1
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The effect of soy processing on its allergenicity: Discrepancy between IgE binding and basophil stimulation tests. J Funct Foods 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
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Jang SW, Jeong KY, Yuk JE, Lee J, Park KH, Park JW. Allergen Homologues, Pathogenesis-Related 1, Polygalacturonase, and Pectin Methyl Esterase from a Japanese Hop. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 28:362-371. [PMID: 32798367 DOI: 10.2174/0929866527666200813201924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Japanese hop is an important cause of weed pollinosis in East Asia. Its pollen is abundant in autumn. This pollen is known to be the cause of many allergic diseases. However, molecular characteristics of its allergens have not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE In this study, we produced recombinant proteins of allergen homologues from Japanese hop by the analysis of expressed sequence tags (EST), and evaluated its allergenicity. METHODS cDNA library was constructed using as little as 50 ng of total RNA from Japanese hop pollen. Allergen homologues were identified by the initial screening of 963 EST clones. Recombinant proteins were overexpressed in the E. coli expression system and purified using Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid-agarose. Purified proteins were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Japanese hop pathogenesis-related 1 protein (PR-1) shares 37.0 to 44.4% of amino acid sequence identity with Art v 2, Cuc m 3, and Cyn d 24. Pectin methyl esterase (PME) shows 23.2 to 50.2% of identities to Act d 7, Ole e 11, and Sal k 1. Polygalacturonase (PGs) shows 16.7 to 19.3% of identities to Phl p 13, Cry j 2, Cha o 2, Jun a 2, Pla a 2, and Pla or 2. IgE antibodies from Japanese hop allergy patients' sera recognized PR-1 (3.4%), PME (13.8%), PGs (3.7%), and profilin (13.8%), respectively. CONCLUSION Novel allergenic components were identified, even though low IgE reactivity was displayed reflecting the low degree of cross-reactivity with other pollen allergens. We believe that these molecules have worth further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Woo Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Allergy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Kyoung Yong Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Allergy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Ji Eun Yuk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Allergy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jongsun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Allergy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Allergy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jung-Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Allergy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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Dona DW, Suphioglu C. Egg Allergy: Diagnosis and Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5010. [PMID: 32708567 PMCID: PMC7404024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypersensitivity or an allergy to chicken egg proteins is a predominant symptomatic condition affecting 1 in 20 children in Australia; however, an effective form of therapy has not yet been found. This occurs as the immune system of the allergic individual overreacts when in contact with egg allergens (egg proteins), triggering a complex immune response. The subsequent instantaneous inflammatory immune response is characterized by the excessive production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody against the allergen, T-cell mediators and inflammation. Current allergen-specific approaches to egg allergy diagnosis and treatment lack consistency and therefore pose safety concerns among anaphylactic patients. Immunotherapy has thus far been found to be the most efficient way to treat and relieve symptoms, this includes oral immunotherapy (OIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). A major limitation in immunotherapy, however, is the difficulty in preparing effective and safe extracts from natural allergen sources. Advances in molecular techniques allow for the production of safe and standardized recombinant and hypoallergenic egg variants by targeting the IgE-binding epitopes responsible for clinical allergic symptoms. Site-directed mutagenesis can be performed to create such safe hypoallergens for their potential use in future methods of immunotherapy, providing a feasible standardized therapeutic approach to target egg allergies safely.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cenk Suphioglu
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Geelong 3216 VIC, Australia;
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Valenta R, Karaulov A, Niederberger V, Gattinger P, van Hage M, Flicker S, Linhart B, Campana R, Focke-Tejkl M, Curin M, Eckl-Dorna J, Lupinek C, Resch-Marat Y, Vrtala S, Mittermann I, Garib V, Khaitov M, Valent P, Pickl WF. Molecular Aspects of Allergens and Allergy. Adv Immunol 2018; 138:195-256. [PMID: 29731005 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-associated allergy is the most common immune disorder. More than 30% of the population suffer from symptoms of allergy which are often severe, disabling, and life threatening such as asthma and anaphylaxis. Population-based birth cohort studies show that up to 60% of the world population exhibit IgE sensitization to allergens, of which most are protein antigens. Thirty years ago the first allergen-encoding cDNAs have been isolated. In the meantime, the structures of most of the allergens relevant for disease in humans have been solved. Here we provide an update regarding what has been learned through the use of defined allergen molecules (i.e., molecular allergology) and about mechanisms of allergic disease in humans. We focus on new insights gained regarding the process of sensitization to allergens, allergen-specific secondary immune responses, and mechanisms underlying allergic inflammation and discuss open questions. We then show how molecular forms of diagnosis and specific immunotherapy are currently revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment of allergic patients and how allergen-specific approaches may be used for the preventive eradication of allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Valenta
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexander Karaulov
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Verena Niederberger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pia Gattinger
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marianne van Hage
- Department of Medicine Solna, Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabine Flicker
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Linhart
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raffaela Campana
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margarete Focke-Tejkl
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirela Curin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Eckl-Dorna
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Lupinek
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yvonne Resch-Marat
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Vrtala
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Mittermann
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Garib
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; International Network of Universities for Molecular Allergology and Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Musa Khaitov
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Valent
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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5
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Choi YJ, Yoon JM, Chang YS, Oh JW. Sensitization to component antigens in acute idiopathic urticaria in children. ALLERGY ASTHMA & RESPIRATORY DISEASE 2017. [DOI: 10.4168/aard.2017.5.6.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Young Jin Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Jung Min Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeo Soon Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Won Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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6
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Valenta R, Wollmann E. Bedeutung rekombinanter Allergene und Allergenderivate. ALLERGOLOGIE 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-37203-2_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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7
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Gieras A, Linhart B, Roux KH, Dutta M, Khodoun M, Zafred D, Cabauatan CR, Lupinek C, Weber M, Focke-Tejkl M, Keller W, Finkelman FD, Valenta R. IgE epitope proximity determines immune complex shape and effector cell activation capacity. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 137:1557-65. [PMID: 26684291 PMCID: PMC4890651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background IgE-allergen complexes induce mast cell and basophil activation and thus immediate allergic inflammation. They are also important for IgE-facilitated allergen presentation to T cells by antigen-presenting cells. Objective To investigate whether the proximity of IgE binding sites on an allergen affects immune complex shape and subsequent effector cell activation in vitro and in vivo. Methods We constructed artificial allergens by grafting IgE epitopes in different numbers and proximity onto a scaffold protein. The shape of immune complexes formed between artificial allergens and the corresponding IgE was studied by negative-stain electron microscopy. Allergenic activity was determined using basophil activation assays. Mice were primed with IgE, followed by injection of artificial allergens to evaluate their in vivo allergenic activity. Severity of systemic anaphylaxis was measured by changes in body temperature. Results We could demonstrate simultaneous binding of 4 IgE antibodies in close vicinity to each other. The proximity of IgE binding sites on allergens influenced the shape of the resulting immune complexes and the magnitude of effector cell activation and in vivo inflammation. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the proximity of IgE epitopes on an allergen affects its allergenic activity. We thus identified a novel mechanism by which IgE-allergen complexes regulate allergic inflammation. This mechanism should be important for allergy and other immune complex–mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gieras
