONCLUSION The large extent of cross-reactivity among plant profilins justifies using a single profilin for diagnosis. However, the fine specificity of IgE directed to variable epitopes may influence the clinical manifestation of profilin sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Radauer
- Department of Pathophysiology, Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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73
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Paavilainen VO, Hellman M, Helfer E, Bovellan M, Annila A, Carlier MF, Permi P, Lappalainen P. Structural basis and evolutionary origin of actin filament capping by twinfilin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:3113-8. [PMID: 17360616 PMCID: PMC1805582 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0608725104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is essential for motile and morphological processes in all eukaryotic cells. One highly conserved protein that regulates actin dynamics is twinfilin, which both sequesters actin monomers and caps actin filament barbed ends. Twinfilin is composed of two ADF/cofilin-like domains, Twf-N and Twf-C. Here, we reveal by systematic domain-swapping/inactivation analysis that the two functional ADF-H domains of twinfilin are required for barbed-end capping and that Twf-C plays a critical role in this process. However, these domains are not functionally equivalent. NMR-structure and mutagenesis analyses, together with biochemical and motility assays showed that Twf-C, in addition to its binding to G-actin, interacts with the sides of actin filaments like ADF/cofilins, whereas Twf-N binds only G-actin. Our results indicate that during filament barbed-end capping, Twf-N interacts with the terminal actin subunit, whereas Twf-C binds between two adjacent subunits at the side of the filament. Thus, the domain requirement for actin filament capping by twinfilin is remarkably similar to that of gelsolin family proteins, suggesting the existence of a general barbed-end capping mechanism. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a synthetic protein consisting of duplicated ADF/cofilin domains caps actin filament barbed ends, providing evidence that the barbed-end capping activity of twinfilin arose through a duplication of an ancient ADF/cofilin-like domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville O. Paavilainen
- Programs in *Cellular Biotechnology and
- Cytoskeleton Dynamics and Motility, Laboratoire d'Enzymologie et Biochimie Structurale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 91118 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Maarit Hellman
- Structural Biology and Biophysics, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland; and
| | - Emmanuèle Helfer
- Cytoskeleton Dynamics and Motility, Laboratoire d'Enzymologie et Biochimie Structurale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 91118 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Arto Annila
- Structural Biology and Biophysics, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland; and
| | - Marie-France Carlier
- Cytoskeleton Dynamics and Motility, Laboratoire d'Enzymologie et Biochimie Structurale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 91118 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Perttu Permi
- Structural Biology and Biophysics, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland; and
- To whom correspondence may be addressed at: Institute of Biotechnology, P.O. Box 56, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland. E-mail: or
| | - Pekka Lappalainen
- Programs in *Cellular Biotechnology and
- To whom correspondence may be addressed at: Institute of Biotechnology, P.O. Box 56, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland. E-mail: or
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Schein CH, Ivanciuc O, Braun W. Bioinformatics approaches to classifying allergens and predicting cross-reactivity. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2007; 27:1-27. [PMID: 17276876 PMCID: PMC1941676 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2006.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Allergenic proteins from very different environmental sources have similar sequences and structures. This fact may account for multiple allergen syndromes, whereby a myriad of diverse plants and foods may induce a similar IgE-based reaction in certain patients. Identifying the common triggering protein in these sources, in silico, can aid designing individualized therapy for allergen sufferers. This article provides an overview of databases on allergenic proteins, and ways to identify common proteins that may be the cause of multiple allergy syndromes. The major emphasis is on the relational Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP []), which includes cross-referenced data on the sequence, structure, and IgE epitopes of over 800 allergenic proteins, coupled with specially developed bioinformatics tools to group all allergens and identify discrete areas that may account for cross-reactivity. SDAP is freely available on the Web to clinicians and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H. Schein
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston TX 77555-0857
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston TX 77555-0857
| | - Ovidiu Ivanciuc
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston TX 77555-0857
| | - Werner Braun
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston TX 77555-0857
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Abstract
Profilins are small proteins involved in actin dynamics. In accordance with this function, they are found in all eukaryotes and are structurally highly conserved. However, their precise role in regulating actin-related functions is just beginning to emerge. This article recapitulates the wealth of information on structure, expression and functions accumulated on profilins from many different organisms in the 30 years after their discovery as actin-binding proteins. Emphasis is given to their interaction with a plethora of many different ligands in the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus, which is considered the basis for their various activities and the significance of the tissue-specific expression of profilin isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Jockusch
- Cell Biology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38092 Braunschweig, Germany.
