Identification and characterization of <i>Crassostrea angulata</i> arginine kinase, a novel allergen that causes cross-reactivity among shellfish
Fei Huan, Tian-Jiao Han, Meng Liu, Mengsi Li, Yang Yang, Qingmei Liu, Dong Lai, Min‐Jie Cao, Guang‐Ming Liu
Abstract
. The primary sequence of AK was cloned which encoded 350 amino acids, and recombinant AK (rAK) was obtained. The immunodot results, secondary structure and digestive stability showed that native AK and rAK had similar IgG/IgE-binding activity and physicochemical properties. Serological analysis of 14 oyster-sensitive individuals demonstrated that AK exhibited cross-reactivity among oysters, shrimps, and crabs. Furthermore, nine epitopes in oyster AK were verified using inhibition dot blots and inhibition enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, six of which were similar to the epitopes of shrimp/crab AK. The most conserved epitopes were P5 (121-133) and P6 (133-146), which may be responsible for the cross-reactivity caused by AK. These findings will provide a deeper understanding of oyster allergens and cross-reactivity among shellfish.