%0 Journal Article
%T Hexamerin-2 Protein of Locust as a Novel Allergen in Occupational Allergy.
%A Wang Y
%A Zhang Y
%A Lou H
%A Wang C
%A Ni M
%A Yu D
%A Zhang L
%A Kang L
%J J Asthma Allergy
%V 15
%N 0
%D 2022
%M 35140476
%F 3.027
%R 10.2147/JAA.S348825
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Occupational exposure to locusts induces a high prevalence of allergic sensitization. However, knowledge on occupational locust allergens remains unclear.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study aimed to identify the allergens from locusts causing occupational allergies.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We conducted a survey of 57 persons exposed to locusts using questionnaires and immunological tests for occupational allergies in long-term locust laboratories. The major allergen was identified by immunoblotting and analysed by mass spectrometry. The allergenicity of the allergen was assessed by sIgE detection, immunoblotting and ELISA inhibition assays.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The survey indicated that the frequency of locust occupational allergies was 40.4% among subjects exposed to locust. The symptoms in most males were allergic rhinitis, while females showed higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis. Occupational exposure increased the allergy risk. The recombinant hexamerin-2 protein possesses high allergenicity in the allergic exposure group. Hexamerin-2 protein can inhibit IgE reactivity with locust protein extracts by approximately 60%. The potential for cross-reactivity with cockroaches was indicated by sequence alignment of hexamerin-2 protein and allergens of cockroaches.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The hexamerin-2 protein of locusts as an important allergen was identified. Therefore, occupational exposure is an important risk factor for locust allergy.