Characterization of Isoforms of the Major Allergen <i>Phl </i><i>p</i> V by Two-Dimensional Immunoblotting and Microsequencing

Abstract

Timothy pollen extract was separated by 2D PAGE blot for further characterization of the major allergen Phl p V. Using pooled patient serum, we demonstrated that Phl p V consists of 4 components at 32 kD and 4 components at 38 kD, each differing in their pIs. The primary structure and the amino acid composition of the 8 proteins were determined form the blotted samples. Proteins of the same molecular weight did not differ in the 20 N-terminal amino acid residues, whereas the 32- and 38-kD proteins showed only 60% sequence identity. Furthermore, the results of the amino acid analyses suggest differences in their protein structure. Therefore, it might be possible that both proteins express different IgE-reactive epitopes.