Abstract
Crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) and crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) demonstrated that extracts of both bodies and feces of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) contained multiple antigens and allergens. DP feces extract contained significantly fewer antigens than did DP body extract. Five DP body antigens and at least 4 DP feces antigens were allergens and bound specific IgE in the 2 mite-sensitive reference sera tested. Several antigens in each extract were potent allergens. Heterologous CIE demonstrated some cross antigenicity between body and fecal extracts, but many of the antigens present in DP bodies were not present in DP feces. All cross-reacting DP body and DP feces antigens were weak allergens for the 2 test sera, based on the long autoradiographic time required for visualization compared to the relatively short exposure time required to visualize IgE binding with the homologous CRIE system. Binding of specific IgE in mite-allergic patient sera to the many antigens varied significantly both in frequency and in strength between and within patients. The results of the study are particularly significant because extracts produced from well-defined, media-free mite body and relatively pure mite feces were used. Inconsistencies in the reported number and potency of mite antigens and allergens are due to the use of poorly defined mite extracts of widely varying quality. Use of highly concentrated, well-defined, natural mite material is important for determining the origin and significance of specific mite allergens.
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