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Linhart
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kenneth H Roux
- Department of Biological Science and the Institute of Molecular Biophysics, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla
| | - Moumita Dutta
- Department of Biological Science and the Institute of Molecular Biophysics, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla
| | - Marat Khodoun
- Department of Medicine, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Cellular and Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Domen Zafred
- Division of Structural Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Karl Franzens University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Clarissa R Cabauatan
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Lupinek
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Milena Weber
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margarete Focke-Tejkl
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Keller
- Division of Structural Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Karl Franzens University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Fred D Finkelman
- Department of Medicine, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Cellular and Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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8
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Document de consensus WAO–ARIA–GA2LEN sur le diagnostic allergologique moléculaire. REVUE FRANCAISE D ALLERGOLOGIE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reval.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Baar A, Pahr S, Constantin C, Giavi S, Papadopoulos NG, Pelkonen AS, Mäkelä MJ, Scheiblhofer S, Thalhamer J, Weber M, Ebner C, Mari A, Vrtala S, Valenta R. The high molecular weight glutenin subunit Bx7 allergen from wheat contains repetitive IgE epitopes. Allergy 2014; 69:1316-23. [PMID: 24943225 DOI: 10.1111/all.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wheat is one of the most common food allergen sources for children and adults. The aim of this study was to characterize new wheat allergens using an IgE discovery approach and to investigate their IgE epitopes. METHODS A cDNA expression library representing the wheat transcriptome was constructed in phage lambda gt11 and screened with IgE antibodies from wheat food allergic patients. IgE-reactive cDNA clones coding for portions of high molecular weight (HMW) glutenin subunits were identified by sequence analysis of positive clones. IgE epitopes were characterized using recombinant fragments from the HMW Bx7 and synthetic peptides thereof for testing of allergic patients' sera and in basophil degranulation assays. RESULTS We found that the major IgE-reactive areas of HMW glutenins are located in the repetitive regions of the protein and could show that two independent IgE-reactive fragments from HMW Bx7 contained repetitive IgE epitopes. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that IgE antibodies from wheat food allergic patients can recognize repetitive epitopes in one of the important wheat food allergens. Recombinant HMW Bx7 may be included into the panel of allergens for component-resolved diagnosis of wheat food allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Baar
- Division of Immunopathology; Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology; Vienna General Hospital; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for the Development of Allergen Chips; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - S. Pahr
- Division of Immunopathology; Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology; Vienna General Hospital; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for the Development of Allergen Chips; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - C. Constantin
- Division of Immunopathology; Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology; Vienna General Hospital; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - S. Giavi
- Allergy and Immunology Research Centre; University of Athens; Athens Greece
| | - N. G. Papadopoulos
- Allergy and Immunology Research Centre; University of Athens; Athens Greece
| | - A. S. Pelkonen
- Skin and Allergy Hospital; Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - M. J. Mäkelä
- Skin and Allergy Hospital; Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - S. Scheiblhofer
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - J. Thalhamer
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - M. Weber
- Division of Immunopathology; Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology; Vienna General Hospital; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - C. Ebner
- Ambulatory for Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Vienna Austria
| | - A. Mari
- Associated Centers for Molecular Allergology; Rome Italy
| | - S. Vrtala
- Division of Immunopathology; Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology; Vienna General Hospital; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for the Development of Allergen Chips; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - R. Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology; Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology; Vienna General Hospital; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
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Gadermaier E, Levin M, Flicker S, Ohlin M. The human IgE repertoire. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2013; 163:77-91. [PMID: 24296690 DOI: 10.1159/000355947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IgE is a key mediator in allergic diseases. However, in strong contrast to other antibody isotypes, many details of the composition of the human IgE repertoire are poorly defined. The low levels of human IgE in the circulation and the rarity of IgE-producing B cells are important reasons for this lack of knowledge. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on these repertoires both in terms of their complexity and activity, i.e. knowledge which despite the difficulties encountered when studying the molecular details of human IgE has been acquired in recent years. We also take a look at likely future developments, for instance through improvements in sequencing technology and methodology that allow the isolation of additional allergen-specific human antibodies mimicking IgE, as this certainly will support our understanding of human IgE in the context of human disease in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Gadermaier
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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A WAO - ARIA - GA²LEN consensus document on molecular-based allergy diagnostics. World Allergy Organ J 2013; 6:17. [PMID: 24090398 PMCID: PMC3874689 DOI: 10.1186/1939-4551-6-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular-based allergy (MA) diagnostics is an approach used to map the allergen sensitization of a patient at a molecular level, using purified natural or recombinant allergenic molecules (allergen components) instead of allergen extracts. Since its introduction, MA diagnostics has increasingly entered routine care, with currently more than 130 allergenic molecules commercially available for in vitro specific IgE (sIgE) testing. MA diagnostics allows for an increased accuracy in allergy diagnosis and prognosis and plays an important role in three key aspects of allergy diagnosis: (1) resolving genuine versus cross-reactive sensitization in poly-sensitized patients, thereby improving the understanding of triggering allergens; (2) assessing, in selected cases, the risk of severe, systemic versus mild, local reactions in food allergy, thereby reducing unnecessary anxiety for the patient and the need for food challenge testing; and (3) identifying patients and triggering allergens for specific immunotherapy (SIT). Singleplex and multiplex measurement platforms are available for MA diagnostics. The Immuno-Solid phase Allergen Chip (ISAC) is the most comprehensive platform currently available, which involves a biochip technology to measure sIgE antibodies against more than one hundred allergenic molecules in a single assay. As the field of MA diagnostics advances, future work needs to focus on large-scale, population-based studies involving practical applications, elucidation and expansion of additional allergenic molecules, and support for appropriate test interpretation. With the rapidly expanding evidence-base for MA diagnosis, there is a need for allergists to keep abreast of the latest information. The aim of this consensus document is to provide a practical guide for the indications, determination, and interpretation of MA diagnostics for clinicians trained in allergology.
