Lack of lysozyme activity of natural and yeast-derived recombinant Der p 2

For Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus a number of allergens have been reported. Although the function of several allergens is known, that of the house dust mite allergen Der p 2 is unknown. A role as lysozyme has been suggested. We tested a yeast-derived recombinant Der p 2 for its lysozymatic activity. This recombinant allergen and affinity-purified natural Der p 2 lacked this enzymatic activity. Whole-body mite extract retained its lysozymatic activity after removal of the group 2 allergen by monoclonal antibody depletion. Analysis of spent medium revealed the reciprocal: it contained group 2 allergen, but lacked lysozymatic activity. Together, these data demonstrate that mite lysozyme and Der p 2 are different components of mite extract.