A synthetic hexadecapeptide derived from allergen M imposing allergenic and antigenic reactivity

A solid phase synthesis (SPPS) hexadecapeptide corresponding to residues 49-64 of allergen M from cod was found to bind specifically IgE antibodies from sera of cod-allergic individuals. The SPPS peptide was similarly reactive in IgG-mediated reactions; it could interfere with Allergen M line precipitate in rocket-line immunoelectrophoresis, giving a distinct deflection. It is the only reported synthetic polypeptide imposing allergenic and antigenic reactivity. The hexadecapeptide is composed of two homologous tetrapeptides located at its terminai, tentatively concluded to be mutually critical for the immunological specificity. The data obtained confirmed the predicted reactivity of the Ca2+-binding CD loop of the intact Allergen M.