Sequence analysis of cDNA coding for a major house dust mite allergen, Der f I

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Abstract
Summary: A cDNA clone‐coding for Der f I, a major allergen from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae has been isolated and sequenced. It codes for a putative 18‐residue signal peptide, an 80‐residue proenzyme region, and a 223‐residue mature protein with a derived molecular weight of 25 191. The deduced amino‐acid sequence shows significant homology to other cysteine proteases in the proregion as well as in the mature protein. Sequence alignment of the mature Der f I protein with the homologous allergen Der p I from the related mite D. pteronyssinus revealed a high degree of homology (81%) between the two proteins, as predicted by previous sequencing at the protein level. In particular, the residues comprising the active site of these enzymes and the cysteine residues were conserved. A potential N‐glycosylation site was present at an equivalent position in both mite allergens. It is anticipated that the availability of recombinant Derf I will facilitate epitope mapping studies and studies of T‐cell function in mite allergy by providing high levels of pure allergen.

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