Production, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the allergen Can f 2 from Canis familiaris

The allergen Can f 2 from dog (Canis familiaris) present in saliva, dander and fur is an important cause of allergic sensitization worldwide. Here, the production, isolation, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of two crystal forms of recombinant Can f 2 are reported. The first crystal form belonged to space group C222, with unit-cell parameters a = 68.7, b = 77.3, c = 65.1 A, and diffracted to 1.55 A resolution, while the second crystal form belonged to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 75.7, b = 48.3, c = 68.7 A, beta = 126.5 degrees , and diffracted to 2.1 A resolution. Preliminary data analysis indicated the presence of a single molecule in the asymmetric unit for both crystal forms.