Molecular characterization of Api g 1, the major allergen of celery (Apium graveolens), and its immunological and structural relationships to a group of 17-kDa tree pollen allergens

Eur J Biochem. 1995 Oct 15;233(2):484-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1995.484_2.x.

Abstract

Individuals suffering from immediate hypersensitivity (type-I allergy) to a particular pollen frequently display intolerance to several foods of plant origin. In this respect, individuals sensitized to birch pollen and/or mugwort pollen frequently display type-I allergic symptoms after ingestion of celery. In this study, we expressed the major allergenic protein of celery, Api g 1, which is responsible for the birch-celery syndrome, in the form of a non-fusion protein. The open reading frame of the cDNA of Api g 1 codes for a protein of 153 amino acids with a molecular mass of 16.2 kDa and 40% identity (60% similarity) to the major allergen of birch pollen, Bet v 1. Furthermore, Api g 1 exhibited similar characteristics to (a) two proteins in parsley induced by fungal infection, (b) the major tree pollen allergens and (c) pathogenesis-related and stress-induced proteins in other plant species. The reactivity of recombinant Api g 1 with IgE antibodies present in sera from celery intolerant patients was comparable to that of the natural celery allergen. Cross-reactivity with Bet v 1 was proven by cross-inhibition experiments, which provides further support for the existence of the birch-celery syndrome and for the suggestion that allergies to some vegetable foods are epiphenomena to allergies caused by inhalation of tree pollen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / chemistry*
  • Allergens / genetics
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Complementary / chemistry
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Molecular Weight
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / immunology
  • Pollen / chemistry*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Api g 1 protein, Apium graveolens
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Plant Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/Z48967