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76
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Borges JP, Barre A, Culerrier R, Archimbaud N, Didier A, Rougé P. How reliable is the structural prediction of IgE-binding epitopes of allergens? The case study of plant lipid transfer proteins. Biochimie 2007; 89:83-91. [PMID: 17059861 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2006.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2006] [Accepted: 09/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The linear IgE-binding epitopes of non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTP) from plants were predicted using a combination of predictive tools including (1) the hydropathic profiles based on different scales of hydrophilicity, flexibility and exposure to the solvent, (2) the hydrophobic cluster analysis plots, (3) the occurrence of charged residues in the predicted amino acid sequence stretches and, (4) the exposition of the predicted linear IgE-binding epitopes checked on the three-dimensional models built for the nsLTP. A reliable prediction was obtained for nsLTP as compared with the previously characterized IgE-binding epitopes of various proteins. A consensual IgE-binding epitope occurring in other plant nsLTP and responsible for some IgE-binding cross-reactivity among fruit nsLTP has been identified and characterized. Despite some discrepancies, a fairly good prediction resulted in applying our combination of predictive methods to longer nsLTP or plant profilins.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antigens, Plant/chemistry
- Antigens, Plant/genetics
- Antigens, Plant/immunology
- Blotting, Western
- Carrier Proteins/chemistry
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/immunology
- Cluster Analysis
- Conserved Sequence
- Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin E/immunology
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Plant Proteins/chemistry
- Plant Proteins/genetics
- Plant Proteins/immunology
- Protein Structure, Quaternary
- Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Borges
- UMR-CNRS 5546, Pôle de Biotechnologie végétale, 24 Chemin de Borde Rouge, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
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ASTURIAS JA, ARILLA MC, GOMEZ-BAYON N, MARTINEZ J, MARTINEZ A, PALACIOS R. Cloning and high level expression of Cynodon dactylon
(Bermuda grass) pollen profilin (Cyn d 12) in Escherichia coli:
purification and characterization of the allergen. Clin Exp Allergy 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.1997.tb01176.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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78
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Rauter I, Krauth MT, Flicker S, Gieras A, Westritschnig K, Vrtala S, Balic N, Spitzauer S, Huss-Marp J, Brockow K, Darsow U, Ring J, Behrendt H, Semper H, Valent P, Valenta R. Allergen cleavage by effector cell-derived proteases regulates allergic inflammation. FASEB J 2006; 20:967-9. [PMID: 16585063 DOI: 10.1096/fj.05-3999fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The key event of allergic inflammation, allergen-induced crosslinking of mast cell-bound IgE antibodies, is accompanied by release of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and proteases, in particular beta-tryptase. We provide evidence that protease-mediated cleavage of allergens represents a mechanism that regulates allergen-induced mast cell activation. When used in molar ratios as they occur in vivo, purified beta-tryptase cleaved major grass and birch pollen allergens, resulting in defined peptide fragments as mapped by mass spectrometry. Tryptase-cleaved allergens showed reduced IgE reactivity and allergenic activity. The biological relevance is demonstrated by the fact that lysates from activated human mast cells containing tryptase levels as they occur in vivo cleaved allergens. Additionally, protamine, an inhibitor of heparin-dependent effector cell proteases, augmented allergen-induced release of mediators from effector cells. Protease-mediated allergen cleavage may represent an important mechanism for terminating allergen-induced effector cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Rauter
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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79
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80
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López-Torrejón G, Crespo JF, Sánchez-Monge R, Sánchez-Jiménez M, Alvarez J, Rodriguez J, Salcedo G. Allergenic reactivity of the melon profilin Cuc m 2 and its identification as major allergen. Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 35:1065-72. [PMID: 16120089 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02303.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melon allergy is commonly associated with oral allergy syndrome (OAS) and with hypersensitivity to pollens and other plant foods. No melon allergen responsible for these clinical characteristics has yet been isolated, although profilin has been proposed as a potential target. OBJECTIVE To isolate natural and recombinant melon profilin, to evaluate its in vivo and in vitro reactivity, and to analyse its behaviour in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and heat treatments. METHODS A pool or individual sera from 23 patients, and an additional group of 10 patients, all of them with melon allergy, were analysed by in vitro and in vivo tests, respectively. Natural melon profilin (nCuc m 2) and its recombinant counterpart (rCuc m 2) were isolated by poly-l-proline affinity chromatography, and characterized by N-terminal amino acid sequencing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization analysis, DNA sequencing of cDNAs encoding rCuc m 2, and immunodetection with anti-profilin antibodies. In vitro analysis included IgE immunodetection, specific IgE determination, ELISA-inhibition assays, and histamine release (HR) tests. In vivo activity of nCuc m 2 was established by skin prick testing (SPT). The effect of SGF and heat treatment on rCuc m 2 was followed by immunodetection, ELISA inhibition, and HR assays. RESULTS Both purified forms of melon profilin were recognized by rabbit anti-profilin antibodies and IgE of sera from allergic patients, and showed molecular sizes typical of the profilin family. nCuc m 2 had a blocked N-terminus, whereas rCuc m 2 rendered the expected N-terminal amino acid sequence, its full protein sequence being highly similar (98--71% identity) to those of profilins from plant foods and pollens. The natural allergen displayed a slightly higher IgE-binding capacity than its recombinant counterpart. Specific IgE to nCuc m 2 and rCuc m 2 was found in 100% and 78% of the 23 individual sera analysed, respectively. nCuc m 2 evoked positive SPT responses in all (10/10) patients tested, and rCuc m 2 induced HR in two out of three sera assayed. SGF treatment readily inactivated rCuc m 2, as shown by its loss of recognition by anti-profilin antibodies, lack of IgE binding, and inability to induce HR. In contrast, heat treatment did not affect the IgE-binding capacity of rCuc m 2. CONCLUSIONS Profilin is highly prevalent in melon-allergic patients, and promptly inactivated by SGF, as expected for an allergen mainly linked to OAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- G López-Torrejón
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Departamento de Biotecnología, E.T.S. Ingenieros Agrónomos, Madrid, Spain.
