PhI p 12

Phl p 12 is a pollen allergen derived from Timothy grass (Phleum pratense), which belongs to the family of profilins . Profilins are small actin-binding proteins that play a crucial role in the regulation of the cytoskeleton by interacting with actin filaments . Phl p 12 is considered a minor allergen, but it is significant due to its ability to cause immune cross-reactivity with profilins from other plant-derived foods and pollen .

Recombinant Phl p 12 is produced using genetic engineering techniques, where the gene encoding Phl p 12 is cloned and expressed in a suitable host, such as Escherichia coli . The recombinant protein is often fused with a his-tag to facilitate purification and detection . The purity of the recombinant allergen is typically greater than 95%, as determined by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis .

Recombinant Phl p 12 is primarily used for the diagnosis of allergies caused by Timothy grass pollen . It is utilized in various immunoassays, including Western Blot, Dot Blot, Indirect ELISA, Direct ELISA, Chemiluminescent Immunoassay, and Lateral-Flow assays . These assays help in identifying specific IgE antibodies in patients, which are indicative of an allergic response to Phl p 12.

Pollen allergens, including Phl p 12, are major contributors to type I allergies, affecting up to 30% of the population in industrialized countries . Climatic changes and pollution can influence the duration and intensity of pollen seasons, leading to increased incidences of respiratory allergies and asthma . Accurate diagnosis of pollen allergies is essential for effective therapeutic interventions, and recombinant allergens like Phl p 12 play a pivotal role in this process .