cDNA cloning, expression and primary structure of Par j I, a major allergen of Parietaria judaica pollen

Abstract
A 659 bp cDNA clone1 coding for an allergen of Pj pollen has been isolated from a lambda gt11 library, and its DNA sequence determined. The cDNA insert showed an open reading frame of 429 bp coding for an allergenic protein of 14,866 Da and a deduced amino acid sequence containing 143 residues. The expressed recombinant protein represented the major allergen Par j I since it reacted with 95% of the sera from Pj‐allergic patients (n = 22) and with two Par j I‐specific monoclonal antibodies. No similarity with other known DNA and protein sequences has been detected.