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AllFam > Browse/search > Allergen family fact sheet

AF015: Lipocalin

Pfam domains

PF00061: Lipocalin / cytosolic fatty-acid binding protein family

pf08212: Lipocalin-like domain

Biochemical properties

Lipocalins are transporters for small hydrophobic molecules, such as lipids, steroid hormones, bilins, and retinoids [1]. The family also contains the enzyme prostaglandin D synthase. Lipocalins fold into an eight-stranded anti-parallel β-barrel.

Allergological significance

Allergens from this protein family include:

• β-Lactoglobulins: β-Lactoglobulin is the major whey protein of ruminant species [2]. Bos d 5 is a major cow's mlk allergen [3]. Cross-reactions to milk proteins from other species were also described [4].
• Mammalian dander allergens: Lipocalins constitue the vast majority of mammalian dander allergens [5]. Examples are Can f 1 and Can f 2 from dog, Fel d 4 from cat, and Bos d 2 from cattle.
• Cytoplasmic fatty acid binding proteins: The proteins are distantly related to extracellular lipocalins and β-lactoglubulins. They were identified as minor allergens in mites (group 13) and cockroaches [6].

References

1. Grzyb J, Latowski D, Strzalka K.
   Lipocalins - a family portrait.
   J Plant Physiol 2006, 163, 895-915. [PubMed]
2. Kontopidis G, Holt C, Sawyer L.
   Invited review: beta-lactoglobulin: binding properties, structure, and function.
   J Dairy Sci 2004, 87, 785-96. [PubMed]
3. Wal JM.
   Bovine milk allergenicity.
   Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2004, 93, S2-11. [PubMed]
4. Restani P, Gaiaschi A, Plebani A, Beretta B, Cavagni G, Fiocchi A, Poiesi C, Velona T, Ugazio AG, Galli CL.
   Cross-reactivity between milk proteins from different animal species.
   Clin Exp Allergy 1999, 29, 997-1004. [PubMed]
5. Chapman MD, Wood RA.
   The role and remediation of animal allergens in allergic diseases.
   J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001, 107, S414-21. [PubMed]
6. Thomas WR, Smith WA, Hales BJ, Mills KL, O'Brien RM.
   Characterization and immunobiology of house dust mite allergens.
   Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2002, 129, 1-18. [PubMed]

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