Proteome analysis of maize pollen for allergy-relevant components

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Plant Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Maize (Zea mays) cultivation has increased in Central Europe.
• Understanding maize pollen allergens is crucial due to increased exposure.
• Comparison with timothy grass (Phleum pratense) pollen provides a reference for native grass allergens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the allergen composition and allergenic potency of maize pollen.
• To compare maize pollen allergens with those of timothy grass pollen.
• To identify cross-reactive allergens between maize and timothy grass.

Main Methods:

• 2-DE immunoblotting to analyze IgE-binding components in maize pollen.
• Monoclonal antibody (mAb) incubation and protein sequencing to classify allergens.
• cDNA library sequencing to determine structural variability of key allergens.
• Immunoblot inhibition tests to assess IgE cross-reactivity.

Main Results:

• 65% of sera reactive to timothy pollen also bound to maize pollen proteins.
• Cross-reactive allergens belonging to groups 1 and 13 (Zea m 1, Zea m 13) were identified in maize pollen.
• Sequence identities of 72% and 70% were found between Zea m 1/13 and Phleum pratense allergens Phl p 1/13, respectively.
• Timothy grass pollen extract fully inhibited IgE binding to maize pollen, while maize extract showed partial inhibition of IgE binding to timothy grass.

Conclusions:

• Maize pollen contains allergens that are structurally similar to and cross-reactive with major timothy grass pollen allergens.
• The identified cross-reactivity, particularly involving Zea m 1 and Zea m 13, contributes to allergic reactions in individuals sensitized to grass pollen.
• No novel, maize-specific allergens were identified in this study.