Characterization and sensitivity test of the allergenic pollen proteins from Litchi Chimensis Plant

Pollen of Litchi chinensis (Litchi) is a major aeroallergen of Bangladesh. Pollen of
this fruits plant was collected from full bloomed flower growing in different places of Rajshahi
in Bangladesh. Pollen protein was extracted and partial purified by means of long-term PBS
extraction, salting out, dialysis, gel filtrations and DEAE-Cellulose chromatography and the
protein was designated as LFPP (Litchi flowers pollen protein). Gel filtration of the purified
pollen protein gives two main peaks. The major peak gives four bands on SDS-PAGE. The
enzyme (pectate lyase) proteins after gel filtration again re-purified by Ion exchange
chromatography, a single band in the protein profile of LFPP, (M.W. 28kDa) was the major
allergenic component of Litchi chinensis (Litchi) flower pollen. The homogeneity and the
molecular weight of the protein were estimated by SDS-PAGE, and Gel filtration was 28kDa.
The allergenic protein was identified by skin prick tests and showed the pectate lyase (Pel)
activity. Skin-prick tests also revealed highest degree of sensitivity to the Nawabgang sample
giving positive response in 80% of the patients. Skin reactivity ranged between 1+ and 3+.