The IgE-binding components of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen were determined by ELISA and Western blotting in atopic patients in order to identify its major allergens. From a pool of previously identified allergenic fractions and sera from 15 skin-test-positive, atopic subjects, four components of 12, 14.4, 57, and 65-67 kDa were found to bind IgE in 80-93% of sera. Two other components of molecular masses 28-30 and 37-40 kDa also bound 60-80% of atopic sera. The immunologic specificity of date-pollen allergen that induced antibody response in sera of atopic patients was confirmed with ELISA. Furthermore, most of the reactivity in pooled positive atopic serum and antiserum raised in rabbits was eliminated after the sera were absorbed with the allergen. IgG immunoblot analyses showed varying degrees of cross-reactivity with common local allergens, notably Bermuda grass, but were generally of low intensity. These results indicate that date pollen has six major allergens with the 12, 14.4, 57, and 65-67 kDa bands binding 80-93%, and the 28-30 and 37-40 kDa bands 60-80% of atopic sera. We propose that these major allergens be assigned the notations "Pho d I" to "Pho d VI" in the order listed.
Pollen from ten staminate cultivars of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were compared for their antigenic and allergenic potentials. Crude extracts from the various cultivars were tested in 6 atopic patients with confirmed allergy to date pollen in order to determine any differences or similarities in the antigenic and allergenic properties of these cultivars. Results of skin prick tests, ELISA, IgG and IgE immunoblot analyses, peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation and concomitant interleukin-4 (IL-4) production indicated inter-cultivar heterogeneity. One of the cultivars, No. 8, failed to elicit any skin test reactivity or bind IgE in atopic sera as determined by ELISA, immunoblotting or any of the other parameters examined. However, there were individual differences in patient responses but in the main and contrary to the results obtained with cultivars No. 1,2, 4, 5 and 8, five of the cultivars, namely No. 3, 6, 7, 9 and 10, showed more enhanced differential antigenic and allergenic properties. Our results strongly indicate that the antigenicity and allergenicity of date palm pollen is more of a cultivar-specifíc phenomenon than a species-specific phenomenon, which is governed by the number, quantities or both of the major allergen epitopes possessed by that variety or cultivar.
Our findings support previous studies indicating a high prevalence of latex allergy among SB patients. The CAP test was a more sensitive measure of latex allergy in SB patients than SPT or latex challenge. There was significant correlation with urologic procedures and the use of urethral catheters.
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