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Nouri HR, Varasteh A, Vahedi F, Chamani J, Afsharzadeh D, Sankian M. Constructing a hybrid molecule with low capacity of IgE binding from Chenopodium album pollen allergens. Immunol Lett 2012; 144:67-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2012.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Linhart B, Valenta R. Mechanisms underlying allergy vaccination with recombinant hypoallergenic allergen derivatives. Vaccine 2011; 30:4328-35. [PMID: 22100888 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Hundred years ago therapeutic vaccination with allergen-containing extracts has been introduced as a clinically effective, disease-modifying, allergen-specific and long-lasting form of therapy for allergy, a hypersensitivity disease affecting more than 25% of the population. Today, the structures of most of the disease-causing allergens have been elucidated and recombinant hypoallergenic allergen derivatives with reduced allergenic activity have been engineered to reduce side effects during allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT). These recombinant hypoallergens have been characterized in vitro, in experimental animal models and in clinical trials in allergic patients. This review provides a summary of the molecular, immunological and preclinical evaluation criteria applied for this new generation of allergy vaccines. Furthermore, we summarize the mechanisms underlying SIT with recombinant hypoallergens which are thought to be responsible for their therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Linhart
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Dall'Antonia F, Gieras A, Devanaboyina SC, Valenta R, Keller W. Prediction of IgE-binding epitopes by means of allergen surface comparison and correlation to cross-reactivity. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011; 128:872-879.e8. [PMID: 21872913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Revised: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experimental determination of conformational allergen epitopes recognized by IgE is a difficult task because they often involve discontinuous amino acid residues, being separated in the primary allergen sequence, and require the correct allergen fold. OBJECTIVE We sought to develop a computational tool for the localization of conformational IgE epitopes by using a structure-based comparison of allergen surfaces and IgE cross-reactivity data. METHODS Our approach involves the quantitative analysis of geometric and physicochemical surface parameters and the subsequent correlation of surface similarity scores to immunologic data. The software tool Surface comparison-based Prediction of Allergenic Discontinuous Epitopes (SPADE) is able to predict the IgE epitopes of an allergen given the availability of at least 2 structural models and IgE reactivity data. RESULTS We report on the application of our tool to 3 allergen families: the lipocalins, the group 10 pathogenesis-related proteins, and the group 2/3 grass pollen allergens. First, we succeeded in the partial relocalization of IgE epitopes of bovine β-lactoglobulin and grass pollen Phl p 2 as known from the x-ray structures of their antibody complexes. Second, we measured the relative binding of anti-Bet v 1 IgE to 10 homologous proteins and correlated these data to surface comparison results involving Bet v 1, 5 of the homologs, and 2 hypoallergenic Bet v 1 isoforms. Thereby we predicted IgE-reactive surface portions in agreement with IgE epitope-mapping studies. CONCLUSION Our approach is the first for the prediction of IgE epitopes by combining structural and IgE cross-reactivity data. It should be useful for the development of point-mutated or structurally disrupted allergen derivatives for allergen-specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Dall'Antonia
- Department of Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Graz, Austria
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Baranyi U, Gattringer M, Boehm A, Marth K, Focke-Tejkl M, Bohle B, Blatt K, Valent P, Valenta R, Wekerle T. Expression of a major plant allergen as membrane-anchored and secreted protein in human cells with preserved T cell and B cell epitopes. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2011; 156:259-66. [PMID: 21720171 DOI: 10.1159/000323733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression of allergens in human cells is a prerequisite for the development of antigen-specific cell therapy in IgE-mediated allergy. We developed a strategy how the clinically relevant major grass pollen allergen Phl p 5 can be efficiently secreted or expressed on the surface of human cells with preserved allergenic activity. METHODS The cDNA of Phl p 5 was fused to a leader peptide with or without a transmembrane domain and both constructs were ligated into a mammalian expression vector. Transfection of these plasmids into human cells resulted in a membrane-anchored or secreted version of Phl p 5, respectively, as determined by ELISA or flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS Both the secreted and membrane-anchored Phl p 5 proteins bound IgE from allergic patients in an immunoblot assay and induced specific histamine release and CD203c upregulation in basophils of grass pollen-allergic patients. Proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Phl p 5-allergic individuals was induced upon stimulation with both variants of Phl p 5 expressed in human cells similar to recombinant Phl p 5. CONCLUSIONS Secreted and membrane-anchored Phl p 5 expressed in human cells preserved B cell as well as T cell epitopes and may be used to develop and test various cell-based strategies for allergen-specific immunomodulation and to delineate the tolerance mechanisms involved therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Baranyi
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Gieras A, Cejka P, Blatt K, Focke-Tejkl M, Linhart B, Flicker S, Stoecklinger A, Marth K, Drescher A, Thalhamer J, Valent P, Majdic O, Valenta R. Mapping of Conformational IgE Epitopes with Peptide-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies Reveals Simultaneous Binding of Different IgE Antibodies to a Surface Patch on the Major Birch Pollen Allergen, Bet v 1. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:5333-44. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1000804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Marth K, Novatchkova M, Focke-Tejkl M, Jenisch S, Jäger S, Kabelitz D, Valenta R. Tracing antigen signatures in the human IgE repertoire. Mol Immunol 2010; 47:2323-9. [PMID: 20573403 PMCID: PMC2981859 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2010.05.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2010] [Revised: 05/07/2010] [Accepted: 05/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Allergen recognition by IgE antibodies is a key event in allergic inflammation. In this study, the IgE IGHV repertoires of individuals with allergy to the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, were analyzed over a four years period of allergen exposure by RT-PCR and sequencing of cDNA. Approximately half of the IgE transcripts represented non-redundant sequences, which belonged to seventeen different IGHV genes. Most variable regions contained somatic mutations but also non-mutated sequences were identified. There was no evidence for relevant increases of somatic mutations over time of allergen exposure. Highly similar IgE variable regions were found after four years of allergen exposure in the same and in genetically non-related individuals. Our results indicate that allergens select and shape a limited number of similar IgE variable regions in the human IgE repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Marth
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Novatchkova
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, Dr. Bohr Gasse 7, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Margarete Focke-Tejkl
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Jenisch
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Michaelisstrasse 5, 24105 Kiel Germany
| | - Siegfried Jäger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Michaelisstrasse 5, 24105 Kiel Germany
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Corresponding author at: Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel.: +43 1404005108; fax: +43 1404005130.
