Identification of critical amino acids in the IgE epitopes of Ric c 1 and Ric c 3 and the application of glutamic acid as an IgE blocker.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The allergenicity of Ricinus communis L. (castor bean, Euphorbiaceae) is associated with components of its seeds and pollen. Castor bean allergy has been described not only in laboratory workers, but also in personnel working in oil processing mills, fertilizer retail, the upholstery industry and other industrial fields. In the present study, we describe the critical amino acids in the IgE-binding epitopes in Ric c 1 and Ric c 3, two major allergens of R. communis. In addition, we also investigate the cross-reactivity between castor bean and some air and food allergen extracts commonly used in allergy diagnosis.

Methodology/principal findings

The IgE reactivity of human sera from atopic patients was screened by immune-dot blot against castor bean allergens. Allerg

SUBMITTER: Deus-de-Oliveira N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3124516 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature