Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Antibody Profiling by Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems LIPS
Published on: October 7, 2009
Immunoproteomics-Based Analysis of the Immunocompetent Serological Response to Lomentospora prolificans
Aize Pellon1, Andoni Ramirez-Garcia1, Idoia Buldain1
1Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group. Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology. Faculty of Science and Technology. University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) , Leioa 48940, Spain.
Abstract:
The filamentous fungus Lomentospora prolificans is an emerging pathogen causing severe infections mainly among the immunocompromised population. These diseases course with high mortality rates due to great virulence of the fungus, its inherent resistance to available antifungals, and absence of specific diagnostic tools. Despite being widespread in humanized environments, L. prolificans rarely causes infections in immunocompetent individuals likely due to their developed protective immune response. In this study, conidial and hyphal immunomes against healthy human serum IgG were analyzed, identifying immunodominant antigens and establishing their prevalence among the immunocompetent population. Thirteen protein spots from each morph were detected as reactive against at least 70% of serum samples, and identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Hence, the most seroprevalent antigens were WD40 repeat 2 protein, malate dehydrogenase, and DHN1, in conidia, and heat shock protein (Hsp) 70, Hsp90, ATP synthase β subunit, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, in hyphae. More interestingly, the presence of some of these seroprevalent antigens was determined on the cell surface, as Hsp70, enolase, or Hsp90. Thus, we have identified a diverse set of antigenic proteins, both in the entire proteome and cell surface subproteome, which may be used as targets to develop innovative therapeutic or diagnostic tools.
Insights
Lomentospora prolificans infections are dangerous due to antifungal resistance and lack of diagnostics. This study identified key fungal antigens in healthy individuals, offering potential targets for new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lomentospora prolificans is an emerging fungal pathogen causing severe, high-mortality infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Its virulence, antifungal resistance, and lack of specific diagnostics contribute to poor patient outcomes.
- Infection in immunocompetent individuals is rare, suggesting a robust immune response against this fungus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the immunomes of L. prolificans conidia and hyphae against healthy human serum IgG.
- To identify immunodominant antigens and determine their prevalence in the immunocompetent population.
- To explore the potential of identified antigens as targets for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of conidial and hyphal immunomes using healthy human serum IgG.
- Identification of reactive protein spots via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
- Determination of antigen prevalence in immunocompetent individuals and cell surface localization.
Main Results:
- Thirteen protein spots from each morph (conidia and hyphae) reacted with at least 70% of serum samples.
- Seroprevalent antigens identified include WD40 repeat 2 protein, malate dehydrogenase, and DHN1 (conidia); heat shock protein (Hsp) 70, Hsp90, ATP synthase β subunit, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (hyphae).
- Cell surface localization was confirmed for Hsp70, enolase, and Hsp90.
Conclusions:
- A diverse set of antigenic proteins from L. prolificans has been identified.
- These seroprevalent antigens, particularly those on the cell surface, represent promising targets for developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
- Further research into these antigens could lead to improved management of L. prolificans infections.
