Cloning and characterization of cDNA coding for a new allergen from the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae

A cDNA clone encoding a new allergen from the Dermatophagoides farinae cDNA lambda gt11 library was isolated and sequenced. There was no amino acid sequence homology with other known allergens. The gene product, beta-galactosidase fusion protein, of the truncated cDNA on blot reacted with IgE in 13 of 43 sera from patients allergic to mites. The affinity-purified fusion protein had a potent ability to release histamine from washed blood cells of the mite-allergic patients. Human specific IgE eluted from the fusion protein band on blots recognized a 39-kD component on blots of a mite body extract.