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81
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Schöll I, Kalkura N, Shedziankova Y, Bergmann A, Verdino P, Knittelfelder R, Kopp T, Hantusch B, Betzel C, Dierks K, Scheiner O, Boltz-Nitulescu G, Keller W, Jensen-Jarolim E. Dimerization of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 is important for its in vivo IgE-cross-linking potential in mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 175:6645-50. [PMID: 16272319 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.10.6645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In type I allergy, the cross-linking of membrane IgE on B lymphocytes and of cytophilic IgE on effector cells by their respective allergens are key events. For cross-linking two IgE molecules, allergens need at least two epitopes. On large molecules, these could be different epitopes in a multivalent, or identical epitopes in a symmetrical, fashion. However, the availability of epitopes may be limited on small allergens such as Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen. The present work analyzes whether dimerization is required for the cross-linking capacity of this allergen. In immunoblots, murine monoclonal and polyclonal human Bet v 1-specific Abs detected, besides a Bet v 1 monomer of 17 kDa, a dimer of 34 kDa. In dynamic light scattering, Bet v 1 appeared as dimers and even multimers, but a single condition could be defined where it behaved exclusively monomerically. Small-angle x-ray scattering of the monomeric and dimeric samples resulted in diagrams agreeing with the calculated models. Circular dichroism measurements indicated that the structure of Bet v 1 was preserved under monomeric conditions. Skin tests in Bet v 1-allergic mice were positive with Bet v 1 dimer, but remained negative using the monomer. Furthermore, in contrast to dimeric Bet v 1, the monomer was less capable of activating murine memory B cells for IgE production in vivo. Our data indicate that the presentation of two identical epitopes by dimerized allergens is a precondition for cross-linking of IgE on mast cells and B lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Schöll
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Vienna, Austria
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82
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Schein CH, Ivanciuc O, Braun W. Common physical-chemical properties correlate with similar structure of the IgE epitopes of peanut allergens. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2005; 53:8752-9. [PMID: 16248581 DOI: 10.1021/jf051148a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although many sequences and linear IgE epitopes of allergenic proteins have been identified and archived in databases, structural and physicochemical discriminators that define their specific properties are lacking. Current bioinformatics tools for predicting the potential allergenicity of a novel protein use methods that were not designed to compare peptides. Novel tools to determine the quantitative sequence and three-dimensional (3D) relationships between IgE epitopes of major allergens from peanut and other foods have been implemented in the Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP; http://fermi.utmb.edu/SDAP/). These peptide comparison tools are based on five-dimensional physicochemical property (PCP) vectors. Sequences from SDAP proteins similar in their physicochemical properties to known epitopes of Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 were identified by calculating property distance (PD) values. A 3D model of Ara h 1 was generated to visualize the 3D structure and surface exposure of the epitope regions and peptides with a low PD value to them. Many sequences similar to the known epitopes were identified in related nut allergens, and others were within the sequences of Ara h 1 and Ara h 2. Some of the sequences with low PD values correspond to other known epitopes. Regions with low PD values to one another in Ara h 1 had similar predicted structure, on opposite sides of the internal dimer axis. The PD scale detected epitope pairs that are similar in structure and/or reactivity with patient IgE. The high immunogenicity and IgE reactivity of peanut allergen proteins might be due to the proteins' arrays of similar antigenic regions on opposite sides of a single protein structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H Schein
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology, Department of Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0857, USA.