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18
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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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Elliot JG, Abramson MJ, Drummer OH, Walters EH, James AL. Time to death and mast cell degranulation in fatal asthma. Respirology 2009; 14:808-13. [PMID: 19659839 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2009.01551.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Attacks of fatal asthma have been shown to be either of short duration or long duration and associated with differing degrees of smooth muscle contraction, luminal mucus deposition and ratios of eosinophils to neutrophils in the airway wall. We hypothesized that this bimodal distribution might be related to airway mast cell degranulation. METHODS Airway sections from cases of fatal asthma in the second Victorian asthma mortality study and from cases coming to coronial autopsy in Perth were examined. Tryptase-positive mast cells, numbers of intact and degranulated mast cells, post-mortem blood salbutamol levels and airway dimensions were measured. RESULTS Although the total number of mast cells were similar, the ratio of degranulated to intact mast cells (D/I) was significantly increased in the smooth muscle (P < 0.05) and outer airway wall (P < 0.001), in short-duration cases compared with long-duration cases. Proportional muscle shortening was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in short-duration cases (17 +/- 7%) compared with long-duration cases (11 +/- 7%). Blood salbutamol levels were related to the total airway wall mast cell D/I ratio for all cases combined (r = 0.57, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The duration of a fatal attack of asthma may be partly determined by the degranulation of mast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Elliot
- West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
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20
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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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21
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Verdino P, Barderas R, Villalba M, Westritschnig K, Valenta R, Rodriguez R, Keller W. Three-dimensional structure of the cross-reactive pollen allergen Che a 3: visualizing cross-reactivity on the molecular surfaces of weed, grass, and tree pollen allergens. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 180:2313-21. [PMID: 18250440 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.4.2313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two EF-hand calcium-binding allergens (polcalcins) occur in the pollen of a wide variety of unrelated plants as highly cross-reactive allergenic molecules. We report the expression, purification, immunological characterization, and the 1.75-A crystal structure of recombinant Che a 3 (rChe a 3), the polcalcin from the weed Chenopodium album. The three-dimensional structure of rChe a 3 resembles an alpha-helical fold that is essentially identical with that of the two EF-hand allergens from birch pollen, Bet v 4, and timothy grass pollen, Phl p 7. The extensive cross-reactivity between Che a 3 and Phl p 7 is demonstrated by competition experiments with IgE Abs from allergic patients as well as specific Ab probes. Amino acid residues that are conserved for the two EF-hand allergen family were identified in multiple sequence alignments of polcalcins from 15 different plants. Next, the three-dimensional structures of rChe a 3, rPhl p 7, and rBet v 4 were used to identify conserved amino acids with high surface exposition to visualize surface patches as potential targets for the polyclonal IgE Ab response of allergic patients. The essentially identical three-dimensional structures of rChe a 3, rPhl p 7, and rBet v 4 explain the extensive cross-reactivity of allergic patients IgE Abs with two EF-hand allergens from unrelated plants. In addition, analyzing the three-dimensional structures of cross-reactive Ags for conserved and surface exposed amino acids may be a first approach to mapping the conformational epitopes on disease-related Ags that are recognized by polyclonal patient Abs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Verdino
- Institute of Chemistry, Structural Biology, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, Graz, Austria
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22
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Sonneck K, Baumgartner C, Rebuzzi L, Marth K, Chen K, Hauswirth A, Florian S, Vrtala S, Bühring H, Valenta R, Valent P. Recombinant Allergens Promote Expression of Aminopeptidase-N (CD13) on Basophils in Allergic Patients. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2008; 21:11-21. [DOI: 10.1177/039463200802100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IgE-dependent activation of basophils is associated with upregulation of several surface molecules. We recently identified the surface enzyme aminopeptidase N (CD13) as a novel activation antigen on human basophils. In the present study, we asked whether CD13 can be employed as a novel marker of allergen-induced activation of basophils in allergic individuals. Patients allergic to major allergens from grass pollen (Phl p 1, Phl p 5), birch pollen (Bet v 1), or house dust mites (Der p 2), were examined. Blood basophils were exposed to various concentrations of recombinant allergens for 15 minutes, and examined for expression of CD13 by multicolor flow cytometry. The allergen-induced upregulation of CD13 was compared with allergen-dependent increases in expression of CD63 and CD203c. Exposure to recombinant allergens resulted in an increase in expression of CD13 on basophils in all sensitized individuals, whereas no increase in CD13 was seen in healthy controls. The effects of the recombinant allergens on CD13-expression were dose- and time-dependent, were not observed in the absence of extracellular calcium, and were counteracted by preincubation of basophils with the PI3-kinase-targeting drugs staurosporin and LY294002. There was a good correlation between allergen-induced upregulation of CD13, CD63, and CD203c on basophils. In aggregate, our data show that recombinant allergens promote expression of CD13 on basophils in sensitized individuals. The functional significance and diagnostic implications of this observation remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Sonneck
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna
| | - C. Baumgartner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna
| | - L. Rebuzzi
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Department of Small Animals and Horses, Clinic for Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Vienna
| | - K. Marth
- Department of Pathophysiology, Division of Immunopathology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - K.W. Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Division of Immunopathology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - A.W. Hauswirth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna
| | - S. Florian
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna
| | - S. Vrtala
- Department of Pathophysiology, Division of Immunopathology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - H.J. Bühring
- University of Tübingen, Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hematology and Immunology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - R. Valenta
- Department of Pathophysiology, Division of Immunopathology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - P. Valent
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna
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Vrtala S, Focke M, Kopec J, Verdino P, Hartl A, Sperr WR, Fedorov AA, Ball T, Almo S, Valent P, Thalhamer J, Keller W, Valenta R. Genetic Engineering of the Major Timothy Grass Pollen Allergen, Phl p 6, to Reduce Allergenic Activity and Preserve Immunogenicity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:1730-9. [PMID: 17641039 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.3.1730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
On the basis of IgE epitope mapping data, we have produced three allergen fragments comprising aa 1-33, 1-57, and 31-110 of the major timothy grass pollen allergen Phl p 6 aa 1-110 by expression in Escherichia coli and chemical synthesis. Circular dichroism analysis showed that the purified fragments lack the typical alpha-helical fold of the complete allergen. Superposition of the sequences of the fragments onto the three-dimensional allergen structure indicated that the removal of only one of the four helices had led to the destabilization of the alpha helical structure of Phl p 6. The lack of structural fold was accompanied by a strong reduction of IgE reactivity and allergenic activity of the three fragments as determined by basophil histamine release in allergic patients. Each of the three Phl p 6 fragments adsorbed to CFA induced Phl p 6-specific IgG Abs in rabbits. However, immunization of mice with fragments adsorbed to an adjuvant allowed for human use (AluGel-S) showed that only the Phl p 6 aa 31-110 induced Phl p 6-specific IgG Abs. Anti-Phl p 6 IgG Abs induced by vaccination with Phl p 6 aa 31-110 inhibited patients' IgE reactivity to the wild-type allergen as well as Phl p 6-induced basophil degranulation. Our results are of importance for the design of hypoallergenic allergy vaccines. They show that it has to be demonstrated that the hypoallergenic derivative induces a robust IgG response in a formulation that can be used in allergic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Vrtala
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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24
