Purification and characterization of allergens from Xanthium strumarium pollen

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Plant Science

Background:

• Xanthium strumarium pollen is a known allergen.
• Identifying specific allergenic components is crucial for understanding and treating pollen allergies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize the allergenic components within Xanthium strumarium whole pollen extract.
• To determine the role of molecular weight and carbohydrate moieties in the allergenicity of these components.

Main Methods:

• Sequential ammonium sulphate precipitation, DEAE Sephadex A50 chromatography, and gel filtration were used for protein isolation.
• Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition and skin tests assessed allergenicity.
• Carbohydrate content and molecular weight were determined for isolated components.

Main Results:

• Two major allergenic components, Xan Ib and Xan VIa, were identified.
• Xan Ib is a non-carbohydrate protein (103,000 daltons).
• Xan VIa is a glycoprotein (17,000 daltons) where the carbohydrate portion is linked to its allergenicity.

Conclusions:

• Xan Ib and Xan VIa are significant allergens in Xanthium strumarium pollen.
• The carbohydrate moiety of Xan VIa plays a critical role in its allergenic activity.
• Techniques like Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) can aid in isolating allergens.