Identification of a 53 kDa protein, as a new high molecular weight allergen from Fraxinusexcelsior (Ash) pollen

• DOI: 10.1007/s40629-020-00129-3
• Publication Date: 2020-06-30T06:02:40Z
• Authors: Maryam Sharif Sho...; Ahmad Majd; Mohammad-Ali Assa...; Songwe Fanuel; Mostafa Moin; Taher Nejadsattari; Raheleh Shokouhi ...; Mohsen Badalzadeh; Shaghayegh Tajik; Mohammad Reza Faz...; Behnoosh Tayebi; Zahra Pourpak; Gholam Ali Kardar
• Keywords: Identification

Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) is a common tree and is important cause of winter–spring pollinosis in many temperate regions in the world. In this study, a high molecular weight allergen from ash pollen was identified. In all, 20 individuals allergic to ash participated in the study. Characterization and immunoreactivity of ash pollen proteins was performed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding proteins with apparent molecular mass ranging from 9 to 110 kDa were detected in ash pollen extract. Serum IgE of 7 (35%) patients reacted with a 53-kDa protein band. Analysis of 2D immunoblots showed several IgE-binding proteins. Moreover, mass spectrometry analysis indicated that the 53-kDa allergen was homologous to calreticulin. We defined a novel allergen from F. excelsior pollen with a molecular weight of about 53 kDa. This allergen could be considered as an important high molecular weight allergenic protein for further studies on cross-reactivity and development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.