Bet v 1-SC genes constitute a subset of a multigene
family in birch (Betula pendula Roth) that includes the
gene for the major pollen allergen and encode proteins belonging to a new
family of intracellular pathogenesis-related proteins. We have investigated
the expression in birch roots of the Bet v 1-SC1 and
Bet v 1-SC3 genes by northern and
reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses. Only
Bet v 1-SC3 was found to be highly expressed in roots
under basal conditions but this gene was not wound-inducible. Conversely the
expression of the Bet v 1-SC1 gene was markedly
transiently induced 8 to 9 h after the stress. Immunoblotting with polyclonal
antiserum raised against the major birch pollen allergen confirmed that Bet v
1-related polypeptides are present in root extracts. This first report of
Bet v 1-SC gene expression and wound-inducibility in
birch roots suggests a possible function of proteins encoded by these genes in
plant defense and/or root organogenesis.
Prevention of allergen-specific IgE production and suppression of an established Th2-type response by immunization with DNA encoding hypoallergenic allergen derivatives of Bet v 1, the major birch-pollen allergen
