Major allergen Cor a 1.0401, CORA1.0401.
Recombinant Cor a 1.0401 produced in SF9 is a glycosylated, polypeptide chain having a calculated molecular mass of 18,952 Dalton.
Cor a 1.0401 is expressed with a 10xHis tag at N-terminus and purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Major allergen Cor a 1.0401, CORA1.0401.
The major pollen allergen Cor a 1.0401 is a protein found in hazelnuts (Corylus avellana). It belongs to the Bet v 1-like superfamily of proteins, which are known for their role in allergic reactions. Cor a 1.0401 is a recombinant form of this allergen, meaning it is produced using recombinant DNA technology to ensure consistency and purity for research and diagnostic purposes .
The study of pollen allergens has a rich history, with significant advancements in molecular allergology. The term “allergy” was coined in 1906 by Clemens Freiherr von Pirquet, and since then, the field has evolved significantly. In the 1980s, researchers began to focus on recombinant allergens to replace natural extracts used in allergy diagnostics and vaccines . This shift was driven by the need for more precise and reliable diagnostic tools.
Cor a 1.0401 is a member of the PR-10 protein family, which is involved in plant defense mechanisms. It is a ribonuclease, meaning it has the ability to degrade RNA molecules. This protein is highly homologous to other major allergens from birch (Bet v 1), alder (Aln g 1), and hornbeam (Car b 1), sharing significant sequence similarities .
The recombinant form of Cor a 1.0401 is produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression systems. This involves inserting the gene encoding Cor a 1.0401 into E. coli, which then produces the protein. The recombinant protein is purified and used for various applications, including allergy diagnostics and research .
Cor a 1.0401 has been shown to bind IgE antibodies from patients allergic to hazelnuts. This binding is crucial for the allergic reaction, as it triggers the release of histamines and other mediators that cause symptoms. Interestingly, different isoforms of Cor a 1 exhibit varying IgE-binding properties, which can influence the severity of allergic reactions .
Recombinant Cor a 1.0401 is used in allergy diagnostics to identify sensitization to hazelnut allergens. It provides a consistent and reliable source of the allergen, which is essential for accurate diagnosis. Additionally, it is used in research to study the mechanisms of allergic reactions and to develop new therapeutic approaches .