Identification of a villin-related tobacco protein as a novel cross-reactive plant allergen

In a paradigmatic approach we identified cross-reactive plant allergens for allergy diagnosis and treatment by screening of a tobacco leaf complementary DNA (cDNA) library with serum IgE from a polysensitized allergic patient. Two IgE-reactive cDNA clones were isolated which code for proteins with significant sequence similarity to the actin-binding protein, villin. Northern- and Western-blotting demonstrate expression of the villin-related allergens in pollen and somatic plant tissues. In addition, villin-related proteins were detected in several plant allergen sources (tree-, grass-, weed pollen, fruits, vegetables, nuts). A recombinant C-terminal fragment of the villin-related protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and shown to react specifically with allergic patients IgE. After profilin, villin-related proteins represent another family of cytoskeletal proteins, which has been identified as cross-reactive plant allergens. They may be used for the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from multivalent plant allergies.