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Vilhelmsson M, Zargari A, Crameri R, Rasool O, Achour A, Scheynius A, Hallberg BM. Crystal Structure of the Major Malassezia sympodialis Allergen Mala s 1 Reveals a β-Propeller Fold: A Novel Fold Among Allergens. J Mol Biol 2007; 369:1079-86. [PMID: 17481656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2006] [Revised: 04/01/2007] [Accepted: 04/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Atopic eczema (AE) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as microorganisms contribute to the symptoms. The yeast Malassezia Sympodialis, part of the normal human cutaneous flora, can act as an allergen eliciting specific IgE and T-cell reactivity in patients with AE. The major M. sympodialis allergen Mala s 1 is localized mainly in the yeast cell wall and exposed on the cell surface. Interestingly, Mala s 1 does not exhibit any significant sequence homology to known proteins. Here we present the crystal structure of Mala s 1 determined by single-wavelength anomalous dispersion techniques using selenomethionine-substituted Mala s 1. Mala s 1 folds into a 6-fold beta-propeller, a novel fold among allergens. The putative active site of Mala s 1 overlaps structurally to putative active sites in potential homologues, Q4P4P8 and Tri 14, from the plant parasites Ustilago maydis and Gibberella zeae, respectively. This resemblance suggests that Mala s 1 and the parasite proteins may have similar functions. In addition, we show that Mala s 1 binds to the phosphoinositides (PI) PI(3)P, PI(4)P, and PI(5)P, lipids possibly playing a role in the localization of Mala s 1 to the cell surface. The crystal structure of Mala s 1 will provide insights into the role of this major allergen in the host-microbe interactions and induction of an allergic response in AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Vilhelmsson
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Allergy Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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Gieras A, Focke-Tejkl M, Ball T, Verdino P, Hartl A, Thalhamer J, Valenta R. Molecular determinants of allergen-induced effector cell degranulation. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2006; 119:384-90. [PMID: 17291855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2006.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2006] [Revised: 09/22/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-induced effector cell degranulation is a key event in allergic inflammation and leads to early-phase symptoms, such as allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, or bronchial asthma. OBJECTIVE We sought to study molecular determinants of effector cell degranulation using a monoclonal IgE antibody specific for a peptide epitope of one of the most important respiratory allergens, the major grass pollen allergen Phl p 1, as a model system. METHODS A hybridoma cell line producing a monoclonal IgE antibody against a Phl p 1-derived peptide, P1, was established by means of immunization of mice and used to sensitize rat basophil leukemia cells, which were exposed to P1 monomer, P1 dimer, and P1 polymer. RESULTS It is demonstrated that the number of IgE epitopes on an allergen molecule and the concentration of allergen-specific IgE antibodies determine the extent of degranulation. The P1 monomer did not cause mediator release and prevented degranulation induced by polymeric P1. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the number of IgE epitopes on an allergen molecule determines its allergenic activity and explains why increases of allergen-specific IgE levels make patients more sensitive to allergens. Allergen-derived monomeric structures isolated by means of combinatorial chemistry might be used to develop new therapeutic strategies for allergy. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Our study reveals molecular factors that determine the immediate allergenic activity of allergens and hence influence clinical sensitivity to these allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gieras
- 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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Abstract
Type I allergy represents an important health problem that is currently affecting approximately 25% of the population in Western countries. Immunotherapy, the only causative treatment of Type I allergy, is currently performed with crude allergen extracts, which contain unpredictable amounts of allergenic, as well as nonallergenic, components. The application of molecular biology for allergen characterization has revealed the molecular nature of the most common allergens and allowed the production of recombinant allergens that equal natural allergens. Based on this knowledge, several different strategies to improve immunotherapy have become available. Until now, T-cell peptides, selected wild-type-like recombinant allergens and genetically modified hypoallergenic allergen derivatives have been evaluated in clinical trials in patients. Immunotherapy based on T-cell peptides has focused on allergen-specific T-cell responses, whereas genetically modified recombinant allergen molecules offer the advantage of combining T-cell and B-cell epitopes. Genetically modified recombinant birch pollen derivatives (Bet v 1-fragments, Bet v 1-trimer) have been evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Vaccination with the Bet v 1-derivatives improved symptoms of birch pollen allergy, induced a healthy allergen-specific immunoglobulin G response and led to a significant reduction of seasonally induced boosts of immunoglobulin E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Niederberger
- Department of Otolaryngology, Vienna General Hospital, AKH, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Senti G, Johansen P, Martinez Gomez J, Prinz Varicka BM, Kündig TM. Efficacy and safety of allergen-specific immunotherapy in rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and bee/wasp venom allergies. Int Rev Immunol 2006; 24:519-31. [PMID: 16318993 DOI: 10.1080/08830180500370944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic diseases, such as rhinoconjunctivitis, is increasing worldwide, particularly in Westernized countries, where more than 30% of the population is affected. Insect venom allergy is also very common, affecting up to 5% of the population. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only immunomodulatory treatment that may alter the natural course of allergic disease, for example by preventing the development of asthma in rhinitic patients. Nonetheless, the risk-benefit ratio for subcutaneous immunotherapy has changed little from when it was first developed a century ago. However, the rapid evolution of new developments, including new methods of administration and new forms of antigen to stimulate the immune system, now offers improvements in both the safety and the efficacy of specific immunotherapy. These developments include the sublingual administration of the relevant antigens, which has a superior safety profile than the original subcutaneous route. This may enable higher dosages to be used over shorter treatment periods, with a lower risk of anaphylactic reactions. Improvements in the purity, specificity, and immunogenicity of the antigens, often as a result of advances in biotechnology, coupled with the development of new adjuvants, may further increase the efficacy of this form of treatment. This review describes and discusses these new developments in the context of the many recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which immunotherapy appears to act.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Senti
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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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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29
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The induction of an immune response to a biologically inert soluble protein requires an adjuvant. Here we have examined whether intact grains of pollen display such adjuvant effect, accounting for the immunogenic activity of pollen protein allergens that are devoid of intrinsic pro-inflammatory/adjuvant property. METHODS Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) were cultured with intact grains of grass or ragweed pollen for 48 h. The state of DCs maturation was analyzed by FACS and their cytokine production by ELISA. T cell priming activity of DCs was examined in co-cultures with naïve cord blood-derived CD4(+) T cells. RESULTS Contact with grains of pollen induced a distinct maturation program in immature DCs. Pollen up-regulated the expression of CD54, CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA-DR, CCR7, and CD40 on DCs. Moreover, CCR5 expression was up-regulated by pollen but suppressed by LPS. In sharp contrast to LPS-stimulated DCs, pollen-treated DCs did not produce cytokines [interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha] but retained the ability to secrete high levels of these cytokines upon simulation with soluble CD40 ligand and interferon (IFN)-gamma. Pollen-primed DCs strongly stimulated the proliferation of allogeneic naïve CD4(+) T cells and promoted their development into effector cells producing high levels of IL-5 and IL-13 together with moderate levels of IFN-gamma and IL-4. CONCLUSION Intact grains of pollen induce activation and maturation of DCs in vitro. Similar mechanisms may be effective in vivo, suggesting that pollen grain is not only an allergen carrier but also acts as an adjuvant in the induction phase of the allergic immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Allakhverdi
- Laboratory on Allergy, CHUM Research Center, Notre-Dame Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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30
