Search

Scope: IgE-epitope mapping of allergens reveal important information about antigen components involved in allergic reactions. The peptide-based microarray immunoassay has been used to map epitopes of some food allergens. We developed a peptide microarray immunoassay to map allergenic epitopes in parvalbumin from Atlantic cod (Gad m 1), the most consumed cod species in Spain. Methods and results: Sera from 13 fish-allergic patients with specific IgE to cod parvalbumin were used. A library of overlapping peptides was synthesized, representing the primary sequence of Gad m 1. Peptides were used to analyze allergen-specific IgE antibodies in patient sera. 100% of the patients recognized one antigenic region of 15 amino acids in length in Gad m 1. This region only partially correlated with one of the three antigenic determinants of Gad c 1 (Allergen M), parvalbumin from Baltic cod (Gadus callarias). In the 3D model of the protein, this region was located on the surface of the protein. Conclusion: We have identified a relevant antigenic region in Gad m 1. This epitope could be considered as a severity marker and provides additional information to improve fish allergy diagnosis and the design of safe immunotherapeutic tools., Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub

Background: Watermelon is a worldwide consumed Cucurbitaceae fruit that can elicit allergic reactions. However, the major allergens of watermelon are not known. The aim of this study is to identify and characterize major allergens in watermelon. Methods: Twenty-three patients allergic to watermelon took part in the study. The diagnosis was based on a history of symptoms and positive skin prick-prick tests to watermelon, confirmed by positive open oral challenge testing to watermelon pulp. Allergenic components were detected by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Molecular characterization of IgE-binding bands was performed by N-terminal amino acid sequencing and mass spectrometry. Allergens were purified combining several chromatographic steps. Results: Several IgE binding bands (8-120 kDa) were detected in watermelon extract. Three major allergens were identified as malate dehydrogenase (36 kDa), triose phosphate isomerase (28 kDa) and profilin (13 kDa). Purified allergens individually inhibited IgE binding to the whole watermelon extract. Conclusions: All in all these results indicate that malate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase and profilin are major allergens involved in watermelon allergy., Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub

The development of techniques and methods for allergen purification is essential for diagnosis and the development of safe immunotherapeutic agents. The most common purification techniques include chromatographic methodologies. In this chapter, we review and describe the details of the methodologies of using ion-exchange, gel-filtration, and affinity chromatography to purify two well-known panallergens, profilin and parvalbumin.

The present study is the result of the project "Egyptian Mummies in Chile". It comprises the textile and the egyptological analysis of five funerary bandages samples of the National Museum of Natural History Egyptian collection from Santiago, Chile. They were obtained from the bandages of Isis Weret and another person who is in Horoudja sarcophagus. As a result, technical background about the configuration of these elements is delivered, bringing into discussion the role of the bandages as religious elements as well as standing out its importance within the mummification ritual in Ancient Egypt., El presente trabajo es resultado del proyecto "Momias Egipcias en Chile". Comprende el análisis textil y egiptológico de cinco muestras de vendas funerarias de la colección egipcia del Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Santiago, Chile. Fueron obtenidas del vendaje de Isis Weret y de otra persona que se encuentra en los sarcófagos de Horoudja. En consecuencia, se entregan antecedentes técnicos sobre la configuración de estos elementos, discutiendo también el papel de los vendajes como elementos distintivamente religiosos, junto con destacar su importancia dentro del ritual de momificación en el Antiguo Egipto.

Scope: IgE-epitope mapping of allergens reveal important information about antigen components involved in allergic reactions. The peptide-based microarray immunoassay has been used to map epitopes of some food allergens. We developed a peptide microarray immunoassay to map allergenic epitopes in parvalbumin from Atlantic cod (Gad m 1), the most consumed cod species in Spain. Methods and results: Sera from 13 fish-allergic patients with specific IgE to cod parvalbumin were used. A library of overlapping peptides was synthesized, representing the primary sequence of Gad m 1. Peptides were used to analyze allergen-specific IgE antibodies in patient sera. 100% of the patients recognized one antigenic region of 15 amino acids in length in Gad m 1. This region only partially correlated with one of the three antigenic determinants of Gad c 1 (Allergen M), parvalbumin from Baltic cod (Gadus callarias). In the 3D model of the protein, this region was located on the surface of the protein. Conclusion: We have identified a relevant antigenic region in Gad m 1. This epitope could be considered as a severity marker and provides additional information to improve fish allergy diagnosis and the design of safe immunotherapeutic tools., Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (España), Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub

Background: Watermelon is a worldwide consumed Cucurbitaceae fruit that can elicit allergic reactions. However, the major allergens of watermelon are not known. The aim of this study is to identify and characterize major allergens in watermelon. Methods: Twenty-three patients allergic to watermelon took part in the study. The diagnosis was based on a history of symptoms and positive skin prick-prick tests to watermelon, confirmed by positive open oral challenge testing to watermelon pulp. Allergenic components were detected by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Molecular characterization of IgE-binding bands was performed by N-terminal amino acid sequencing and mass spectrometry. Allergens were purified combining several chromatographic steps. Results: Several IgE binding bands (8-120 kDa) were detected in watermelon extract. Three major allergens were identified as malate dehydrogenase (36 kDa), triose phosphate isomerase (28 kDa) and profilin (13 kDa). Purified allergens individually inhibited IgE binding to the whole watermelon extract. Conclusions: All in all these results indicate that malate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase and profilin are major allergens involved in watermelon allergy., Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (España), Vegetalia Network, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub