Isolation, identification and purification of Metapenaeus ensis allergens

  Objective   To isolate, identify and purify the allergens from shrimp(Metapenaeus ensis)and to provide specific shrimp allergens for diag nosis and immunotherapy of food allergic diseases.

  Methods   Proteins from Metapenaeusensis were isolated by SDS-polyacr ylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE)and identified by Western-blotting using the sera from patients allergic to shrimp.The allergen from Metapenaeusensis was purified by Ion Ex change Chromatogr aphy, Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography and Gel chromatography, consequently.

  Results   There were 17 protein bands that separated by SDS-PAG E, ten of which were major bands.The proteins whose molecular weights(MW)were 68kD and 36kD conld bind with specific IgE from sera of shrimp allergic patients, so they were specific allergens of Metapenaeusensis.The allergen with MW of 68kD was purified by serial Chromatography, with final purity of 96%.

  Conclusion   The allergens of Metapenaeus ensis are isolated, identified and purified.The specific allergen of Metapenaeus ensis with MW of 68kD is obtained with high purity, which may provide a basis for diagnosis and immunother apy of allergy.