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Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of a major 38-kd cochineal allergen.

AbstractBACKGROUND:
Carmine is a natural red pigment obtained from dried gravid female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus or Coccus cacti). There have been several reports of allergies to carmine, but the major allergens responsible have not been identified.
OBJECTIVE:
To identify the major allergenic proteins in cochineal.
METHODS:
Immunoblots of purified cochineal extract were probed with sera from 3 patients with allergy. Partial amino acid sequences were determined for the proteins bound by IgE, and the corresponding cDNA, containing a complete coding region, was cloned by 5' and 3' rapid cDNA extension and PCR. The recombinant protein was expressed in yeast and subjected to immunoblotting.
RESULTS:
We identified a full-length cDNA encoding a protein, which we named CC38K, with 335 amino acids and a molecular mass calculated as 38 kd. This amino acid sequence included all the partial amino acid sequences obtained from the purified proteins identified by IgE from patients with allergy. Recombinant CC38K protein was recognized by patients' sera, indicating that this is a major allergen present in carmine. The CC38K sequence showed homology to phospholipases.
CONCLUSION:
We have, for the first time, identified the major allergen in cochineal extract. This protein may be a phospholipase or related enzyme, both of which are known to be allergens in other insects.
AuthorsYoko Ohgiya, Fumihiro Arakawa, Hiroshi Akiyama, Yasuo Yoshioka, Yoshiki Hayashi, Shinobu Sakai, Sumio Ito, Yuko Yamakawa, Satoru Ohgiya, Zenro Ikezawa, Reiko Teshima
JournalThe Journal of allergy and clinical immunology (J Allergy Clin Immunol) Vol. 123 Issue 5 Pg. 1157-62, 1162.e1-4 (May 2009) ISSN: 1097-6825 [Electronic] United States
PMID19249084 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References
  • Allergens
  • Coloring Agents
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Carmine
Topics
  • Adult
  • Allergens (chemistry, genetics, immunology)
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Carmine (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Coloring Agents (adverse effects)
  • Female
  • Food Hypersensitivity (immunology)
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E (blood)
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Sequence Alignment

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