Symbol HEV1 UniProt P02877 | CAS number 137295-60-4 | |
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Pro-hevein (Alternative name: Major hevein, gene name: HEV1) is a wound-induced and a lectin-like protein from Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) where it is involved in the coagulation of latex.
The 187 amino-acid propeptide pro-hevein is cleaved in two fragments: a N-terminal 43 amino-acid Hevein bearing a chitin-binding type-1 domain (also known as CBM18 carbohydrate-binding module) that binds to chitin and a 138 amino-acid Win-like protein bearing a Barwin domain.
It has antifungal properties.
Role of hevein in latex allergy
Hevein is the main IgE-binding epitope of the major latex allergen prohevein as are hevein-like protein domains in fruit class I chitinases. Therefore it is a possible cause for allergen cross-reactivity between latex and banana or other fruits like chestnuts or avocadoes. Hevein-like genes can be found in many plants including Arabidopsis thaliana.
The conformational epitope on hevein is called Hev b 6.02.