Identification of Hevamine and Hev b 1 as Major Latex Allergens in Taiwan

Abstract

Background: Proteins from latex gloves have been documented to trigger occupational latex allergy among health care workers. Allergen characterization of latex glove extract has never been studied in Taiwan. This study aimed to identify allergenic proteins from latex gloves. Methods: Crude extracts of latex gloves were prepared with phosphate-buffered saline and 20 medical workers with a history of latex allergy were enrolled in this study. The specific IgE antibody was determined by the Pharmacia CAP system and in-house enzyme-linked immunoassay and immunoblotting. The target proteins were excised from two-dimensional PAGE and analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Immunoblotting of glove extracts revealed three IgE-binding proteins at a molecular mass of 45, 30 and 14 kDa. Peptide mass fingerprinting revealed that the protein at 45 kDa, which was recognized by 10% (2/20) of atopic sera tested, was an allergenic lipolytic esterase from Hevea brasiliensis (Hev b 13). The 30- and 14-kDa proteins, which were recognized by 55% (11/20) and 85% (17/20) of patients’ sera, were found to be hevamine and rubber elongation factor (Hev b 1), respectively. Conclusions: Our results indicated that hevamine and Hev b 1 are the major allergens from latex gloves in Taiwan, which differs from the reports in Western countries.

Quantitative analysis of immunoglobulin E reactivity profiles in patients allergic or sensitized to natural rubber latex (Hevea brasiliensis)

“…Recently, Lee et al [24] described that hevamine and Hev b 1 are the major allergens in Taiwanese medical workers. In the past, hevamine has been considered as a minor latex allergen in western countries, but it seems to be more important in other areas of the world.…”

Current Overview of Allergens of Plant Pathogenesis Related Protein Families

“…The protein has the two family 18 consensus regions roughly corresponding to the third and fourth barrel strands [138]. Hevamine has been found to be one of the major latex allergens having IgE binding characteristics prevalent mainly in the health care workers of Taiwan [139, 140]. However, the details of antigenic determinants and their role in allergenicity are still unknown.…”

Latex Allergy

“…Disagreement exists as to the relevant importance of Hev b 2, Hev b 13 and Hev b 14. Management of latex allergic patients involves avoidance of all relevant latex allergens 21–26…”

“…Hev b 6.02 has shown sequenced identity of >50% of class 1 chitinase in fruits 30. Hev b 6.01 and Hev b 6.02 and Hev b 5 have been identified as major allergens for adults 23. Hev b 7 Patatin homologue (Hev b 7.01/7.02) has cross‐reactivity between potato and tomato.…”