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83
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Tao AL, He SH. Cloning, expression, and characterization of pollen allergens from Humulus scandens (Lour) Merr and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2005; 26:1225-32. [PMID: 16174439 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2005.00194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To clone the pollen allergen genes in Humulus scandens (Lour) Merr (LvCao in Chinese) and short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L) for recombinant allergen production and immunotherapy. METHODS The allergen genes were selectively amplified in the weed pollen cDNA pool by using a special PCR profile, with the primers designed by a modeling procedure. Following truncated gene cloning and confirmation of the pollen source, unknown 3'cDNA ends were identified by using the 3'-RACE method. The gene function conferred by the full-length coding region was evaluated by a homologue search in the GenBank database. Recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli pET-44 RosettaBlue cells were subsequently characterized by N-terminal end sequencing, IgE binding, and cross-reactivity. RESULTS Three full-length cDNAs were obtained in each weed. Multiple alignment analysis revealed that the deduced amino acid sequences were 83% identical to each other and 56%-90% identical to panallergen profilins from other species. Five recombinant proteins were abundantly expressed in non-fusion forms and were confirmed by using the N-terminal end sequence identity. Sera from patients who were allergic to A artemisiifolia reacted not only with rAmb a 8(D03) derived from A artemisiifolia, but also with recombinant protein rHum s 1(LCM9) derived from H scandens, which confirmed the allergenicity and cross-reactivity of the recombinant proteins from the 2 sources. Comparison of the degenerate primers used for truncated gene cloning with the full-length cDNA demonstrated that alternative nucleotide degeneracy occurred. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a useful method for cloning homologous allergen genes across different species, particularly for little-studied species. The recombinant allergens obtained might be useful for the immunotherapeutic treatment of H scandens and/or A artemisiifolia pollen allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-lin Tao
- Allergy and Inflammation Research Institute, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515031, China
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Sankian M, Varasteh A, Pazouki N, Mahmoudi M. Sequence homology: a poor predictive value for profilins cross-reactivity. Clin Mol Allergy 2005; 3:13. [PMID: 16153305 PMCID: PMC1253521 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7961-3-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2005] [Accepted: 09/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Profilins are highly cross-reactive allergens which bind IgE antibodies of almost 20% of plant-allergic patients. This study is aimed at investigating cross-reactivity of melon profilin with other plant profilins and the role of the linear and conformational epitopes in human IgE cross-reactivity. METHODS Seventeen patients with melon allergy were selected based on clinical history and a positive skin prick test to melon extract. Melon profilin has been cloned and expressed in E. coli. The IgE binding and cross-reactivity of the recombinant profilin were measured by ELISA and inhibition ELISA. The amino acid sequence of melon profilin was compared with other profilin sequences. A combination of chemical cleavage and immunoblotting techniques were used to define the role of conformational and linear epitopes in IgE binding. Comparative modeling was used to construct three-dimensional models of profilins and to assess theoretical impact of amino acid differences on conformational structure. RESULTS Profilin was identified as a major IgE-binding component of melon. Alignment of amino acid sequences of melon profilin with other profilins showed the most identity with watermelon profilin. This melon profilin showed substantial cross-reactivity with the tomato, peach, grape and Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) pollen profilins. Cantaloupe, watermelon, banana and Poa pratensis (Kentucky blue grass) displayed no notable inhibition. Our experiments also indicated human IgE only react with complete melon profilin. Immunoblotting analysis with rabbit polyclonal antibody shows the reaction of the antibody to the fragmented and complete melon profilin. Although, the well-known linear epitope of profilins were identical in melon and watermelon, comparison of three-dimensional models of watermelon and melon profilins indicated amino acid differences influence the electric potential and accessibility of the solvent-accessible surface of profilins that may markedly affect conformational epitopes. CONCLUSION Human IgE reactivity to melon profilin strongly depends on the highly conserved conformational structure, rather than a high degree of amino acid sequence identity or even linear epitopes identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Sankian
- Immunobiochemistry Lab, Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Varasteh
- Immunobiochemistry Lab, Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nazanin Pazouki
- Immunobiochemistry Lab, Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mahmoudi
- Molecular biology Lab, Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran
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Mittermann I, Voronin V, Heberle-Bors E, Valenta R. Identification of a villin-related tobacco protein as a novel cross-reactive plant allergen. FEBS Lett 2005; 579:3807-13. [PMID: 15978584 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.05.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2005] [Revised: 05/10/2005] [Accepted: 05/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a paradigmatic approach we identified cross-reactive plant allergens for allergy diagnosis and treatment by screening of a tobacco leaf complementary DNA (cDNA) library with serum IgE from a polysensitized allergic patient. Two IgE-reactive cDNA clones were isolated which code for proteins with significant sequence similarity to the actin-binding protein, villin. Northern- and Western-blotting demonstrate expression of the villin-related allergens in pollen and somatic plant tissues. In addition, villin-related proteins were detected in several plant allergen sources (tree-, grass-, weed pollen, fruits, vegetables, nuts). A recombinant C-terminal fragment of the villin-related protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and shown to react specifically with allergic patients IgE. After profilin, villin-related proteins represent another family of cytoskeletal proteins, which has been identified as cross-reactive plant allergens. They may be used for the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from multivalent plant allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Mittermann
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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86
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Overview of the most commonly used methods in allergen characterization. JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2005. [DOI: 10.2298/jsc0503347c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The characterization of an allergen is a troublesome and difficult process, as it requires both the precise biochemical characterization of a (glyco)protein molecule and the establishment of its susceptibility to IgE antibodies, as they are the main link to histamine release in some hypersensitivity states (type I allergies). As the characterization of an allergen includes molecular weight determination of the allergenic molecule, its structure determination, physicochemical properties, IgE binding properties of the allergen molecule, and its allergenicity, an overall review of which biochemical and immunochemical methods are used in achieving this goal are presented in this paper. The information on the molecular level on the structures of allergens indicates that allergens are considerably heterogeneous protein structures, and that there is no particular aminoacid sequence which is responsible for the allergenicity. Therefore, information gained from detailed structural, functional and immunochemical studies of these intriguing molecules, which nowadays modulate a variety of pathophysiological conditions, would greatly improve our understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms, and the way to handle them.
