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Published on: June 29, 2021
Relative reactivity of Aspergillus allergens used in serological tests
P Bowyer1, O Blightman1, D W Denning1
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Manchester, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
Aspergillus is a common disease-causing agent, both as an allergen causing ABPA and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) and as a pathogen causing invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals and chronic cavitating disease (CCPA) in apparently immune competent individuals. Currently detection of Aspergillus is problematic and some of the most useful tests rely on detection of antibody response to Aspergillus allergens. Here we examine the IgE antibody response to crude and recombinant allergen tests (Asp f 1, Asp f 2, Asp f 4 and Asp f 6) in individuals with allergic conditions ABPA, SAFS and in individuals with CCPA. Additionally we use recently obtained genomic information to examine the possibility of cross reaction to these allergens and show that possible cross reactive epitopes occur in several species of Aspergillus.
Insights
This study investigates IgE antibody responses to Aspergillus allergens in allergic conditions like allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS), and chronic pulmonary disease (CCPA). Findings reveal potential cross-reactivity among Aspergillus species, impacting diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Immunology
- Allergology
Background:
- Aspergillus species are significant causes of allergic diseases, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS).
- Aspergillus also causes invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients and chronic cavitating pulmonary disease (CCPA) in others.
- Current diagnostic methods for Aspergillus infections and allergies often rely on detecting antibody responses to Aspergillus allergens, but these can be problematic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the IgE antibody response to crude and recombinant Aspergillus allergens (Asp f 1, Asp f 2, Asp f 4, Asp f 6).
- To investigate these responses in individuals with ABPA, SAFS, and CCPA.
- To explore potential cross-reactivity between Aspergillus allergens using genomic data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of IgE antibody responses using crude and recombinant Aspergillus allergen tests.
- Study population included individuals diagnosed with ABPA, SAFS, and CCPA.
- Genomic information was utilized to assess potential cross-reactive epitopes.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated IgE antibody responses to specific Aspergillus allergens in patients with allergic conditions and CCPA.
- Identified potential cross-reactive epitopes within several Aspergillus species.
- Genomic analysis supports the possibility of cross-reactivity impacting diagnostic specificity.
Conclusions:
- IgE antibody testing to Aspergillus allergens is crucial for diagnosing allergic conditions and CCPA.
- Potential cross-reactivity among Aspergillus allergens necessitates careful interpretation of diagnostic tests.
- Further research into cross-reactive epitopes can improve diagnostic accuracy for Aspergillus-related diseases.
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Relative Reactivity of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
A key factor in assessing the reactivity of the acid derivatives is the basicity of the substituent or the leaving group. The lower the basicity of the leaving group, the higher the reactivity of the derivative. The basicity of the leaving group follows this order:
Halide ions < Acyloxy ions < Alkoxy ions < Amine ions
Relative Risk
Cross-reactivity
Reactivity of Enols
Relative Velocity in One Dimension
Relative Frequency Histogram

