Reshaping the Bet v 1 fold modulates T(H) polarization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several alternative mechanisms have been proposed to explain why some proteins are able to induce a T(H)2-biased and IgE-mediated immune response. These include specific interactions with receptors of the innate immune system, proteolytic activities, allergen-associated carbohydrate structures, and intrinsic structural determinants.

Objectives

Available data suggest that a fold-dependent allergy-promoting mechanism could be a driving force for the T(H)2-polarization activity of Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen.

Methods

Computer-aided sequence and fold analysis of the Bet v 1 family identified a short stretch susceptible for mutations inducing an altered fold of the entire molecule. With this knowledge, 7 consecutive amino acids of Bet v 1 were repla

SUBMITTER: Wallner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5689381 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature