Identification and characterisation of main allergic proteins in Vitis vinifera vitis

Abstract

Background. Vitis vinifera vitis (grape) cultivar Sultana is a causative agent of oral allergy syndrome (OAS) in Iran. In this study, the IgE-reactive proteins of this cultivar were characterised. Methods. IgE-reactivity of sera from patients with history of OAS to grape and positive skin prick test (SPT) were evaluated. Grape immunoreactive components were also purified and characterised. Results. The purified 10 kDa allergen showed the highest immunoreactivity in component-resolved ELISA and the results were in correlation with SPT results. The patients' sera were mostly reactive with 10, 28 and 60 kDa allergens; meanwhile, a 16 kDa protein can be considered as a novel marker for OAS to grape. The 24, 28 and 30 kDa allergens were identified as thaumatin-like protein, class IV chitinase and beta-1,3-glucanase, respectively. Conclusion. The Sultana cultivar showed a rather similar pattern of IgE reactivity with other cultivars. Several allergens play role in OAS to grapes, however, the 10 kD protein is the main allergen.