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Characterization of allergens of Penicillium and Aspergillus species

H D Shen1, S H Han

  • 1Department of Medical Research, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Center for Immunology, Taiwan, ROC.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection = Wei Mian Yu Gan Ran Za Zhi
|September 25, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Common indoor fungi like Penicillium and Aspergillus cause asthma. This study identifies key allergens, including serine proteases and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, revealing cross-reactivity that aids in diagnosing and treating mould allergy.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Allergology

Background:

  • Penicillium and Aspergillus species are prevalent indoor airborne fungi.
  • These fungi are significant causes of extrinsic bronchial asthma.
  • Limited knowledge existed regarding the specific allergens from these fungal species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize allergens from common indoor fungi, specifically Penicillium and Aspergillus species.
  • To investigate IgE cross-reactivity among fungal allergens.
  • To provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of mould allergy.

Main Methods:

  • Prevalence survey of Penicillium species in the Taipei area.
  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from asthmatic patients.
  • N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis and cDNA cloning.

Main Results:

  • P. citrinum was the most prevalent Penicillium species identified.
  • IgE cross-reactivity was observed among 33 kDa major allergens of P. citrinum, P. notatum, and P. brevicompactum.
  • Identified 33 kDa allergens as alkaline serine proteinases, a 34 kDa allergen of A. oryzae as also an alkaline serine proteinase, and a 68 kDa allergen of P. notatum as beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase.
  • Detected IgE cross-reactivity between A. oryzae and P. citrinum serine proteinase allergens.
  • A heat shock protein (hsp70 family) was identified as an allergen of P. citrinum.

Conclusions:

  • The 33 kDa major allergens of P. citrinum and P. brevicompactum are likely alkaline serine proteinases.
  • The 34 kDa major allergen of A. oryzae is also an alkaline serine proteinase.
  • Identified beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase and a heat shock protein as allergens, contributing to understanding mould allergy mechanisms.
  • Findings support improved clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies for mould-induced asthma.

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