Isolation and characterization of an allergen-rich fraction derived from cultures of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Preliminary purification of a protein.

An allergen-rich fraction derived from mature cultures of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was isolated. Results of radio-allergosorbent tests and the disclosure of IgE-binding proteins after their electrophoretic transfer from sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel to nitrocellulose sheets revealed that both important groups of allergens, Der p I and Der p II, seem to be contained in the above-mentioned fraction. Analysis using crossed immuno-electrophoresis (CIE) disclosed 5-7 antigens and a corresponding enzymatic assay for the specificity of patient's IgE in CIE revealed that 4 of the antigens also are allergens. Moreover, an allergen was detected which apparently was not discovered when using CIE. The fraction in question was fractionated further and subsequent analysis by CIE indicated the purification of 1 antigen.