Basic Research on Allergen Structure

Allergic patients produce IgE antibodies directed towards specific epitopes located on the surface of allergen molecules. Our basic research program focuses on the molecular structure and function of mite, cat and cockroach allergens and on the identification of antigenic determinants by X-ray crystallography. We have determined the molecular structure of cockroach allergen Bla g 2 and recently resolved the definitive structures of dust mite Group 1 allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1). We have also resolved the crystal structure of allergen/monoclonal antibody complexes for Bla g 2, Der p 1, and Der f 1.

Site-directed mutagenesis of amino acids involved in the allergen-antibody interaction allows mutants to be expressed, purified and tested for IgE antibody binding. Identification of amino acids important for IgE antibody binding is used for design of immunotherapeutic vaccines. We have collaborations with structural biologists at the National Cancer Institute, the University of Virginia, and the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences for X-ray crystallographic studies.

Indoor Biotechnologies has produced cat allergen (Fel d 1) linked to anti-CD64 antibody which targets Fel d 1 to antigen presenting cells. The H22+ Fel d 1 has been used to study T cell responses to Fel d 1 in patients with asthma in collaboration with scientists at the University of Virginia.