Proteomic profiling of the weed feverfew, a neglected pollen allergen source

Sci Rep. 2017 Jul 20;7(1):6049. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-06213-z.

Abstract

Feverfew (Parthenium hysterophorus), an invasive weed from the Asteraceae family, has been reported as allergen source. Despite its relevance, knowledge of allergens is restricted to a partial sequence of a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein. We aimed to obtain the entire sequence for recombinant production and characterize feverfew pollen using proteomics and immunological assays. Par h 1, a defensin-proline fusion allergen was obtained by cDNA cloning and recombinantly produced in E. coli. Using two complementary proteomic strategies, a total of 258 proteins were identified in feverfew pollen among those 47 proteins belonging to allergenic families. Feverfew sensitized patients' sera from India revealed IgE reactivity with a pectate lyase, PR-1 protein and thioredoxin in immonoblot. In ELISA, recombinant Par h 1 was recognized by 60 and 40% of Austrian and Indian sera, respectively. Inhibition assays demonstrated the presence of IgE cross-reactive Par h 1, pectate lyase, lipid-transfer protein, profilin and polcalcin in feverfew pollen. This study reveals significant data on the allergenic composition of feverfew pollen and makes recombinant Par h 1 available for cross-reactivity studies. Feverfew might become a global player in weed pollen allergy and inclusion of standardized extracts in routine allergy diagnosis is suggested in exposed populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / genetics
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Allergens / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / immunology
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Pollen / immunology
  • Pollen / metabolism*
  • Proteome*
  • Proteomics* / methods
  • Tanacetum parthenium / genetics
  • Tanacetum parthenium / immunology
  • Tanacetum parthenium / metabolism*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Plant Proteins
  • Proteome
  • Immunoglobulin E