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de Leon MP, Drew AC, Glaspole IN, Suphioglu C, Rolland JM, O'Hehir RE. Functional analysis of cross-reactive immunoglobulin E antibodies: peanut-specific immunoglobulin E sensitizes basophils to tree nut allergens. Clin Exp Allergy 2005; 35:1056-64. [PMID: 16120088 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02310.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peanut and tree nuts are a major cause of food-induced anaphylaxis with an appreciable mortality. Co-sensitization to peanuts and tree nuts is a common clinical observation and may be because of peanut-specific serum IgE antibodies that cross-react with tree nut allergens. It is, however, unclear whether these cross-reactive IgE antibodies are involved in effector-cell activation. OBJECTIVE To determine if cross-reactivity of peanut-specific IgE antibodies with tree nuts can cause effector cell activation using an in vitro basophil activation assay. METHODS Two peanut allergic subjects with positive specific IgE for peanut and tree nuts (as measured by CAP-FEIA) were studied. Basophil activation to peanut and tree nuts, as indicated by CD63 expression, was assessed by flow cytometry to confirm co-sensitization to peanut and tree nuts. Inhibition ELISA using sera from the subjects was performed to detect peanut-specific IgE antibodies that cross-reacted with tree nut proteins. To determine whether cross-reactive tree nut allergens can induce effector-cell activation, peanut-specific antibodies were affinity purified from the subject sera and used to resensitize non-peanut/tree nut allergic donor basophils stripped of surface IgE. Basophil activation was then measured following stimulation with peanut and tree nut extracts. RESULTS The two peanut allergic subjects in this study showed positive basophil activation to the peanut and tree nut extracts. Inhibition ELISA demonstrated that pre-incubation of the peanut allergic subject sera with almond, Brazil nut and hazelnut extracts inhibited IgE binding to peanut extract. IgE-stripped basophils from non-peanut/tree nut allergic subjects resensitized with affinity-purified peanut-specific antibodies from the peanut allergic subject sera became activated following stimulation with peanut, almond and Brazil nut extracts, demonstrating biological activity of cross-reactive IgE antibodies. CONCLUSION Peanut-specific IgE antibodies that cross-react with tree nut allergens can cause effector-cell activation and may contribute to the manifestation of tree nut allergy in peanut allergic subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P de Leon
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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31
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Spök A, Gaugitsch H, Laffer S, Pauli G, Saito H, Sampson H, Sibanda E, Thomas W, van Hage M, Valenta R. Suggestions for the Assessment of the Allergenic Potential of Genetically Modified Organisms. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005; 137:167-80. [PMID: 15947472 DOI: 10.1159/000086315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2005] [Accepted: 04/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing continuously and, accordingly, there is a great desire to evaluate the allergenic potential of components in our daily environment (e.g., food). Although there is almost no scientific evidence that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) exhibit increased allergenicity compared with the corresponding wild type significant concerns have been raised regarding this matter. In principle, it is possible that the allergenic potential of GMOs may be increased due to the introduction of potential foreign allergens, to potentially upregulated expression of allergenic components caused by the modification of the wild type organism or to different means of exposure. According to the current practice, the proteins to be introduced into a GMO are evaluated for their physiochemical properties, sequence homology with known allergens and occasionally regarding their allergenic activity. We discuss why these current rules and procedures cannot predict or exclude the allergenicity of a given GMO with certainty. As an alternative we suggest to improve the current evaluation by an experimental comparison of the wild-type organism with the whole GMO regarding their potential to elicit reactions in allergic individuals and to induce de novo sensitizations. We also recommend that the suggested assessment procedures be equally applied to GMOs as well as to natural cultivars in order to establish effective measures for allergy prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Spök
- Inter-University Research Centre for Technology, Work, and Culture, Graz, Austria
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32
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Ball T, Edstrom W, Mauch L, Schmitt J, Leistler B, Fiebig H, Sperr WR, Hauswirth AW, Valent P, Kraft D, Almo SC, Valenta R. Gain of structure and IgE epitopes by eukaryotic expression of the major Timothy grass pollen allergen, Phl p 1. FEBS J 2005; 272:217-27. [PMID: 15634345 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.2004.04403.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 400 million allergic patients are sensitized against group 1 grass pollen allergens, a family of highly cross-reactive allergens present in all grass species. We report the eukaryotic expression of the group 1 allergen from Timothy grass, Phl p 1, in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Domain elucidation by limited proteolysis and mass spectrometry of the purified recombinant glycoprotein indicates that the C-terminal 40% of Phl p 1, a major IgE-reactive segment, represents a stable domain. This domain also exhibits a significant sequence identity of 43% with the family of immunoglobulin domain-like group 2/3 grass pollen allergens. Circular dichroism analysis demonstrates that insect cell-expressed rPhl p 1 is a folded species with significant secondary structure. This material is well behaved and is adequate for the growth of crystals that diffract to 2.9 A resolution. The importance of conformational epitopes for IgE recognition of Phl p 1 is demonstrated by the superior IgE recognition of insect-cell expressed Phl p 1 compared to Escherichia coli-expressed Phl p 1. Moreover, insect cell-expressed Phl p 1 induces potent histamine release and leads to strong up-regulation of CD203c in basophils from grass pollen allergic patients. Deglycosylated Phl p 1 frequently exhibits higher IgE binding capacity than the recombinant glycoprotein suggesting that rather the intact protein structure than carbohydrate moieties themselves are important for IgE recognition of Phl p 1. This study emphasizes the important contribution of conformational epitopes for the IgE recognition of respiratory allergens and provides a paradigmatic tool for the structural analysis of the IgE allergen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Ball
- Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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33
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Abstract
More than 25% of the population suffer from type I allergy. Pollens from trees of the Fagales, Oleaceae, and Cupressaceae belong to the most potent and frequent allergen sources. During the past 15 years, the nature of the most important allergens has been identified by molecular biological techniques, and recombinant allergens equivalent to the natural allergens have been produced. These advances provide insight into the biological functions of important allergens and allow the development of novel forms of diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we focus on Fagales allergens to illustrate the impact of recombinant allergens on diagnosis and therapy. We discuss structural similarities as a molecular basis for cross-reactivities and develop diagnostic concepts by using species-specific marker allergens as well as highly cross-reactive allergens. The identification of the allergen recognition profiles of patients with recombinant allergens allows a more precise selection of patients for available forms of allergy treatment. Moreover, we describe novel recombinant allergen-based forms of specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mothes
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, Vienna General Hospital, AKH, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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34
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Valent P, Hauswirth AW, Natter S, Sperr WR, Bühring HJ, Valenta R. Assays for measuring in vitro basophil activation induced by recombinant allergens. Methods 2004; 32:265-70. [PMID: 14962761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2003.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2003] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of type I allergy is essentially based on clinical data, skin tests, and measurements of allergen-specific IgE. However, the determination of specific IgE per se does not permit a definitive conclusion concerning the response of effector cells to the respective allergen(s) and consecutive clinical symptoms in all patients. In an attempt to overcome this problem, a number of basophil-activation assays have been developed during the last few years. Today, allergen-induced activation of blood basophils can be employed as a specific and reliable measure of IgE-dependent responses in sensitized individuals. Using recombinant allergens and basophil-specific markers, these novel assays appear to serve as simple and useful tests in component-resolved diagnosis of type I allergies. In the current article, the biochemical, functional, and technical background of these basophil tests is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Valent
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, The University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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35
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Jeong KY, Lee J, Lee IY, Hong CS, Ree HI, Yong TS. Expression of tropomyosin from Blattella germanica as a recombinant non-fusion protein in Pichia pastoris and comparison of its IgE reactivity with its native counterpart. Protein Expr Purif 2004; 37:273-8. [PMID: 15358347 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2004.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2003] [Revised: 05/31/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tropomyosins derived from invertebrates are well-known pan allergens. However, the allergenicities of recombinant tropomyosins are variable. Here, we undertook to compare the IgE-binding reactivities of native and recombinant German cockroach tropomyosins. Native tropomyosin was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, hydroxyapatite column chromatography, and electroelution, and recombinant tropomyosin was expressed in Pichia pastoris. The allergenicities of the native and recombinant tropomyosins were compared by ELISA inhibition analysis. Native German cockroach tropomyosin showed 18% IgE-binding reactivity to German cockroach sensitized sera. Recombinant tropomyosin was produced without fusion protein and its N-terminus was blocked like that of the native counterpart. The IgE-binding reactivity of the recombinant was found to be comparable to that of native tropomyosin over the concentration range 1-1000 ng/ml by ELISA inhibition testing. Recombinant German cockroach tropomyosin expressed in Pichia pastoris showed better allergenicity than that expressed in Escherichia coli. Other factors in addition to the structural differences of native and recombinant proteins may also influence the IgE reactivities of tropomyosins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Yong Jeong
