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  • Title: Setae from the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) contain several relevant allergens.
    Author: Rodriguez-Mahillo AI, Gonzalez-Muñoz M, Vega JM, López JA, Yart A, Kerdelhué C, Camafeita E, Garcia Ortiz JC, Vogel H, Petrucco Toffolo E, Zovi D, Battisti A, Roques A, Moneo I.
    Journal: Contact Dermatitis; 2012 Dec; 67(6):367-74. PubMed ID: 22708991.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Pine processionary larvae produce urticating hairs (setae) that serve for protection against predators. Setae induce cutaneous reactions in animals and humans. The presence of toxic or allergic mechanisms is a matter of debate. OBJECTIVES: To detect the presence of allergens in setae and to characterize them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Setae extracts were characterized by gel staining and immunoblot, with sera from patients with immediate reactions and positive prick test reactions, as well as a rabbit antiserum raised against setae. Setae proteins were fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography. The most relevant allergen was analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS), and its sequence was deduced from an expressed sequence tag bank. Results. Setae contained at least seven different allergens. The most intense detection corresponded to a protein of MW ~ 14,000 that was similar to thaumetopoein, a previously described protein with mast cell-degranulating properties. MALDI-MS-based de novo sequencing provided a partial amino acid sequence different from that of the previously described allergen Tha p 1, and it was named Tha p 2. This allergen was detected in 61% of patients, and it is therefore a new major caterpillar allergen. CONCLUSIONS: Penetration of the setae from the pine processionary caterpillar delivers their allergenic content in addition to causing mechanical or toxic injury.
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