Analysis of Gly m Bd 28 K, major soybean allergen, in several leading varieties in Japan

Gly m Bd 28 K, one of the major soybean allergens, was analyzed in six lead ing varieties in Japan by immunoblot analysis using monoclonal antibody spe cific to Gly m Bd 28 K. Among these, five varieties, which account for near ly half of the total soybean acreage in Japan Lacked, Gly m Bd 28 K. Since each of the five soybeans belongs to much different maturity groups, a gene or genes of lacking Gly m Bd 28 K may exist commonly in Japanese domestic varieties. Fukuyutaka-QT2 line, which has been bred to lack alpha-, alpha' - and beta -subunits of beta -conglycinin, lacks Gly m Bd 28 K, same as its recurrent parent Fukuyutaka. Both Gly m Bd 28 K and alpha -subunit of beta -conglycinin have secondarily highest reactivity with the sera of soybean- allergic patients, and beta -subunit of beta -conglycinin is also one of th e major soybean allergens which reacts with 10% of the sera. Therefore, Fuk uyutaka-QT2 line would he a promising source for developing a less allergic soybean variety.