Molecular analysis of the group 1 and 2 allergens from the house dust mite, Euroglyphus maynei

Background: There is increasing evidence that the house dust mite Euroglyphus maynei may be a significant source of allergic sensitization. The structural information for the E, maynei allergens is largely restricted to a single partial genomic sequence of fur m 1. Methods: A cDNA library was constructed from a culture of E, maynei Clones encoding the major group 1 and 2 allergens were isolated by DNA hybridization and sequenced. Results: The sequence of several full length clones of fur m 1 and fur m 2 were obtained. The full pre-proenzyme sequence of the cysteine protease fur m 1 was determined. The translated amino acid sequence of fur m 1 and fur m 2 had 84-86% sequence identity with the corresponding allergens from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae mites. This is the same as the degree of sequence identity found between D, pteronyssinus and D, farinae despite Euroglyphus being a member of the Pyroglyphinae subfamily rather than the Dermatophagoidinae subfamily. Conclusion: The sequences of the major fur m 1 and fur m 2 allergens are described. Their degree of divergence from the Dermatophagoides spp. is similar to that observed between D, pteronyssinus and D, farinae group 1 and group 2 allergens.