Exploring the structure and function of PR-10 pollen and food allergens and their physiological ligands

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Birgitta Maria Wöhrl
• Subject Area: Structural Biology ; Biochemistry
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 449125263

Pathogenesis-related plant proteins PR-10 are conserved and ubiquitous in plants. In spite of their hig prevalence in different plant families and their important role in pollen and food allergies their physiological function on a molecular level remains elusive. At least some of the PR-10 allergens appear to be part of the plants' immune response against pathogens or abiotic stress stimuli, which leads to the production of phytohormones and antifungal metabolites. The Fra a 1 allergen from strawberries appears to be involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, functioning as a carrier protein. However, fundamental questions need to be answered. For example the general structural basis of type 1 allergenicity is not known. Some members of the PR-10 family do not trigger allergic reactions although the overall 3D structure is highly similar to those PR-10 proteins that are considered allergens. Furthermore, it was suggested that the ligands bound to the allergens might be important for the allergic reaction and might even enhance their allergenicity. So far only two natural ligands have been identified, both in the Department of Biopolymers at the University of Bayreuth. However, we still do not know much about their in vivo function. Therefore, a better understanding of the physiological roles of allergenic PR-10 proteins and their natural ligands may help to provide new aspects in allergy treatment. This project shall contribute to elucidate the structure and function of PR-10 allergens, to identify new isoallergens and their ligands as well as to determine their allergenic potential.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants