Pathogenesis-related proteins of plants as allergens.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Many pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins from plants are allergenic. We review the evidence that PR proteins represent an increasingly important group of plant-derived allergens.

DATA SOURCES:

A detailed literature search was conducted through PubMed and GenBank databases.

STUDY SELECTION:

All reports in PubMed and GenBank related to PR protein allergens for which at least partial amino acid sequence is known were included.

RESULTS:

Production of PR proteins by plants is induced in plants by stress. Members of PR-protein groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 14 have demonstrated allergenicity. PR2-, 3-, 4-, and 8-homologous allergens are represented by the latex allergens. Cross-reactivity of PR3 latex allergen, Hev b 6.02, with some fruit allergens may be a reflection of the representation of homologous PR proteins among varied plants. The expression of one of the representative PR5-homologous cedar pollen allergens, Jun a 3, is highly variable across years and geographic areas, possibly because of variable induction of this PR protein by environmental factors. PR10-homologous birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, is structurally similar to and cross-reacts with PR10 proteins from fruits (eg, Mal d 1) which cause oral allergy syndrome. PR14 allergens (eg, Zea m 14) consist of lipid transfer proteins found in grains and fruits and are inducers of anaphylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS:

PR-homologous allergens are pervasive in nature. Similarity in the amino acid sequences among members of PR proteins may be responsible for cross-reactivity among allergens from diverse plants. Induced expression of PR-homologous allergens by environmental factors may explain varying degrees of allergenicity. Man-made environmental pollutants may also alter the expression of some PR protein allergens.

• Authors: T Midoro-Horiuti, E G Brooks, R M Goldblum
• Journal: Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol) Vol. 87 Issue 4 Pg. 261-71 (Oct 2001) ISSN: 1081-1206 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11686417 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Plant Proteins
• pathogenesis-related proteins, plant

Topics

• Allergens (immunology)
• Amino Acid Sequence
• Cross Reactions
• Environment
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity, Immediate (immunology)
• Molecular Sequence Data
• Plant Proteins (chemistry, immunology, physiology)
• Sequence Homology, Amino Acid