A crude and a partly purified extract of mugwort pollen were characterized with particular emphasis on the glycoprotein allergen Ag7. Crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis with immobilized Con A in the intermediate gel demonstrated binding of Ag7 to this lectin, indicating that Ag7 contains terminal α-D-mannopyranosyl and/or α-D-glucopyranosyl residues. Crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis with free Con A in the first-dimension gel demonstrated microheterogeneity in the carbohydrate moiety of the allergen. Crossed radio-immunoelectrophoresis analysis using sera from 26 mugwort-allergic patients indicated that Ag7 is an important allergen in mugwort pollen. Heat stability experiments demonstrated the presence of at least three heat-resistant allergens, one of these being Ag7. Crossed immunoelectrofocusing indicated a pi value for Ag7 of 4.
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