Characterization of Dog Allergens Can f 1 and Can f 2. 1. Preparation of Their Recombinant Proteins and Antibodies

<i>Background:</i> Recombinant dog allergens, rCan f 1 and rCan f 2, and their antibodies are good tools for the characterization of dog allergens in order to develop modern therapeutic and preventive methods for dog allergy. <i>Methods:</i> In this study, cDNA was synthesized from the mRNA of dog salivary glands and cloned into the pGEX4T vector. rCan f 1 and rCan f 2 containing glutathione S-transferase were prepared by an <i>Escherichia coli</i> expression system. The antibodies against the recombinant allergens were prepared in rabbit. The serum of patients with dog allergy was evaluated by ELISA and immunoblot, using the recombinant allergens, goat anti-human immunoglobulin (Ig) E (&#917;) labeled with biotin, and enzyme-labeled streptavidin. The binding of IgE in the serum of patients with dog allergy to dog saliva as a natural antigen was determined in the presence or absence of dog saliva, rCan f 1 and rCan f 2 as competitors. The anaphylactic potential of rCan f 1 and rCan f 2 was evaluated. The body temperature of the mice sensitized with rCan f 1 and rCan f 2 was monitored after intravenous injection of the allergens. The passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction was examined for rCan f 1 and rCan f 2. Dog salivary glands, dog saliva and dog hair/dander extracts were analyzed with antibodies by means of an immunoblot assay. The expression of the mRNA of Can f 1 and Can f 2 was verified in various dog tissues by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. <i>Results:</i> The <i>E. coli</i> expression system revealed the yield of rCan f 1 and rCan f 2 in 36 and 30 mg/l of culture. The molecular weights of rCan f 1 and rCan f 2 were 18 and 20 kDa in SDS-PAGE, respectively. rCan f 1 and rCan f 2 were found to bind to specific IgE in the serum of dog allergy patients. The binding of IgE in the patient serum for dog saliva was partially inhibited in the presence of rCan f 1 and rCan f 2. These recombinant allergens showed positive signals in passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction and induced anaphylactic shock in the mouse model, resulting in a decrease in body temperature. The polyclonal rabbit antibody for rCan f 1 bound to a protein of 20 kDa in the salivary gland, saliva and hair/dander extracts of dogs. The rabbit antibody for rCan f 2 bound to proteins in the saliva and the hair/dander extracts. The proteins possessed a molecular weight of 22/ 23 kDa. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed the presence of mRNA expression of Can f 1 and Can f 2 not only in the salivary gland but also in dog skin. A clear expression of Can f 2 mRNA was observed in dog skin. <i>Conclusions:</i> The recombinant allergens and antibodies for Can f 1 and Can f 2 are available for immunological and biochemical characterization of dog allergens. The molecular weight of the natural Can f 1 and Can f 2 in dog saliva and hair/dander extracts showed a higher molecular weight than that of rCan f 1 and rCan f 2. The significance of dog skin as the tissue producing dog allergens, especially Can f 2, should be considered in further studies.