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Exoproteome Analysis of Human Pathogenic Dermatophyte Species and Identification of Immunoreactive Proteins

Christine Eymann1,2, Gerhild Wachlin1, Dirk Albrecht1

  • 1Institute of Microbiology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.

Proteomics. Clinical Applications
|June 29, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Researchers analyzed fungal exoproteomes to identify key proteins involved in human dermatophyte infections like athlete's foot. This study reveals potential targets for new diagnostics and treatments for challenging fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Mycology
  • Molecular Pathogenesis
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Rising incidence of superficial and deep dermatophyte infections (onychomycosis, tinea pedis) presents a significant clinical challenge.
  • Understanding the host-pathogen interactions in dermatophytosis is crucial for developing effective therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the exoproteomes of common clinical dermatophyte species (Trichophyton rubrum, T. interdigitale, Arthroderma benhamiae).
  • To identify secreted fungal proteins that elicit host immune responses in patients with dermatophyte infections.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro cultivation of reference and patient-isolated Trichophyton strains.
  • Separation of extracellular proteins using 2D High Performance Electrophoresis.
  • Identification of proteins via mass spectrometry and Western blotting with patient sera.

Main Results:

  • Over 80 secreted proteins identified, including virulence factors like peptidases and hydrolases.
  • Up to 31 proteins showed significant antigen-antibody reactions with patient sera, indicating host immune reactivity.
  • Beta-glucosidase (F2SZI9) identified as a potential common antigen across Trichophyton infections.

Conclusions:

  • First global exoproteome data for these dermatophyte species provide insights into pathogenicity.
  • Identified proteins are potential candidates for novel diagnostic markers or vaccine development.
  • Further validation is required to confirm the clinical utility of these findings.
Keywords:
Trichophytondermatophyteexoproteomeimmunoreactive proteinsinfectionvirulence proteins

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