Laminin γ-1 and collagen α-1 (VI) chain are galactose-α-1,3-galactose-bound allergens in beef

Sensitization to the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) has been reported in patients with beef allergy. However, the proteins responsible for this allergy have not yet been identified. This study aimed to identify beef proteins that predominantly react with serum IgE in Japanese patients with beef allergy.

Sera were collected from 29 patients with beef allergy who had allergic reaction(s) such as urticaria, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anaphylactic shock after ingestion of beef and pork; the sera tested positive for IgE against beef and pork. IgE-binding proteins were detected by immunoblotting sera from the patients and identified using a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting techniques. The involvement of carbohydrate in the binding of IgE to allergens was examined by periodate treatment and an inhibition assay with cetuximab by immunoblotting. Specific IgE binding to cetuximab was measured using the CAP-fluorescent enzyme immunoassay.

Two IgE-binding proteins (240 kDa and 140 kDa) were detected in beef extract and identified as laminin γ-1 and the collagen α-1 (VI) chain from Bos taurus, respectively. Periodate treatment or the inhibition assay resulted in the loss of IgE binding to these proteins. Immunoblotting with anti-α-Gal antibody revealed the presence of α-Gal on the 240- and 140-kDa beef proteins. The amount of IgE bound to cetuximab was significantly correlated with that to beef in the patients with beef allergy.

The carbohydrate moiety (α-Gal) on laminin γ-1 and collagen α-1 (VI) chain are possibly common IgE-reactive proteins in the Japanese patients with beef allergy.