RECOMBINANT DNA MOLECULES THAT CODE FOR POLYPEPTIDES WITH ANTIGENIC PROPERTIES OF ALLERGENS CLAH8 AND CLAH12

摘要

The complete cDNA sequences of Cladosporium herbarum allergens Clah8 and Clah12 are disclosed. The molecular biological analysis of said allergens identified Clah12 (recognised by 22 % of all patients) as a ribosomal protein P1. This protein is of interest in that auto-antibodies against ribosomal proteins can be found in Lupus patients, but a link between mould allergies and autoimmune diseases must still be demonstrated. Clah8 (recognised by 9 % of all patients) is highly homologous to a family of transcription factors characterised by a so-called cold shock domain. With this recombinant sequence, highly potent B- and T-cell epitopes could be determined by computer analysis. The peptides derived from the recombinant protein could be used for diagnosing a Cladosporium herbarum mould allergy. In addition, the peptides could be used for stimulating T-cells (promoting their proliferation and interleukin production) in vitro and in vivo in response to specific allergens, but also for blocking T-cells that cause tolerance of allergen-specific T-lymphocytes.