Characterization of allergenic components of rye and wheat flour (Secale, Triticum vulgaris) by western blot with sera of bakers: their effects on CD23 expression.

The allergenic components of water-soluble rye flour extract were studied by immunoblotting. Sera from 100 bakers were analyzed for their IgG, IgG4 and IgE binding pattern. Two allergens with molecular weights of 35 and 14 kD were detected. Previously, the major allergens of wheat flour extract were identified. The wheat flour components at a MW of 15/17 kD and the rye flour component at a MW of 14 kD were purified and isolated. The modulation of the low affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII/CD23) on monocytes by separated allergenic components was studied. Depending on the allergen concentration the CD23 expression on isolated cells increased after stimulation with the rye flour component (MW 14 kD). The combined addition of the rye flour component (14 kD) with IL-4 induced a significant CD23 expression as compared to IL-4 alone.