Purification and Partial Characterization ofa 67-kD Cross-React ive Allergen from Imperata cylindrica Pollen Extract

BACKGROUND: Grass pollens are known to induce type I allergic reactions in a large number of genetically predisposed individuals. Earlier studies have recognized Imperata cylindrica (Ic) pollen as an important source of aeroallergen which contained 7 IgE binding proteins in the MW range of 85-16 kD. OBJECTIVES: To isolate, purify and characterize a cross-reactive allergenic protein from Ic pollen extract for diagnosis and therapy of grass pollen allergy. METHODOLOGY: Ic pollen extract was fractionated using DEAE Sephadex A-50, Sephadex G-200 and Mono Q column. Allergenic activity of the fractions was checked by ELISA, skin tests, ELISA inhibition and immunoblot using sera of Ic-sensitive patients. A 67-kD protein was purified to homogeneity from Ic-VIII. The allergenic determinants of this protein were identified by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot after CNBr treatment. RESULTS: Among Ic fractions, Ic-VIII was highly potent by ELISA, skin tests and showed cross-reactivity with 4 other tropical grasses by immunoblot and ELISA inhibition. The subfraction Ic-VIIIe1 of Ic-VIII showed a band at 67 kD on SDS-PAGE. On CNBr treatment, it gave 7 peptides, 3 of which were found to be allergenic. CONCLUSION: A 67-kD protein (Ic-VIIIe1) was isolated, purified to homogeneity and partially characterized. It showed cross-reactivity with tropical grasses tested and contained at least three allergenic determinants.