Crystal structure of timothy grass allergen Phl p 12.0101 reveals an unusual profilin dimer

Acta Biochim Pol. 2021 Mar 15;68(1):15-22. doi: 10.18388/abp.2020_5587.

Abstract

Timothy grass pollen is a source of potent allergens. Among them, Phl p 1 and Phl p 5 are thought to be the most important, as a majority of timothy grass-allergic individuals have IgE antibodies directed against these two allergens. The profilin from timothy grass (Phl p 12) has been registered as a minor allergen, with up to 35% of individuals in populations of grass pollen allergic patients showing IgE binding to Phl p 12. Profilins are primarily minor allergens and are known for a high likelihood of co-sensitization as well as cross-reactivity situations caused by their sequence and structure similarity. The crystal structure of Phl p 12.0101 was determined and it revealed that this allergen may form an unusual dimer not previously observed among any profilins. For example, the Phl p 12 dimer has a completely different geometry and interface when compared with the latex profilin (Hev b 8) dimer that has its crystal structure determined. The structure of Phl p 12.0101 is described in the context of allergenic sensitization and allergy diagnostics. Moreover, the structure of the Phl p 12.0101 dimer is discussed, taking into account the production of recombinant allergens and their storage.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Plant / chemistry*
  • Antigens, Plant / immunology
  • Antigens, Plant / isolation & purification
  • Cross Reactions
  • Crystallization
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Phleum / chemistry*
  • Phleum / immunology
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry*
  • Plant Proteins / immunology
  • Pollen / chemistry*
  • Pollen / immunology
  • Profilins / chemistry*
  • Profilins / immunology
  • Profilins / isolation & purification
  • Protein Multimerization*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Recombinant Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / immunology
  • Solvents / chemistry

Substances

  • Antigens, Plant
  • Phl p 12 allergen, timothy grass
  • Plant Proteins
  • Profilins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Solvents