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Alternaria alternata NADP-dependent mannitol dehydrogenase is an important fungal allergen

P B Schneider1, U Denk, M Breitenbach

  • 1Division of Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.

Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|December 21, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mannitol dehydrogenase (MtDH) from Alternaria alternata is identified as a significant allergen (Alt a 8). This finding advances diagnostics and therapeutics for fungal allergies.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Allergen research
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Alternaria alternata is a globally significant allergenic fungus.
  • Mannitol dehydrogenase (MtDH) is a known allergen in Cladosporium herbarum, with demonstrated cross-reactivity among fungal allergens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clone, express, and purify recombinant non-fusion Mannitol Dehydrogenase (MtDH) from Alternaria alternata.
  • To evaluate the IgE-binding properties and allergenic potential of recombinant Alt a 8.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of an A. alternata cDNA library using a C. herbarum MtDH probe.
  • Heterologous expression of the A. alternata MtDH gene in Escherichia coli.
  • Purification of the recombinant protein and analysis of IgE-binding via ELISA and immunoblotting.

Main Results:

  • The full-length cDNA clone encodes a 28.6 kDa protein with 75% sequence identity to C. herbarum MtDH.
  • Recombinant A. alternata MtDH was successfully expressed, purified, and confirmed to be enzymatically active.
  • 41% of A. alternata-allergic patients' sera recognized the recombinant MtDH, confirmed by skin prick tests and cross-reactivity studies.

Conclusions:

  • Mannitol dehydrogenase (Alt a 8) is identified as a key allergen in Alternaria alternata.
  • This allergen holds potential for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for fungal allergies.

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