Antigenic and structural analysis of group II allergens (Der f II and Der p II) from house dust mites (Dermatophagoides spp)

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1989 Jun;83(6):1055-67. doi: 10.1016/0091-6749(89)90447-8.

Abstract

Monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography was used to purify two homologous mite allergens, Der f II from Dermatophagoides farinae and Der p II from D. pteronyssinus. They have the same molecular weight (MW) (15 kd) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, they have similar amino acid compositions, and their N-terminal amino acid sequences differ in only four of the first 35 residues. An excellent correlation was observed between IgE antibody to Der f II and Der p II measured in sera from 65 mite-allergic patients (r = 0.94; p less than 0.001) and between quantitative intradermal skin tests to both allergens. A third allergen (Der f III, MW 29 kd) was purified from D. farinae by repeated gel filtration. In sera from 51 mite-allergic patients, IgE antibody to Der f II, Der f III, and previously purified Der f I (MW 24 kd) was detected in 92%, 16%, and 78% of the sera by radioimmunoassay, respectively. Most patients, 41/51 (80%), demonstrated IgE antibody to more than one allergen. With monoclonal antibodies fully cross-reactive with Der f II and Der p II, a two-site immunoassay was developed for measuring absolute quantities (nanograms or micrograms) of these allergens. In extracts rich in mite-fecal material (n = 5), Der f I and Der p I (group I allergens) and Der f II and Der p II (group II allergens) were measured in ratios of 11:1 to 35:1. Lower ratios (1.1:1 to 7:1) were observed in mite body extracts (n = 6). These experiments clearly define a second group of major dust mite allergens that demonstrate extensive structural and antigenic homology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology
  • Allergens / isolation & purification*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides
  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Mites / immunology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides