Isolation of allergenically active cytochrome c from Kentucky blue grass pollen.

An allergen, designated as Kentucky blue grass KBG-cytochrome c, was isolated from the nondialysable constituents (R) of the aqueous extract of KBG pollen by a combination of gel filtration and preparative isoelectrofocussing techniques. The allergen had an absorption spectrum characteristic of heme protein and had a molecular weight corresponding to 12,000 daltons. It was a basic protein with a pI value of 9.9 and contained all the common amino acids. KBG-cytochrome c elicited immediate hypersensitivity cutaneous reactions in individuals allergic to KBG pollen.