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The importance of serine proteinases as aeroallergens associated with asthma
1Department of Medical Research, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. hdshen@vghtpe.gov.tw
Abstract:
Penicillium and Aspergillus species have been identified as prevalent indoor airborne fungi that are associated with extrinsic bronchial asthma. We have recently analyzed the IgE-binding components in 8 prevalent Penicillium and Aspergillus species (P. citrinum, P. notatum, P. oxalicum, P. brevicompactum, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. oryzae and A. niger) by immunoblotting and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. Our results show that the alkaline and/or vacuolar serine proteinases are the major allergens in these prevalent fungal species. IgE cross-reactivity among these major allergens was also detected. Results obtained provide an important basis for clinical allergy. In addition, monoclonal antibodies against alkaline and/or vacuolar serine proteinase allergens have been generated. These antibodies can be applied for the standardization of allergenic extracts.
Insights
Common indoor fungi like Penicillium and Aspergillus contain major allergens, specifically serine proteinases. These allergens show cross-reactivity, aiding in clinical allergy diagnosis and the development of standardized fungal extracts.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Allergology
Background:
- Penicillium and Aspergillus species are common indoor airborne fungi.
- These fungi are frequently linked to extrinsic bronchial asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize IgE-binding components in prevalent indoor fungi.
- To investigate the allergenic potential and cross-reactivity of these components.
- To generate monoclonal antibodies for standardization of fungal allergenic extracts.
Main Methods:
- Immunoblotting techniques were employed to analyze IgE-binding proteins.
- N-terminal amino acid sequencing was performed on identified allergens.
- Monoclonal antibodies were generated against key allergenic proteins.
Main Results:
- Alkaline and/or vacuolar serine proteinases were identified as the major allergens in the studied Penicillium and Aspergillus species.
- Significant IgE cross-reactivity was observed among these major fungal allergens.
- Monoclonal antibodies against these serine proteinases were successfully generated.
Conclusions:
- Serine proteinases are key allergens in common indoor fungi, contributing to allergic asthma.
- Detected IgE cross-reactivity provides a basis for improved clinical allergy diagnosis.
- Generated monoclonal antibodies offer potential for standardizing fungal allergenic extracts for diagnostic and therapeutic use.