Allergenic Ribosomal P Proteins

Ribosomal P proteins are small molecules (10-11 kDa) that form the ribosomal stalk structure which plays a key role in the elongation step of protein translation [1]. Ribosomal P proteins have an isoelectric point in a very acidic range (pI 3-4), and are phosphorylated. For these reasons, they are also called acidic ribosomal P proteins. In addition to ribosome-bound P proteins, they are also found in a free-state in cytoplasm and an exchange occurs between the nucleus and cytoplasmic sites [2]. Free ribosomal proteins are contained in the nuclear sap and participate in the assembly of ribosome subunits that takes place in the nucleolus. Ribosomal proteins are ubiquitous and abundant in the cell. They are prime candidates for recruitment towards extraribosomal functions that are often related to overall cellular health, such as balancing the synthesis of the RNA and protein components of the ribosome and involving in apoptosis [3].