NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Characterization of Cannabis sativa allergens.

Nayak AP; Green BJ; Sussman G; Berlin N; Lata H; Chandra S; ElSohly MA; Hettick JM; Beezhold DH

Ann Allergy, Asthma, & Immun 2013 Jul; 111(1):32-37.e4

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2013.04.018

20042914

Background: Allergic sensitization to Cannabis sativa is rarely reported, but the increasing consumption of marijuana has resulted in an increase in the number of individuals who become sensitized. To date, little is known about the causal allergens associated with C sativa. Objective: To characterize marijuana allergens in different components of the C sativa plant using serum IgE from marijuana sensitized patients. Methods: Serum samples from 23 patients with a positive skin prick test result to a crude C sativa extract were evaluated. IgE reactivity was variable between patients and C sativa extracts. IgE reactivity to C sativa proteins in Western blots was heterogeneous and ranged from 10 to 70 kDa. Putative allergens derived from 2-dimensional gels were identified. Results: Prominent IgE reactive bands included a 23-kDa oxygen-evolving enhancer protein 2 and a 50-kDa protein identified to be the photosynthetic enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. Additional proteins were identified in the proteomic analysis, including those from adenosine triphosphate synthase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase, and luminal binding protein (heat shock protein 70), suggesting these proteins are potential allergens. Deglycosylation studies helped refine protein allergen identification and demonstrated significant IgE antibodies against plant oligosaccharides that could help explain cross-reactivity. Conclusion: Identification and characterization of allergens from C sativa may be helpful in further understanding allergic sensitization to this plant species.

Drug-abuse; Drug-interaction; Drugs; Allergens; Allergic-reactions; Allergies; Sensitization; Psychotropic-drugs; Immune-reaction; Immunological-tests; Plant-substances; Hypersensitivity; Respiratory-system-disorders; Humans; Skin-tests; Sampling; Proteins; Enzyme-activity; Enzymes; Antibody-response

Donald H. Beezhold, PhD, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, 1095 Willowdale Rd, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505

ALAIF6

20130701

Journal Article

zec1@cdc.gov

2013

B20130805

1

1081-1206

HELD

Healthcare and Social Assistance; Services

Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

WV; MS