Edited by: Reto Crameri
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Original Article
Characterization of the dog lipocalin allergen Can f 6: the role in cross-reactivity with cat and horse
Article first published online: 20 APR 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2012.02826.x
© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Additional Information
How to Cite
Nilsson OB, Binnmyr J, Zoltowska A, Saarne T, van Hage M, Grönlund H. Characterization of the dog lipocalin allergen Can f 6: the role in cross-reactivity with cat and horse. Allergy 2012; 67: 751–757.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 10 MAY 2012
- Article first published online: 20 APR 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 13 MAR 2012
Funded by
- Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association's Research Foundation
- Theme Center for Inflammatory Diseases and Karolinska Institutet
- Konsul Th C Bergh Foundation
- Cancer and Allergy Foundation
- Swedish Research Council
- Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation
- King Gustaf V 80th Birthday Foundation
- Hesselman Foundation
- Centre for Allergy Research and the Bernard Osher Initiative for Research on Severe Asthma at Karolinska Institutet
- Stockholm County Council
Keywords:
- allergen;
- Can f 6;
- cross-reactivity;
- dog allergy;
- dog dander
Abstract
Background
Allergy to the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) affects 5–10% of the population in affluent countries. Three of four patients are allergic to more than one pet, which can only partially be explained by cross-reactivity between serum albumins. The lipocalin protein family harbours allergens in mammalian species.
Methods
We set out to clone and characterize a novel dog allergen, and investigate its potential role in cross-sensitization between dog, cat and horse. The gene encoding Can f 6 was amplified from dog skin and bladder cDNA libraries. The corresponding allergen was produced and purified by recombinant techniques and evaluated by SDS-PAGE, size exclusion chromatography, circular dichroism spectra, ELISA and basophil activation test.
Results
IgE antibodies to Can f 6 were found in serum from 38% of dog-sensitized subjects. Sequence similarities between the lipocalin allergens Can f 6, Fel d 4 (cat) and Equ c 1 (horse) suggested a probability for cross-reactivity, which was demonstrated by competitive ELISA. The biological relevance of Can f 6 was confirmed by basophil activation test in dog-allergic patients.
Conclusion
Can f 6 is a new lipocalin dog allergen that cross-reacts with lipocalins from horse and cat. Can f 6 and homologous allergens may contribute to multisensitization and symptoms in individuals allergic to mammals.