R. Sanchez-monge et al., Isolation and characterization of major banana allergens: identification as fruit class I chitinases, CLIN EXP AL, 29(5), 1999, pp. 673-680
Background Banana allergy has been associated with the latex-fruit syndrome
. Several IgE-binding components, the relevant ones being proteins of 30-37
-kDa, have been detected in banana fruit, but none of them have been isolat
ed and characterized yet.
Objective To purify and characterize the 30-37 lkDa banana allergens.
Methods Fifteen patients allergic to banana were selected on the grounds of
a latex-allergic population. Prick by prick tests to this fruit were perfo
rmed. Total and specific IgE to banana were determined. Banana allergens we
re isolated by affinity chromatography, followed by cation-exchange chromat
ography. Their characterization includes N-terminal sequencing, enzymatic a
ctivity assays, immunodetection with sera from allergic patients and with a
ntichitinase antibodies, and CAP and immunoblot inhibition tests. Skin pric
k tests with banana extracts and with the purified allergens were also carr
ied out.
Results Two major IgE-binding proteins of 34 and 32 kDa, also recognized by
polyclonal antibodies against chestnut chitinases, were immunodetected in
crude banana extracts. Purification and characterization of both proteins h
ave allowed their identification as class I chitinases with an hevein-like
domain. Each isolated allergen reached inhibition values higher than 90% in
CAP inhibition assays, and fully inhibited the IgE-binding by the crude ba
nana extract when tested by an immunoblot inhibition method. The two purifi
ed allergens provoked positive skin prick test responses in more than 50% o
f the banana-allergic patients.
Conclusions Class I chitinases with an hevein-like domain are major allerge
ns in banana fruit. Their presence in other fruits and nuts, such as avocad
o and chestnut, could explain the cross-sensitization among these foods.