Characterization of Immunoglobulin E-Binding Proteins (IgE) of Scomberomorus commerson Lacepede

The objective of this study was to determine the Immunoglobulin E-binding proteins (IgE) and major allergens of Scomberomorus commerson Lacepede (Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel). Allergen extracts were obtained from uncooked and cooked fish by homogenization in phosphate-buffered saline followed by continuous extraction at 4°C or on ice. Protein profiles and IgE- binding patterns were then detected by means of sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from patients sensitized to the fish. SDS-PAGE of the uncooked fish extracts revealed 26 protein bands in the range of about 11 to 175 kD, while the cooked extracts produced fewer protein bands. Immunoblotting demonstrated 17 IgE-binding bands, ranging in molecular weight from 11 to 151 kD. Two components with molecular weight of about ~50 and 42 kD showed the highest frequency of IgE-binding (62.2 and 51.4% respectively) and were identified as the major allergens of this fish allergy. Other IgE-binding proteins including a protein at ~12 kD which was equivalent in size to parvalbumin were identified as the minor allergens.