Detection of Chlorella-specific IgE in mould-sensitized children.

The content of IgE, specific to the unicellular green alga Chlorella sp., was analysed in sera from 46 atopic children sensitized to moulds, using radioallergosorbent test (RAST), immunoblotting and crossed immunoelectrophoresis/crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE/CRIE). Chlorella-specific IgE was found in 23/46 sera by RAST, in 28/41 sera by immunoblotting and in 6/30 sera by CIE/CRIE. The Chlorella components most frequently binding IgE as analysed by gradient gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting were of molecular weights of approximately 13, 17, 19, 26 and 49 kD. Twenty-nine precipitating antigens, including seven IgE-binding precipitates were detected by CIE/CRIE. The study shows that low concentrations of specific IgE are formed to the green alga Chlorella in sera from atopic individuals sensitized to moulds.