The identification of allergen proteins in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) pollen causing occupational allergy in greenhouses

Abstract

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>During production of sugar beet (<it>Beta vulgaris</it>) seeds in greenhouses, workers frequently develop allergic symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize possible allergens in sugar beet pollen.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sera from individuals at a local sugar beet seed producing company, having positive SPT and specific IgE to sugar beet pollen extract, were used for immunoblotting. Proteins in sugar beet pollen extracts were separated by 1- and 2-dimensional electrophoresis, and IgE-reactive proteins analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A 14 kDa protein was identified as an allergen, since IgE-binding was inhibited by the well-characterized allergen Che a 2, profilin, from the related species <it>Chenopodium album</it>. The presence of 17 kDa and 14 kDa protein homologues to both the allergens Che a 1 and Che a 2 were detected in an extract from sugar beet pollen, and partial amino acid sequences were determined, using inclusion lists for tandem mass spectrometry based on homologous sequences.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Two occupational allergens were identified in sugar beet pollen showing sequence similarity with <it>Chenopodium </it>allergens. Sequence data were obtained by mass spectrometry (70 and 25%, respectively for Beta v 1 and Beta v 2), and can be used for cloning and recombinant expression of the allergens. As for treatment of <it>Chenopodium </it>pollinosis, immunotherapy with sugar beet pollen extracts may be feasible.</p