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. 1989 Jul;8(7):1935–1938. doi: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1989.tb03597.x

The gene coding for the major birch pollen allergen Betv1, is highly homologous to a pea disease resistance response gene.

H Breiteneder 1, K Pettenburger 1, A Bito 1, R Valenta 1, D Kraft 1, H Rumpold 1, O Scheiner 1, M Breitenbach 1
PMCID: PMC401053  PMID: 2571499

Abstract

Pollen of the white birch (Betula verrucosa) is one of the main causes of Type I allergic reactions (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, allergic bronchial asthma) in Middle and Northern Europe, North America and the USSR. Type I allergies are a major threat to public health in these countries, since 10-15% of the population suffer from these diseases. BetvI, an allergenic protein with an Mr of 17 kd is a constituent of the pollen of white birch and is responsible for IgE binding in more than 95% of birch pollen allergic patients. Here, we report the complete nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence of a cDNA clone coding for the major pollen allergen (BetvI) of white birch. It is similar to the N-terminal peptide sequences of the allergens of hazel, alder and hornbeam (close relatives) but it has no significant sequence homology to any other known allergens. However, it shows 55% sequence identity with a pea disease resistance response gene, indicating that BetvI may be involved in pathogen resistance of pollen.

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Selected References

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