We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Calcium-binding allergens: from plants to man.
- Authors
Valenta, R; Hayek, B; Seiberler, S; Bugajska-Schretter, A; Niederberger, V; Twardosz, A; Natter, S; Vangelista, L; Pastore, A; Spitzauer, S; Kraft, D
- Abstract
Calcium-binding proteins contain a variable number of motifs, termed EF-hands, which consist of two perpendicularly placed alpha-helics and an inter-helical loop forming a single calcium-binding site. Due to their ability to bind and transport calcium as well as to interact with a variety of ligands in a calcium-dependent manner, they fulfill important biological functions in eukaryotic cells. After parvalbumin, a three EF-hand fish allergen, calcium-binding allergens were discovered in pollens of trees. grasses and weeds and, recently, as autoallergens in man. Although only a small percentage of atopic individuals displays IgE reactivity to calcium-binding allergens, these allergens may be important because of their ability to cross-sensitize allergic individuals. Confrontation and stability++ as well as IgE recognition of calcium-binding allergens greatly depend on the presence of protein-bound calcium ions. It is thus likely that hypoallergenic derivatives of calcium-binding allergens can be engineered by recombinant DNA technology for immunotherapy++ of sensitized patients.
- Publication
International archives of allergy and immunology, 1998, Vol 117, Issue 3, p160
- ISSN
1018-2438
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1159/000024005