Isolation and characterization of an olive allergen-like protein from lilac pollen. Sequence analysis of three cDNA encoding protein isoforms

An olive allergen-like protein has been isolated from lilac (Syringa vulgaris) pollen extract. The protein can be considered as an allergen since is recognized by IgE from olive hypersensitive human sera, and has been called Syr v I (IUIS nomenclature). This protein consists of a glycosylated polypeptide of 20 kDa, which has an amino acid composition, spectroscopic properties, and an N-terminal sequence similar to the major allergen from olive pollen, Ole e I. The lilac allergen is recognized by rabbit polyclonal antisera raised against olive allergen as well as by an Ole e I-specific monoclonal antibody. Using a polymerase chain reaction strategy, based on the similarities observed between these olive and lilac proteins, three cDNA clones encoding Syr v I have been isolated and sequenced. These clones code for a polymorphic protein of 145 residues with a derived molecular mass of about 16,400Da, which contains a potential N-glycosylation site. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences of these Syr v I isoforms to each other revealed identities of 90-97%. Moreover, these sequences showed a high degree of similarity (85.5-89.6% identity) with Ole e I. The structural and immunological characterization of Syr v I justify the cross-reactions observed between olive and lilac pollen extracts. The molecular cloning of Syr v I is relevant for the epitope mapping in Oleaceae allergens, and may contribute to an improvement in the design of reagents for diagnosis and therapy of IgE-dependent allergic reactions.