Detection of profilin in SPT extracts that are supposed to contain it

Publication date: Available online 5 September 2018

Source: Allergologia et Immunopathologia

Author(s): C. Pitsios, A. Iliopoulou, M. Kontogianni, G. Papagregoriou

Abstract

Introduction and objectives

Profilin is a panallergen contained in pollen, plant foods and latex. Although cross-reactivity is expected while performing skin prick tests (SPT) with allergens that contain profilin, this is not always noticed. The purpose of this study was to detect if profilin is contained in the commercial SPT extracts of pollen and plant foods which, in their fresh form, contain determined epitopes of profilin.

Material and methods

Commercial SPT extracts of different pharmaceuticals were analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The study included purified palm date profilin, peach (whole, pulp and peel extracts), hazelnut, Olea europea, Parietaria judaica and Phleum pratense.

Results

Profilin was detected in all, but peach extracts; it was neither contained in the whole peach extract nor in the ones of peel or pulp.

Conclusion

The only accurate way to detect sensitization to profilin, while performing SPT, is the use of purified profilin extract. Even if a plant food or pollen contain an identified molecule of profilin, the relevant SPT commercial extract may not.

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