Kavita Reginald: Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia. ORCID
Chye Ling Tan: Cell Cycle Control in Skin Epidermis, Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, 138648, Singapore, Singapore.
Simin Chen: Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore.
Liling Yuen: Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore.
Sock Yong Goh: Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore.
Fook Tim Chew: Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore. dbscft@nus.edu.sg. ORCID
We previously identified an expressed sequence tag clone, Der f 22, showing 41% amino acid identity to published Der f 2, and show that both genes are possible paralogues. The objective of this study was to characterize the genomic, proteomic and immunological functions Der f 22 and Der f 2. The full-length sequence of Der f 2 and Der f 22 coded for mature proteins of 129 and 135 amino acids respectively, both containing 6 cysteine residues. Phylogenetic analysis of known group 2 allergens and their homologues from our expressed sequence tag library showed that Der f 22 is a paralogue of Der f 2. Both Der f 2 and Der f 22 were single gene products with one intron. Both allergens showed specific IgE-binding to over 40% of the atopic patients, with limited of cross-reactivity. Both allergens were detected at the gut region of D. farinae by immunostaining. Der f 22 is an important allergen with significant IgE reactivity among the atopic population, and should be considered in the diagnostic panel and evaluated as future hypoallergen vaccine therapeutic target.
References
Am J Pharmacogenomics. 2004;4(6):357-69
[PMID: 15651897]
