Clinical and immunobiochemical characterization of airborne Delonix regia (Gulmohar tree) pollen and cross-reactivity studies with Peltophorum pterocarpum pollen: 2 dominant avenue trees from eastern India

Abstract

Background: Delonix regia and Peltophorum pterocarpum pollen are important aeroallergens for type 1 hypersensitivity in the tropics. The IgE-binding proteins of D regia and their cross-allergenity with P pterocarpum pollen have not been evaluated.

Objectives: To isolate and characterize the IgE-binding proteins of D regia pollen for the first time and to investigate the cross-allergenity with P pterocarpum pollen belonging to the same family (Leguminosae).

Methods: Allergenic activities were determined by in vivo and in vitro analyses. Pollen extract was fractionated by a combination of 2 columns (diethyl amino ethyl Sephadex and Sephacryl S-200). Protein components were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, periodic acid-Schiff staining, and immunoblotting. In vitro inhibition tests were performed to evaluate the cross-reactivity.

Results: The skin prick test results of the patients with respiratory allergies in Calcutta, India, showed 31.1% positivity with D regia pollen. Nine IgE-reactive protein components were found in the crude extract. An optimum IgE-reactive fraction was resolved into 4 subfractions. Subfraction A, which showed maximum IgE reactivity, contained 2 (96- and 66-kDa) IgE-reactive protein components. The 66-kDa component was found to be glycoprotein. Remarkable cross-reactivity between D regia and P pterocarpum pollen was found on IgE enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition and dot blotting. Shared IgE-binding components (66, 56, 32, 28, 25, and 23 kDa) were observed between D regia and P pterocarpum pollen extracts, whereas the 96- and 43-kDa components were specific to D regia.

Conclusion: The purification of the IgE-binding proteins and the identification of the shared/cross-reactive proteins in these taxonomically related pollen members should be helpful for the diagnosis and therapy of patients susceptible to these pollens.