IgE and IgG cross-reactivity among Lol p I and Lol p II/III. Identification of the C-termini of Lol p I, II, and III as cross-reactive structures

Allergy. 1994 Apr;49(4):254-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1994.tb02658.x.

Abstract

In this study, the homologous C-termini of Lol p I, Lol p II, and Lol p III were shown to contain cross-reactive B-cell epitopes. This was demonstrated by inhibition studies with purified Lol p I, II, and III and synthetic peptides of their C-termini. It was ruled out that the observed cross-reactivity was caused by cross-contamination of the purified allergens. Both human IgE and IgG bound to the C-terminus of Lol p I. These antibodies were cross-reactive with Lol p II and, more specifically, with its C-terminus. Within a small panel of allergic patients, no cross-reactivity with Lol p III was found. A hyperimmune polyclonal rabbit antiserum against Lol p I also recognized the Lol p I C-terminus. As for human antibodies, cross-reactivity with Lol p II and its C-terminus was demonstrated. Cross-reactivity with Lol p III was demonstrated with C-terminal peptides, but not with native Lol p III. A polyclonal rabbit antiserum against Lol p II bound to the C-terminal peptides of both Lol p II and III. This binding was inhibited with Lol p I, confirming that cross-reactive structures exist not only on the C-termini of Lol p II and Lol p I, but also of Lol p III and Lol p I. The existence of cross-reactivity between Lol p I and Lol p II and III possibly contributes to the frequently observed cosensitization for these allergens in grass-pollen-allergic patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Binding, Competitive
  • Cross Reactions
  • Epitopes / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Lolium*
  • Peptide Fragments / immunology
  • Pollen / immunology*
  • Rabbits
  • Radioallergosorbent Test
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / immunology

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Epitopes
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Immunoglobulin E