The lipocalin family of proteins comprises the majority of mammal derived respiratory allergens and some endogenous proteins. Previously, we could show that DCs treated with two different pairs of homologous lipocalins, each consisting of an exogenous allergenic (Can f 1/Fel d 4) and an endogenous non-allergenic lipocalin (Lcn-1/MUP) , induce divergent immune responses.
To determine the allergenic potential of lipocalin allergens we compared the amino acid (AA) sequence of allergenic and non-allergenic lipocalins and identified AAs only present in allergens. Whether these conserved AAs harbour the potential to prime DCs towards the induction of an allergic Th2 immune response was tested with hybrid-lipocalins consisting of the non-allergenic Lcn-1 sequence substituted with the conserved allergenic AAs.

Identification of amino acids that equip lipocalins with allergenic potential