Abstract
The natural production of Der p1, the major faecal allergen from the house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), was investigated. Mite cultures grown on radiolabelled substrate were examined at intervals over a period of 21 days and incorporation of radiolabel into the mite proteins measured over the time course. Mite proteins were extracted, purified by chromatofocussing and characterized by immunodiffusion, SDS-PAGE, electroblotting. and autoradiography. The faecal allergen, Der p1, did not incorporate a significant level of label until the 14th day (p < 0.05). The results suggest that Der p1 is a protein synthesized and excreted by the house dust mite.