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87
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Mothes N, Horak F, Valenta R. Transition from a Botanical to a Molecular Classification in Tree Pollen Allergy: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapy. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2004; 135:357-73. [PMID: 15583457 DOI: 10.1159/000082332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tree pollens are among the most important allergen sources. Allergic cross-reactivity to pollens of trees from various plant orders has so far been classified according to botanical relationships. In this context, cross-reactivities to pollens of trees of the Fagales order (birch, alder, hazel, hornbeam, oak, chestnut), fruits and vegetables, between pollens of the Scrophulariales (olive, ash, plantain, privet, lilac) and pollens of the Coniferales (cedar, cypress, pine) are well established. The application of molecular biology methods for allergen characterization has revealed the molecular nature of many important tree pollen allergens. We review the spectrum of tree pollen allergens and propose a classification of tree pollen and related allergies based on major allergen molecules instead of botanical relationships among the allergenic sources. This molecular classification suggests the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1 as a marker for Fagales pollen and related plant food allergies, the major olive pollen allergen, Ole e 1, as a possible marker for Scrophulariales pollen allergy and the cedar allergens, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, as potential markers for allergy to Coniferales pollens. We exemplify for Fagales pollen allergy and Bet v 1 that major marker allergens are diagnostic tools to determine the disease-eliciting allergen source. Information obtained by diagnostic testing with marker allergens will be important for the appropriate selection of patients for allergen-specific forms of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mothes
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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88
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Lai HY, Tam MF, Chou H, Lee SS, Tai HY, Shen HD. Molecular and structural analysis of immunoglobulin E-binding epitopes of Pen ch 13, an alkaline serine protease major allergen from Penicillium chrysogenum. Clin Exp Allergy 2004; 34:1926-33. [PMID: 15663570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.02115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Through proteomic and genomic approaches we have previously identified and characterized an alkaline serine protease that is a major allergen (88% frequency of IgE binding) of Penicillium chrysogenum (Pen ch 13). OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to identify the linear IgE-binding epitopes of Pen ch 13. METHODS IgE-binding regions were identified by dot-blot immunoassay using 11 phage-displayed peptide fragments spanning the whole molecule of Pen ch 13. The minimal epitope requirements for IgE binding were further defined with overlapping peptides synthesized on derivatized cellulose membranes using SPOTs technology. The critical residues on the immunodominant epitopes were mapped through site-directed mutagenesis. The locations of the IgE epitopes identified were correlated with a three-dimensional structure of Pen ch 13. RESULTS IgE antibodies in 35 serum samples reacted with at least one of the 11 peptide fragments of Pen ch 13. Peptide f-2n (residues 31-61) showed a high-intensity and the highest frequency (77%) of IgE binding. The frequencies of IgE binding to peptide f-4 (residues 93-133), f-1 (residues 1-37) and f-7 (residues 168-206) were 51%, 34% and 31%, respectively. SPOTs assay narrowed down the region of IgE binding of f-2n to residues 48-55 (GHADFGGR). Three, two and one epitope(s) that are four to nine amino acids in length, within f-4, f-1 and f-7, respectively, were found. Site-directed mutagenesis of Pen ch 13 revealed that substitution of His49 and/or Phe52 on Pen ch 13 with methionine resulted in proteins with drastic loss of IgE binding in seven sera tested. Proteins with amino acid replacements at residues 15-18 (RISS), or at residues 112 (I) and 116 (D) have lower IgE-binding reactivity in one of the two patient's sera tested. Substituting residues 117 (W), 119 (V) and 120 (K) also block most of the IgE binding in one of the two patient's sera tested. In addition, replacing residues 203 (V) and 204 (D) along with a deletion at residue 206 (Y) diminished the IgE binding in two serum samples tested. A model was constructed based on the structure of P. cyclopium subtilisin protease that has >90% (256 out of 283 amino acids) sequence identity with Pen ch 13. The major epitope (GHADFGGR) on Pen ch 13 formed a loop-like structure and was located at the surface of the allergen. CONCLUSIONS Several linear IgE-reactive epitopes and their critical core amino acid residues were identified for the Pen ch 13 allergen. The major linear IgE-binding epitope, 48GHADFGGR55, formed a loop-like structure at the surface of the allergen. Substitution of His49 and/or Phe52 with methionine significantly reduced IgE-binding to Pen ch 13. Mapping of these results on a 3D model of the allergen provides valuable information about the molecular basis of allergenicity for Pen ch 13 and for designing specific immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-Y Lai
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
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89