- Department of Parasitology and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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36
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Focke M, Linhart B, Hartl A, Wiedermann U, Sperr WR, Valent P, Thalhamer J, Kraft D, Valenta R. Non-anaphylactic surface-exposed peptides of the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, for preventive vaccination. Clin Exp Allergy 2004; 34:1525-33. [PMID: 15479266 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.02081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Almost 100 million allergic patients are sensitized to the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, a 17 kDa protein containing most of the IgE epitopes present in pollens of trees belonging to the Fagales order and plant-derived food. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to develop an approach for the rational design of B cell epitope-derived, non-allergenic peptide allergy vaccines. METHODS According to the three-dimensional (3-D) structure of birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, six peptides comprising 25-32 preferably solvent-exposed amino acids were synthesized. RESULTS Because of lack of secondary structure, the peptides showed no allergenic activity in allergic patients. In a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, peptide vaccination induced Bet v 1-specific IgG and prevented IgE-mediated allergic sensitization to Bet v 1. The protective role of peptide-induced blocking antibodies is demonstrated by inhibition of allergic patients IgE binding to the allergen and by blocking of allergen-induced basophil degranulation. CONCLUSION Our results indicate the mechanistic importance of blocking antibodies for allergy vaccination and present a B cell epitope-based approach for the rational design of safe peptide allergy vaccines whenever the structure of the disease-eliciting allergen is known.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Focke
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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37
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Ebo DG, Hagendorens MM, Bridts CH, Schuerwegh AJ, De Clerck LS, Stevens WJ. In vitro allergy diagnosis: should we follow the flow? Clin Exp Allergy 2004; 34:332-9. [PMID: 15005724 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.01891.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
During the last 5 years, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that flow cytometric quantification of in vitro basophil activation can be a quite performant and reliable tool to measure IgE-dependent allergen-specific responses in allergic patients. So far, most assays have used CD63 as a basophil activation marker and native allergen extracts for stimulation. However, other basophil markers and recombinant allergens have recently been introduced. The technique has been applied for the diagnosis of allergy to pollen, house dust mite, food, natural rubber latex, hymenoptera venom and drugs. In addition, the technique has proven to be useful in non-IgE-mediated reactions such as hypersensitivity to drugs as well as detection of auto-antibodies in chronic urticaria. This review will focus on some specific issues: (1) principles of flow cytometric analysis of in vitro-activated basophils, (2) general technical aspects of the technique (including passive sensitization), (3) clinical applications and (4) recommendations for further development and evaluation of the technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Ebo
- Department of Immunology-Allergology-Rheumatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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38
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Swoboda I, Grote M, Verdino P, Keller W, Singh MB, De Weerd N, Sperr WR, Valent P, Balic N, Reichelt R, Suck R, Fiebig H, Valenta R, Spitzauer S. Molecular Characterization of Polygalacturonases as Grass Pollen-Specific Marker Allergens: Expulsion from Pollen via Submicronic Respirable Particles. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 172:6490-500. [PMID: 15128842 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.172.10.6490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Grass pollen belong to the most important allergen sources involved in the elicitation of allergic asthma. We have isolated cDNAs coding for Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and timothy grass (Phleum pratense) pollen allergens, belonging to a family of pectin-degrading enzymes (i.e., polygalacturonases). The corresponding allergens, termed Cyn d 13 and Phl p 13, represent glycoproteins of approximately 42 kDa and isoelectric points of 7.5. rPhl p 13 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Immunogold electron microscopy using rabbit anti-rPhl p 13 Abs demonstrated that in dry pollen group 13, allergens represent primarily intracellular proteins, whereas exposure of pollen to rainwater caused a massive release of cytoplasmic material containing submicronic particles of respirable size, which were coated with group 13 allergens. The latter may explain respiratory sensitization to group 13 allergens and represents a possible pathomechanism in the induction of asthma attacks after heavy rainfalls. rPhl p 13 was recognized by 36% of grass pollen allergic patients, showed IgE binding capacity comparable to natural Phl p 13, and induced specific and dose-dependent basophil histamine release. Epitope mapping studies localized major IgE epitopes to the C terminus of the molecule outside the highly conserved functional polygalacturonase domains. The latter result explains why rPhl p 13 contains grass pollen-specific IgE epitopes and may be used to diagnose genuine sensitization to grass pollen. Our finding that rabbit anti-rPhl p 13 Abs blocked patients' IgE binding to the allergen suggests that rPhl p 13 may be used for immunotherapy of sensitized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Swoboda
- Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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39
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Abstract
Recombinant allergens have gained a lot of importance lately for the diagnosis of allergic diseases and for specific immunotherapy. To characterize recombinant allergens and potential hypo-allergenic derivatives thereof circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is used widely. It is a convenient, fast method to assess the structural integrity of the recombinant proteins, compare them with the allergens isolated from natural sources, and to determine the effects of mutations on the structural properties. In this paper, we will describe the techniques and the most useful applications of CD spectroscopy to the field of allergy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Verdino
- Institute of Chemistry, Structural Biology Group, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, Graz A-8010, Austria
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40
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Valenta R, Kraft D. Recombinant allergens: from production and characterization to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of allergy. Methods 2004; 32:207-8. [PMID: 14962752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2003.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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41
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Valenta R, Ball T, Focke M, Linhart B, Mothes N, Niederberger V, Spitzauer S, Swoboda I, Vrtala S, Westritschnig K, Kraft D. Immunotherapy of allergic disease. Adv Immunol 2004; 82:105-53. [PMID: 14975256 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2776(04)82003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology, University of Vienna, Medical School, Austria
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42
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Brusic V, Petrovsky N, Gendel SM, Millot M, Gigonzac O, Stelman SJ. Computational tools for the study of allergens. Allergy 2003; 58:1083-92. [PMID: 14616117 DOI: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2003.00224.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Allergy is a major cause of morbidity worldwide. The number of characterized allergens and related information is increasing rapidly creating demands for advanced information storage, retrieval and analysis. Bioinformatics provides useful tools for analysing allergens and these are complementary to traditional laboratory techniques for the study of allergens. Specific applications include structural analysis of allergens, identification of B- and T-cell epitopes, assessment of allergenicity and cross-reactivity, and genome analysis. In this paper, the most important bioinformatic tools and methods with relevance to the study of allergy have been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Brusic
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Singapore
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43
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Schmidt-Weber CB, Blaser K. Immunological mechanisms in specific immunotherapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 25:377-90. [PMID: 15007636 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-003-0147-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2003] [Accepted: 08/26/2003] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Specific immunotherapy (SIT) represents the only curative treatment of allergy and is, therefore, of particular interest for immunological and pharmacological research. The current understanding of immunological mechanisms underlying SIT focuses on regulatory T cells (T regs), which balance Th1 and Th2 effector functions. This ensures that allergens are recognized, but tolerated by the immune system. There is clear evidence that SIT restores the disturbed balance of T regs and effector cells in allergic patients. Current efforts are focused to improve SIT regimens to make them more applicable in atopy and asthma. The current review provides an overview on the mechanisms of SIT and possible adjuvant treatment strategies on the background of the T reg concept.
