Cloning of cDNA coding for an allergen of Cocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata) pollen

Messenger RNA isolated from Cocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata) anthers has been used to generate a cDNA library in lambda t11. Three cDNA clones (7.8, 8.1, and 8.3) were demonstrated to be recognized by human IgE antibodies in atopic serum and by rabbit polyclonal antiserum raised to a crude aqueous extract of Cocksfoot pollen. The size of the cDNA inserts was determined as approximately 700 bp, and restriction mapping demonstrated them to be identical sequences. Lysogens obtained in Escherichia coli Y1089 allowed expression of a 140 kD beta-galactosidase fusion protein containing 24 kD of cloned allergen protein. Fusion proteins were recognized by IgE antibodies in 75% (6/8) of atopic sera tested, but were not detected by nonatopic sera. On the basis of size and frequency of recognition in the atopic population, the cloned protein may present a major allergen. Monoclonal antibodies specific for the major allergen of Cocksfoot pollen were not reactive with the fusion proteins. Reactivity of human IgE antibodies with the fusion protein could be blocked by crude Cocksfoot pollen extract, but not by the major allergen DG3 purified from the extract by affinity chromatography. Human and rabbit antibodies affinity purified against fusion protein 7.8 did not allow identification of the native protein component in crude extract encoded for by the cDNA clones.