Proof of concept pilot study: prevalence of grass virus infection and the potential for effects on the allergenic potency of pollen.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Wild plants harbour a variety of viruses and these have the potential to alter the composition of pollen. The potential consequences of virus infection of grasses on pollen-induced allergic disease are not known.

Methods

We have collected pollen from Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot; a grass species implicated as a trigger of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis) from Wytham Wood, Oxfordshire UK. Extracts were prepared from pollen from uninfected grass, and from grass naturally infected by the Cocksfoot streak potyvirus (CSV). Preparations of pollen from virus-infected and non-infected grasses were employed in skin testing 15 grass pollen-allergic subjects with hayfever. Allergen profiles of extracts were investigated by Western blotting for IgE with sera from allergic subj

SUBMITTER: Pallett DW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2796488 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature