Immunologic significance of respirable atmospheric starch granules containing major birch allergen Bet v 1

Autor: Philip E. Taylor, Jennifer M. Rolland, George F. Schäppi, Cenk Suphioglu, I. A. Staff
Rok vydání: 1999
Předmět:
Zdroj: Allergy. 54:478-483
ISSN: 1398-9995
0105-4538
DOI: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.1999.00838.x
Popis: Background: Birch-pollen allergens are an important cause of early spring hay fever and allergic asthma. Recently, we reported a mechanism for the release of respirable allergenic particles from birch pollen containing the major allergen Bet v 1. In this study, we aimed to assess the immunologic significance of the released Bet v 1-containing starch granules in the environment. Methods: A two-site monoclonal antibody-based assay (ELISA) was employed to quantitate Bet v 1 in high-volume air sampler filter extracts, and immunogold-labelling was used on sections of these extracts to localize Bet v 1. Immunoblot analyses were performed with pooled sera from patients sensitive to birch pollen. Results: Atmospheric starch granules contained Bet v 1, and the concentration increased upon light rainfall. Sera from patients allergic to birch allergens recognized extracts from isolated starch granules. Conclusions: The clinical implications of these findings are that starch granules released from birch pollen are potentially able to trigger allergic asthmatic reactions to Bet v 1, since the allergen occurs in respirable particles. Thus, clinicians can advise asthma patients to remain indoors on days of light rainfall during the birch-pollen season to avoid high levels of allergen exposure.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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