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Secretion of a potential virulence factor, a fungal ribonucleotoxin, during human aspergillosis infections
B Lamy1, M Moutaouakil, J P Latge
1Unité de Génie Microbiologique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Molecular Microbiology
|July 1, 1991
Abstract:
We show by cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis that the 18kDa antigen found in the urine of patients suffering from aspergillosis is related to the fungal protein toxins restrictocin and mitogillin. These are inhibitors of translation which act by catalytic inactivation of eukaryotic ribosomes; they may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Insights
The 18kDa antigen in aspergillosis patients' urine is linked to fungal toxins that inhibit protein translation by damaging ribosomes. This finding may explain how the disease progresses.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathogenesis Research
Background:
- Aspergillosis is a fungal infection with various clinical manifestations.
- Diagnostic markers for aspergillosis are crucial for timely treatment.
- Fungal-derived toxins can play a role in disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the 18kDa antigen found in the urine of aspergillosis patients.
- To investigate the potential role of this antigen in the pathogenesis of aspergillosis.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis of the 18kDa antigen.
- Comparison of the antigen's sequence with known fungal proteins.
Main Results:
- The 18kDa antigen was identified and its nucleotide sequence determined.
- Sequence analysis revealed a relationship between the antigen and fungal protein toxins restrictocin and mitogillin.
- Restrictocin and mitogillin are known inhibitors of eukaryotic ribosome function.
Conclusions:
- The 18kDa urinary antigen in aspergillosis is related to translation-inhibiting fungal toxins.
- These toxins, by inactivating ribosomes, may contribute to the pathogenesis of aspergillosis.