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Limmongkon A, Giuliani C, Valenta R, Mittermann I, Heberle-Bors E, Wilson C. MAP kinase phosphorylation of plant profilin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 324:382-6. [PMID: 15465030 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.09.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2004] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Profilin is a small actin-binding protein and is expressed at high levels in mature pollen where it is thought to regulate actin filament dynamics upon pollen germination and tube growth. The majority of identified plant profilins contain a MAP kinase phosphorylation motif, P-X-T-P, and a MAP kinase interaction motif (KIM). In in vitro kinase assays, the tobacco MAP kinases p45(Ntf4) and SIPK, when activated by the tobacco MAP kinase kinase NtMEK2, can phosphorylate the tobacco profilin NtProf2. Mutagenesis of the threonine residue in this motif identified it as the site of MAP kinase phosphorylation. Fractionation of tobacco pollen extracts showed that p45(Ntf4) is found exclusively in the high-speed pellet fraction while SIPK and profilin are predominantly cytosolic. These data identify one of the first substrates to be directly phosphorylated by MAP kinases in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apinun Limmongkon
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University Departments at the Vienna Biocenter, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
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90
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Mittermann I, Aichberger KJ, Bünder R, Mothes N, Renz H, Valenta R. Autoimmunity and atopic dermatitis. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2004; 4:367-71. [PMID: 15349035 DOI: 10.1097/00130832-200410000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW It has been demonstrated that a considerable percentage of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis mount IgE autoantibodies against a broad variety of human proteins. This review summarizes evidence for autoimmune mechanisms in atopic dermatitis and suggests novel pathomechanisms that may be involved in this disease. RECENT FINDINGS It has been shown that patients suffering from atopic dermatitis exhibit IgE autoreactivity to human proteins. These autoantigens are expressed in a variety of cell and tissue types. Complementary DNAs coding for IgE autoantigens have been identified, cloned and characterized at the molecular level. Using purified recombinant IgE autoantigens, it has been shown in paradigmatic models that IgE autoimmunity may be a pathogenetic mechanism in atopic dermatitis. Moreover, it has been shown that the levels of IgE autoantibodies are associated with severity of disease. SUMMARY Patients suffering from severe manifestations of atopy mount IgE autoantibodies against a variety of human proteins. The levels of IgE autoantibodies correspond with disease severity. Several mechanisms of IgE autoimmunity may contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Mittermann
- Department of Pathophysiology, Division of Immunopathology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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91
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Drøbak BK, Franklin-Tong VE, Staiger CJ. The role of the actin cytoskeleton in plant cell signaling. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2004; 163:13-30. [PMID: 33873778 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01076.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The plant actin cytoskeleton provides a dynamic cellular component which is involved in the maintenance of cell shape and structure. It has been demonstrated recently that the actin cytoskeleton and its associated elements provide a key target in many signaling events. In addition to acting as a target, the actin cytoskeleton can also act as a transducer of signal information. In this review we describe some newly discovered aspects of the roles of the actin cytoskeleton in plant cell signaling. In addition to a summary of the roles played by actin-binding proteins, we also briefly review the progress made in understanding how the actin cytoskeleton participates in the self-incompatibility response in pollen tubes. Finally, the emerging importance of the actin cytoskeleton in the perception and responses to stimuli such as gravity, touch and cold stress exposure are discussed. Contents I. Introduction - the actin cytoskeleton 13 II. Actin-binding proteins 14 III. The actin cytoskeleton as a target and mediator of plant cell signaling 20 IV. Summary and conclusion 25 References 25 Acknowledgements 25.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Drøbak
- Cell Signaling Group, Department of Disease and Stress Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - V E Franklin-Tong
- School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - C J Staiger
- Purdue Motility Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 333 Hansen Life Sciences Building, 201 S. University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2064, USA
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92
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Reyes-López CA, Hernández-Santoyo A, Pedraza-Escalona M, Mendoza G, Hernández-Arana A, Rodríguez-Romero A. Insights into a conformational epitope of Hev b 6.02 (hevein). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 314:123-30. [PMID: 14715255 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.12.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Hevein (Hev b 6.02) is a major IgE-binding allergen in natural rubber latex and manufactured products. Both tryptophans (Trp(21) and Trp(23)) of the hevein molecule were chemically modified with BNPS-skatole (2-nitrophenylsulfenyl-3-methyl-3(')-bromoindolenine); derivatized allergen failed to significantly inhibit binding of serum IgE in ELISA assays. Similarly, skin prick tests showed that hevein-positive patients gave no response with the modified allergen. Dot blot experiments carried out with anti-hevein mono- and polyclonal antibodies confirmed the importance of Trp(21) and Trp(23) for antibody-recognition, and demonstrated the specific cross-reactivity of other molecules containing hevein-like domains. We also report the structure of Hev b 6.02 at an extended resolution (1.5A) and compare its surface properties around Trp residues with those of similar regions in other allergens. Overall our results indicate that the central part of the protein, which comprises three aromatic and other acidic and polar residues, constitutes a conformational epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- César A Reyes-López
