IDENTIFICATION OF MAJOR ALLERGENS OF PAPER MULBERRY (BROUSSONETIA PAPYRIFERA) POLLENS AND PURIFICATION OF NOVEL 40 KDA ALLERGEN PROTEIN

The pollen of Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) is a major cause of urticaria and severe respiratory symptoms. The composition of allergens of Paper Mulberry pollen has not yet been determined. In the present study, we identified and characterised the potential allergens in Paper Mulberry pollen involved to trigger the allergic reaction in humans and also purified 40 kDa allergen protein of Paper Mulberry. Pollen was collected from Paper Mulberry trees planted in Islamabad. Soluble proteins of pollens were extracted, lyophilised and resolved on SDS-PAGE. Two proteins with molecular weight of 33 kDa and 40 kDa were identified as major allergens by immunoblot analysis using the serum of positive responders against Paper Mulberry. One of these two allergens with molecular mass of 40 kDa was selected for further analysis and confirmed by specific reaction of sera from positive responders to the Paper Mulberry antigen by immunoblot, ELISA and Western blot. The identification and characterisation of potential allergens in Paper Mulberry pollens and the purification 40 kDa allergen of Paper Mulberry pollens will enable specific immunotherapy as well as the production of recombinant allergen for vaccination.