Dual function of novel pollen coat (surface) proteins: IgE-binding capacity and proteolytic activity disrupting the airway epithelial barrier.
BACKGROUND: The pollen coat is the first structure of the pollen to encounter the mucosal immune system upon inhalation.Prior characterizations of pollen allergens have focused on water-soluble, cytoplasmic proteins, but have overlooked much of the extracellular pollen coat.Due to washing with organic solvents when prepared, these pollen coat prote