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Cd. Universitaria, 04510, Coyoacán México, DF, Mexico
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93
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Abstract
A large number of allergenic proteins have now their complete cDNA sequences determined and in some cases also the 3D structures. It turned out that most allergens could be grouped into a small number of structural protein families, regardless of their biological source. Structural similarity among proteins from diverse sources is the molecular basis of allergic cross-reactivity. The clinical relevance of immunoglobulin E (IgE) cross-reactivity seems to be influenced by a number of factors including the immune response against the allergen, exposure and the allergen. As individuals are exposed to a variable number of allergenic sources bearing homologous molecules, the exact nature of the antigenic structure inducing the primary IgE immune response cannot be easily defined. In general, the 'cross-reactivity' term should be limited to defined clinical manifestations showing reactivity to a source without previous exposure. 'Co-recognition', including by definition 'cross-reactivity', could be used to describe the large majority of the IgE reactivity where co-exposure to a number of sources bearing homologous molecules do not allow unequivocal identification of the sensitizing molecule. The analysis of reactivity clusters in diagnosis allows the interpretation of the patient's reactivity profile as a result of the sensitization process, which often begins with exposure to a single allergenic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ferreira
- Department of Genetics and General Biology, University of Salzburg, Austria
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94
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Focke M, Hemmer W, Valenta R, Götz M, Jarisch R. Identification of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) pollen profilin as a cross-reactive allergen. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2003; 132:116-23. [PMID: 14600423 DOI: 10.1159/000073712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2002] [Accepted: 07/16/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major allergens of oilseed rape (OSR) pollen with molecular weights of 6/8, 14 and between 27 and 69 kD have been described. The aim of the present study was to further characterize the 14-kD allergen. METHODS The 14-kD protein was purified from OSR pollen extracts by poly-(L-proline) (PLP)-Sepharose affinity chromatography and characterized immunologically by means of allergic patients' IgE antibodies, profilin-specific rabbit antisera, Western blot and ELISA inhibition using recombinant birch profilin (rBet v 2), and skin prick testing. RESULTS By PLP affinity chromatography, OSR pollen profilin was purified as a single protein of 14.5 kD and further identified as a profilin by three polyclonal rabbit antisera raised against ragweed and tobacco pollen profilin and the C-terminus of birch profilin. IgE binding of a human serum pool (n = 15) and four profilin-reactive sera to nitrocellulose-blotted OSR profilin was completely inhibited by 1 microg/ml rBet v 2 (birch profilin). Reciprocal ELISA inhibition using increasing concentrations of rBet v 2 and purified OSR profilin, respectively, showed that rBet v 2 strongly inhibits antibody binding to OSR profilin, whereas almost 100 times the amount of OSR profilin was needed to inhibit IgE binding to rBet v 2. Skin prick tests were positive (wheal >/=3 mm) with 5 microg/ml rBet v 2 in all three patients tested, and with OSR profilin in two patients at a concentration of 50 microg/ml. CONCLUSIONS OSR pollen profilin shares IgE and IgG epitopes with Bet v 2 and other plant profilins and may represent a potentially relevant allergen for profilin-sensitized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarete Focke
- FAZ - Floridsdorf Allergy Centre, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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95
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Asturias JA, Gómez-Bayón N, Eseverri JL, Martínez A. Par j 1 and Par j 2, the major allergens from Parietaria judaica pollen, have similar immunoglobulin E epitopes. Clin Exp Allergy 2003; 33:518-24. [PMID: 12680870 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01631.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parietaria judaica is the main cause of allergy in Mediterranean countries. The major allergens from P. judaica pollen, Par j 1 and Par j 2, have amino acid sequence identity of 45% and contain eight cysteine residues involved in disulphide bonds that compact the structure. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to identify IgE-binding epitopes on Par j 1 and Par j 2, the major allergens from P. judaica pollen and correlate them with the three-dimensional structure of the proteins. METHODS Overlapping peptides representing the complete length of Par j 1 and Par j 2 were synthesized on a cellulose-derivatized membrane. Sera from 17 P. judaica-allergenic patients were used to identify IgE-binding epitopes. Homology modelling of the three dimensional structure of both allergens was generated using the Swiss-Model software on the basis of previously reported crystal structures. RESULTS Five and eight IgE-binding epitopes were identified on Par j 1 and Par j 2 allergens, respectively. Both proteins belonged to the non-specific lipid transfer proteins (ns-LTP) family and therefore a three-dimensional model of both allergens was constructed on the basis of the maize ns-LTP crystal structure. Par j 1 and Par j 2 allergens have three similar allergenic epitopes with high homology and identical conformation. CONCLUSION Three similar IgE-epitopes of major allergens from P. judaica have been described. They could be good candidates for designing of IgE haptens as therapeutic agents with reduced anaphylactic side-effects or for developing hypoallergenic variants of these major allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Asturias
- Bial-Arístegui, Research and Development Department, Bilbao, Spain.
