Immunologic characterization of a recombinant Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) allergenic peptide

A recombinant peptide of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) pollen was synthesized as a fusion protein (FP) in Escherichia coli by recombinant DNA procedures and was compared with its natural counterparts with respect to its allergenic properties. The FP was demonstrated to bind to the IgE antibodies (Abs) of greater than or equal to 95% of 55 individual sera examined. A positive correlation (r = 0.90) was observed between the levels of IgE Abs corresponding to the FP and the grass-pollen extract(s). With sera of five allergic patients, the IgE binding of three different protein preparations were compared, namely, KBG pollen proteins, 27 to 35 kd gel-purified pollen proteins, and the FP. Results indicated that about 50% of the total IgE binding of KBG pollen proteins was due to the IgE Abs specific to FP. Comparison of the above protein preparations with respect to their abilities to specifically stimulate murine popliteal lymph node cells in vitro indicated that the total pollen proteins stimulated the highest proliferation of lymph node cells. Interestingly, the FP supported higher proliferation of lymph node cells than the gel-purified proteins. Collectively, these results suggest that the recombinant peptide constitutes a major allergenic constituent of grass pollens and may be of diagnostic and therapeutic value.