Identification of Helianthus annuus allergens in subjects with allergy to sunflower

Methods The proteins 2S, 11S and oleosins were purified from a raw sunflower seed extract by FPLC/HPLC and identified by specific antibodies and peptide mass fingerprinting. We tested the immunological recognition of these proteins by basophil activation test (BAT). Four concentrations (1, 0.2, 0.1, 0.02 ìg/ml) of each protein and the sunflower roasted extract were used. Ten patients were selected by clinical history and skin prick test positive to commercial extract. Twelve subjects with skin prick test negative to commercial extract and not food allergy were included as controls.