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96
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Andersson K, Lidholm J. Characteristics and immunobiology of grass pollen allergens. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2003; 130:87-107. [PMID: 12673063 DOI: 10.1159/000069013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Grass pollens are one of the most important airborne allergen sources worldwide. About 20 species from five subfamilies are considered to be the most frequent causes of grass pollen allergy, and the allergenic relationships among them closely follow their phylogenetic relationships. The allergic immune response to pollen of several grass species has been studied extensively over more than three decades. Eleven groups of allergens have been identified and described, in most cases from more than one species. The allergens range from 6 to 60 kD in apparent molecular weight and display a variety of physicochemical properties and structures. The most complete set of allergens has so far been isolated and cloned from Phleum pratense (timothy grass) pollen. Based on the prevalence of IgE antibody recognition among grass pollen-sensitized individuals, several allergens qualify as major, but members of two groups, groups 1 and 5, have been shown to dominate the immune response to grass pollen extract. Isoform variation has been detected in members of several of the allergen groups, which in some cases can be linked to observed genetic differences. N-linked glycosylation occurs in members of at least three groups. Carbohydrate- reactive IgE antibodies have been attributed to grass pollen sensitization and found to cross-react with glycan structures from other allergen sources, particularly vegetable foods. Another cause of extensive cross-reactivity are the group 12 allergens (profilins), which belong to a family of proteins highly conserved throughout the plant kingdom and present in all tissues. Members of eight allergen groups have been cloned and expressed as recombinant proteins capable of specific IgE binding. This development now allows diagnostic dissection of the immune response to grass pollen with potential benefits for specific immunotherapy.
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97
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Abstract
During the past decade, genetic information for most of the common allergens has been obtained. Using these genetic blueprints it has become possible to reconstruct, by recombinant DNA technology, almost complete repertoires of the relevant allergens and their epitopes. Recombinant allergens with the allergenic features of naturally occurring allergens have promoted allergy research and form the basis of new multiallergen tests for refined allergy diagnosis. Allergen derivatives with reduced allergenic activity have also been produced by recombinant DNA technology to increase safety and specificity of allergen-specific immunotherapy. These derivatives can be engineered to contain relevant T cell epitopes and to maintain those sequence motifs which are required for inducing protective antibody responses and therefore hold great promise for improving allergen-specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Valenta
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Vienna Medical School, Vienna General Hospital, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
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98
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Schmidt M, Hoffman DR. Expression systems for production of recombinant allergens. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2002; 128:264-70. [PMID: 12218364 DOI: 10.1159/000063865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant allergenic proteins have been produced in a variety of different expression systems. This review gives examples of and compares prokaryotic expression systems, such as Escherichia coli, and eukaryotic systems including the yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris, baculovirus-insect cell systems, mammalian cell systems and plant systems. Important factors to consider in choosing an expression system are discussed and examples of applications are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schmidt
- Department of Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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99
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Skare P, Karlsson R. Evidence for two interaction regions for phosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate on mammalian profilin I. FEBS Lett 2002; 522:119-24. [PMID: 12095630 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(02)02913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The binding of phosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) to profilin at a region distinct from the actin interaction surface is demonstrated by experiments with covalently cross-linked profilin:beta-actin. The result is in agreement with observations made with several mutant profilins and provides strong evidence for two regions on mammalian profilin mediating electrostatic interaction with phosphatidylinositol lipids; one close to the binding site for poly(L-proline), and one partially overlapping with the actin-binding surface. Congruent with this, two plant profilins, which have a reduced number of positive amino acids in one of these regions, displayed a dramatically lower binding to PI(4,5)P(2) compared to human profilin I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Skare
- Department of Cell Biology, Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Sweden
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100
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Vieths S, Scheurer S, Ballmer-Weber B. Current understanding of cross-reactivity of food allergens and pollen. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 964:47-68. [PMID: 12023194 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04132.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pollen-allergic patients frequently present allergic symptoms after ingestion of several kinds of plant-derived foods. The majority of these reactions is caused by four distinct cross-reactive structures that are present in birch pollen. Proteins that share common epitopes with Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, occur in pollens of several tree species: apples, stone fruits, celery, carrot, nuts, and soybeans. Approximately 70% of our patients who are allergic to birch pollen may experience symptoms after consumption of foods from these groups. In contrast, two minor allergenic structures-profilins and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD)-that sensitize approximately 10-20% of all pollen-allergic patients are also present in grass pollen and weed pollen. Moreover, IgE-binding proteins related to the birch pollen minor allergen Bet v 6 have been found in many vegetable foods such as apple, peach, orange, lychee fruit, strawberry, persimmon, zucchini, and carrot. Frequently, the occurrence of cross-reactive IgE antibodies is not correlated with the development of clinical food allergy. In particular, the clinical relevance of sensitization to CCD is doubtful. Generally, pollen-related allergens tend to be more labile during heating procedures and in the digestive tract compared to allergens from classical allergenic foods such as peanut. However, recent DBPCFC studies have shown that both cooked celery and roasted hazelnuts still pose an allergenic risk for pollen-sensitized subjects. Since pathogenesis-related proteins share several common features with allergens and both the Bet v 1 and the Bet v 6-related food allergens are defense-related proteins, approaches to introduce such proteins as a measure to protect plants against diseases should be performed with caution as they may increase the allergenicity of these crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Vieths
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany.
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