The major horse allergen Equ c 1 contains one immunodominant region of T cell epitopes

Abstract

The 18mer peptide p143-160 from the immunodominant region of Equ c 1 is a potential candidate for the peptide-based immunotherapy of horse-sensitized subjects.

Association of HLA class II alleles with sensitization to cow dander Bos d 2, an important occupational allergen

“…This is in accordance with our present finding that DRB1*0101 allele is associated with sensitization to the major cow allergen Bos d 2. Interestingly, the immunodominant epitope region of the major horse allergen Equ c 1, to which eight horse-sensitized subjects out of ten showed T cell reactivity, contains two possible epitopes with amino acid I in the first and in the sixth position (Immonen et al 2007). Jeal et al (2003) have previously found some unique amino acids in HLA class II molecules associated either positively or negatively with rat allergy.…”

Molecular interactions of the neuronal GPI‐anchored lipocalin Lazarillo

“…Instead, the candidate surface region of Lazarillo to contain the 10E6 epitope is the C-terminal a helix and adjacent areas, which has been predicted to be a protein-protein interaction surface in other lipocalins (e.g., Icya; Holden et al, 1987). Curiously, the same C-terminal protein region has been shown to be an immunodominant epitope in lipocalins with allergenic properties (Saarelainen et al, 2002;Immonen et al, 2007). Our results predict that the effects of mAb 10E6 on axonal growth and guidance can be due to the disturbance of a Lazarillo surface involved in interaction with itself or with still unknown proteins.…”

Not all proteins are created allergens

“…Extending this further, the premise that mammalian allergens exhibit less allergenicity because of sequence similarity with human proteins is intriguing and warrants further investigation. 5,6 In keeping with work by Drs Virtanen and Kinnunen, we generally…”

“…We have found that the reactivity of PBMCs to several lipocalin allergens (ie, cow Bos d 2, dog Can f 1, and horse Equ c 1) is weak. 4,5 Most probably, one of the reasons is that specific T cells are present in low numbers in the periphery. 5 Moreover, induction of lipocalin allergen-specific T-cell lines has proved to be laborious, and the proliferative capacity of the lines on stimulation with the allergens is only moderate.…”

“…4,5 Most probably, one of the reasons is that specific T cells are present in low numbers in the periphery. 5 Moreover, induction of lipocalin allergen-specific T-cell lines has proved to be laborious, and the proliferative capacity of the lines on stimulation with the allergens is only moderate. 5 Importantly, the immunodominant epitope of Bos d 2 6 and at least one T-cell epitope of Can f 1 (R. Juntunen, personal communication) are suboptimal.…”