![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Abstract: Environmental detection of mouse allergen by means of immunoassay for recombinant Mus m 1.
Site Navigation
 |
Research Project Search
Citation: Ferrari E, Tsay A, Eggleston PA, Spisni A, Chapman MD. Environmental detection of mouse allergen by means of immunoassay for recombinant Mus m 1. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2004;114(2):341-346.
BACKGROUND: Mouse urinary allergens are an important cause of occupational asthma in animal facilities. Domestic exposure to mouse allergens is a risk factor for asthma among inner-city residents.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to develop a sensitive and specific assay for assessing environmental mouse allergen exposure.
METHODS: An ELISA for recombinant (r)Mus m 1 was developed by using rabbit polyclonal antibodies to rMus m 1 that were affinity purified against the natural allergen. Assay specificity was established by means of immunoblotting and ELISA. Mus m 1 levels in mouse, other mammalian allergenic products, and house dust samples from inner-city homes were compared.
RESULTS: Polyclonal antibodies to Mus m 1 showed a single 20-kd band on immunoblots against rMus m 1 and male mouse urine. Parallel dose-response curves were obtained by using mouse urine extract and natural Mus m 1 or rMus m 1. Mus m 1 was detected in mouse allergenic products (0.10-10.0 microg/mL) and in gerbil allergenic products (0.1 microg/mL) but was less than the limit of detection in epithelial extracts from 10 other animal species. Environmental measurements showed an excellent correlation between Mus m 1 levels in house dust extracts from inner-city asthma studies by using 2 different Mus m 1 standards (n=22; r=0.99; P <.001).
CONCLUSIONS: A highly sensitive ELISA has been developed with rMus m 1. This assay is suitable for monitoring domestic and environmental exposure to mouse urinary allergens.
Centers Funded By: 