T cell targets in mouse allergy extend beyond the major mouse allergen Mus m 1

Abstract

Abstract Mouse allergy is an important disease affecting laboratory workers and inner-city households with increased exposure leading to allergic sensitization and asthma. To date, only one major allergen in mouse, Mus m 1, has been identified. Using a combination of proteomics and bioinformatics, we sought to identify T cell targets in mouse allergic patients. Mouse urine and epithelial extract were analyzed by 2D- IgE/IgG immunoblots using pooled sera from mouse allergic donors. Mass spectrometry of selected protein spots identified 30 novel antibody reactive proteins. Predicted MHC binding peptides from these novel proteins and mouse homologs to mammalian allergens were screened for T cell reactivity in PBMCs from mouse allergic patients. Overlapping peptides from the major mouse allergen Mus m 1 were screened in parallel. T cell epitope mapping experiments that responses to Mus m 1 peptides were dominant overall. However, reactivity to mouse peptides homologous to other mammalian allergens was also detected. Very little T cell reactivity against peptides derived from novel proteins was observed. In summary, our data demonstrates that the cellular and serological targets of the allergic response overlap, with Mus m 1 being the major target for both T cells and IgE antibodies. However, on a serological level, other proteins are also recognized. Furthermore, mammalian allergens with murine homologs may also be of relevance for the T cell response in mouse allergic patients. Identifying the immunological targets in mouse allergy is of high importance since the prevalence of this disease is drastically increasing and candidates for improved diagnostics and immunotherapeutic approached are of growing importance.