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44
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Kaiser L, Grönlund H, Sandalova T, Ljunggren HG, van Hage-Hamsten M, Achour A, Schneider G. The crystal structure of the major cat allergen Fel d 1, a member of the secretoglobin family. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:37730-5. [PMID: 12851385 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m304740200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The domestic cat (Felis domesticus) is one of the most important causes of allergic asthma worldwide. The dominating cat allergen, Fel d 1, is composed of two heterodimers. Recently, it has been shown that recombinant Fel d 1, consisting of chain 2 and chain 1 fused together without additional linker, has immunological properties indistinguishable from the natural heterodimeric protein. Herein, we report the crystal structure of recombinant monomeric Fel d 1 at 1.85-A resolution, determined by multi-wavelength anomalous diffraction using selenomethionine substituted protein. Fel d 1 is an all-helical protein and consists of eight helices. The two halves of the recombinant Fel d 1 molecule, corresponding to the wild-type Fel d 1 chains, are very similar in three-dimensional structure, despite the lack of significant sequence identity. The structure of the Fel d 1 presents a striking similarity to that of uteroglobin, a steroid-inducible cytokine-like molecule with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. An internal, asymmetric cavity is formed in the Fel d 1 that could bind an endogenous ligand. The distribution of residues lining this cavity suggests that such a ligand must be amphipathic. The structure of Fel d 1 displays the localization of three previously defined Fel d 1 IgE epitopes on the surface of the protein. The three-dimensional structure provides a framework for rational design of hypoallergenic mutants aimed for treatment of cat allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte Kaiser
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Karolinska Institutet and Hospital L2:04, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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45
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Abstract
Many fungi are capable of causing IgE-mediated hypersensitivity in humans. However, the most predominant fungi implicated in allergy belong to the genera Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. Pure and relevant allergens are essential for diagnosis as well as for understanding the immunopathogenesis of the disease. Until recently, pure and standardizable antigens from fungi were not available. In recent years, many recombinant allergens have been produced by molecular cloning. Using these allergens, novel methods are being developed to improve diagnosis of mold-induced allergy. By understanding the immunopathogenesis of allergens, new avenues might open up leading to improved patient care, including immunotherapy and vaccination. This review covers the current status of fungal allergens, their role in reliable immunodiagnosis, and their probable use in immunotherapy and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viswanath P Kurup
- Medical College of Wisconsin, VA Medical Center, Research Service 151-I, 5000 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA.
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46
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Mills E, Madsen C, Shewry P, Wichers H. Food allergens of plant origin—their molecular and evolutionary relationships. Trends Food Sci Technol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-2244(03)00026-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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47
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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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48
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Kheradmand F, Kiss A, Xu J, Lee SH, Kolattukudy PE, Corry DB. A protease-activated pathway underlying Th cell type 2 activation and allergic lung disease. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2002; 169:5904-11. [PMID: 12421974 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.169.10.5904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The respiratory allergens that induce experimental Th cell type 2-dependent allergic lung inflammation may be grouped into two functional classes. One class of allergens, in this study termed type I, requires priming with adjuvants remote from the lung to overcome airway tolerogenic mechanisms that ordinarily preclude allergic responses to inhaled Ags. In contrast, the other, or type II, allergen class requires neither remote priming nor additional adjuvants to overcome airway tolerance and elicit robust allergic lung disease. In this study, we show in an experimental model that diverse type II allergens share in common proteolytic activity that is both necessary and sufficient for overcoming airway tolerance and induction of pulmonary allergic disease. Inactivated protease and protease-free Ag fragments showed no allergenic potency, demonstrating that only active protease acting on endogenous substrates was essential. Furthermore, induction of airway tolerance could be aborted and allergic lung disease established by simply adding purified protease to a type I allergen. Thus, exogenous proteases are common to type II allergens and may be generally required to overcome the innate resistance of the airway to Th cell type 2 activation and allergic inflammation, raising concern for their potential contribution to diseases such as asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah Kheradmand
- Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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49
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Cai X, Yao G, Xu G, Yang C, Xu H, Lin Y, Yu J, Sun B. Identification of the amino acid residues in trichosanthin crucial for IgE response. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 297:510-6. [PMID: 12270124 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)02076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Trichosanthin (TCS) is the major effective component from Chinese herb Trichosanthes kirilowii. TCS has been approved to be effective in clinical treatment of HIV infection and leukemia, but its allergenicity has limited its clinical usage. To identify amino acid residues in TCS with an important role in IgE induction, TCS-specific IgE mAb (TE1) was used to serve as a probe and TE1 epitope was determined by a random phage-peptide library. Based on phage peptide sequences, TE1 epitope was predicted at amino acid residues 169-174 (QQIGKR) of TCS protein. Based on modeling data, two amino acids (Lys173 and Arg174) on TCS were considered to have a crucial role in binding to TE1. After lysine 173 and arginine 174 were mutated to glycine, the mutant TCS protein specifically lost the binding activity to TE1 mAb and exhibited reduced IgE induction in the immunized mice. The data showed that the IgE epitope of TCS was determined and shown to play a critical role in induction of IgE, and the modification of IgE-epitope may be a useful strategy to reduce the allergenicity of an allergen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Cai
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
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50
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Verdino P, Westritschnig K, Valenta R, Keller W. The cross-reactive calcium-binding pollen allergen, Phl p 7, reveals a novel dimer assembly. EMBO J 2002; 21:5007-16. [PMID: 12356717 PMCID: PMC129048 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/cdf526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The timothy grass pollen allergen Phl p 7 assembles most of the IgE epitopes of a novel family of 2 EF-hand calcium-binding proteins and therefore represents a diagnostic marker allergen and vaccine candidate for immunotherapy. Here we report the first three-dimensional structure of a representative of the 2 EF-hand allergen family, Phl p 7, in the calcium-bound form. The protein occurs as a novel dimer assembly with unique features: in contrast to well known EF-hand proteins such as calmodulin, parvalbumin or the S100 proteins, Phl p 7 adopts an extended conformation. Two protein monomers assemble in a head-to-tail arrangement with domain-swapped EF-hand pairing. The intertwined dimer adopts a barrel-like structure with an extended hydrophobic cavity providing a ligand-binding site. Calcium binding acts as a conformational switch between an open and a closed dimeric form of Phl p 7. These findings are interesting in the context of lipid- and calcium-dependent pollen tube growth. Furthermore, the structure of Phl p 7 allows for the rational development of vaccine strategies for treatment of sensitized allergic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kerstin Westritschnig
- Institute of Chemistry, Structural Biology Group, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz and
Department of Pathophysiology, Molecular Immunopathology Group, General Hospital, University of Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18–20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Institute of Chemistry, Structural Biology Group, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz and
Department of Pathophysiology, Molecular Immunopathology Group, General Hospital, University of Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18–20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Walter Keller
- Institute of Chemistry, Structural Biology Group, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz and
Department of Pathophysiology, Molecular Immunopathology Group, General Hospital, University of Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18–20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria Corresponding author e-mail:
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