α-Subunit of β-Conglycinin, an Allergenic Protein Recognized by IgE Antibodies of Soybean-sensitive Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

One of the major allergenic proteins in the soybean 7S-globulin fraction, which was recognized by sera of about 25% soybean-sensitive patients with atopic dermatitis, was identified as α-subunit of β-conglycinin. The IgE antibodies recognizing the α-subunit did not show a cross-reactivity against both α'-and β-subunits known to be highly homologous to α-subunit, and also against other allergenic components identified in soybeans [Ogawa et al., J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol., 35, 555-565 (1993)]. The IgE-binding site(s) was estimated to be located on the peptide 232-383 of α-subunit.