A Synthetic Hexadecapeptide Derived from Allergen M Imposing Allergenic and Antigenic Reactivity

Abstract

A solid phase synthesis (SPPS) hexadecapeptide corresponding to residues 49-64 of allergen M from cod specifically bound IgE antibodies from sera of cod-allergic individuals. The SPPS peptide was similarly reactive in IgG-mediated reactions; it could interfere with Allergen M line precipitate in rocket-line immunoelectrophoresis, giving a distinct deflection. It is the only reported synthetic polypeptide imposing allergenic and antigenic reactivity. The hexadecapeptide is composed of 2 homologous tetrapeptides located at its termini, tentatively concluded to be mutually critical for the immunological specificity. The predicted reactivity of the Ca2+-binding CD loop of the intact Allergen M was confirmed.