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Identification of spore allergens from the indoor mould Aspergillus versicolor
1Department of Proteomics, UFZ - Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Leipzig, Germany.
Background:
Indoor mould growth and dampness are associated with respiratory health effects and allergies and several studies demonstrated that mainly Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium expansum are responsible for indoor mould exposure. In contrast, commercialized test systems to diagnose allergic reactions to this mould species are not available. In this study, allergenic proteins from spores of the indoor relevant species A. versicolor and P. expansum should get detected and identified.
Methods:
We used two-dimensional (2D)-gel electrophoresis of spore proteins and immunoblotting with sera from patients participating in an epidemiologic study about indoor exposure of moulds and their influence on the development of allergies (ESTERSPEGA). Sera were screened for IgE antibodies specific for proteins from A. versicolor, A. fumigatus and P. expansum in one-dimensional blots and in 2D immunoblots. From the 2D gels, the corresponding spots were picked and identified by mass spectrometry.
Results:
More than 20 allergens from A. versicolor were identified; in particular, seven major allergens were selected, which were detected by more than 90% of the positive sera. The most abundant allergen was glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, followed by an unnamed protein, which displays a high homology to sobitol/xylose reductase. The other allergens were identified as catalase A, hypothetical protein AN6918.2, enolase, hypothetical protein AN0297.2 and a protein with homology to a fungal malate dehydrogenase.
Conclusions:
The results indicate an important role of spore proteins from A. versicolor for sensitization against indoor moulds and identification of the major allergens might enable species-specific diagnosis of allergic reactions.
Insights
Researchers identified key allergens from Aspergillus versicolor, a common indoor mold. These findings could lead to specific diagnostic tests for mold allergies, improving respiratory health management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Allergen research
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Indoor mold exposure, particularly from Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium expansum, is linked to respiratory issues and allergies.
- Current diagnostic tools lack specificity for common indoor mold allergens.
- There is a need to identify and characterize allergens from indoor-relevant mold species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and identify allergenic proteins from Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium expansum spores.
- To investigate the role of these proteins in sensitization to indoor molds.
- To pave the way for species-specific allergy diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis of mold spore proteins.
- Immunoblotting using sera from patients exposed to indoor molds.
- Mass spectrometry for identification of allergenic protein spots.
Main Results:
- Over 20 allergens from Aspergillus versicolor were identified.
- Seven major allergens, recognized by >90% of positive sera, were selected.
- Key identified allergens include glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, catalase A, and enolase.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus versicolor spore proteins play a significant role in sensitization to indoor molds.
- The identification of major allergens facilitates the development of species-specific diagnostic tests.
- This research contributes to better management and diagnosis of mold-induced allergies.
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