[Characterization of a protein related to Bet v 1, the major birch pollen antigen, from cells of the Madagascar periwinkle. Universal presence of proteins of this type among higher plants].

In this work we present the characterisation of a gene that codes for a protein of 17 kDa, in in vitro cultures of a plant with ornamental and pharmaceutical properties, the Madagascan periwinkle, (Catharanthus roseus [L] G. DON). This protein is very close to the principal allergen of birch and also to allergens isolated from or demonstrated in some foods such as celery, parsley, apple tree, peas, asparagus and potato, but it has no allergenic characteristics.