Molecular and immunological characterization of recombinant termite (Coptotermes formosanus) arginine kinase

Authors: Mattison, Chris; TUNGTRONGCHITR, ANCHALEE - Mahidol University

Submitted to: Regional Meeting of American Chemical Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/13/2017
Publication Date: 3/8/2017
Citation: Mattison, C.P., Tungtrongchitr, A. 2017. Molecular and immunological characterization of recombinant termite (Coptotermes formosanus) arginine kinase. Regional Meeting of American Chemical Society. 2017.

Interpretive Summary: The incidence of allergic diseases mediated by immunoglobulin-E (IgE) binding, including asthma and food allergies, appears to be increasing. Allergic diseases can pose substantial health, emotional, and economic burdens to affected families. Cockroaches are considered a major class of airborne allergens contributing to allergic disease in urban areas world-wide. Arginine kinases have been identified as allergens in cockroaches, house dust mites, and shellfish such as shrimp. Cockroaches and termites are closely related evolutionarily within the order Blattodea. Termites are a significant pest and may co-habitate with humans, especially in the Southern United States. Due to the evolutionary similarity, recombinant termite arginine kinase was expressed and purified to determine if it was recognized by IgE from allergic patients. The recombinant termite arginine kinase was recognized by IgE from cockroach and shrimp allergic patients. This is the first study to demonstrate directly that a recombinant termite arginine kinase cross-reacts with IgE from both cockroach and shrimp allergic patients. These results suggest that termite arginine kinase may pose a threat to those with cockroach or shellfish allergies due to cross-reactivity, and may contribute as a sensitizing agent in geographic areas infested with termites.

Technical Abstract: Arginine kinase proteins from arthropods are considered pan-allergens and they are commonly cross-reactive. The Formosan subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus (C. formosanus) is closely related to cockroaches in the order Blattodea and is a common household pest in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. C. formosanus arginine kinase is approximately 95% identical to arginine kinase from the German cockroach. We have purified recombinant C. formosanus arginine kinase and show that it is recognized by serum IgE from cockroach and shellfish allergic patients. Exposure to termites may contribute to allergic disease in infested areas. Our results suggest that termite arginine kinase may pose a threat to those with cockroach or shellfish allergies due to cross-reactivity. This is the first study to demonstrate directly that a recombinant termite arginine kinase cross-reacts with IgE from both cockroach and shrimp allergic patients. These results suggest that termite arginine kinase may pose a threat to those with cockroach or shellfish allergies due to cross-reactivity, and may contribute as a sensitizing agent in geographic areas infested with termites.