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Sporothrix schenckii Peptidorhamnomannan-Associated Protein 2 (Pap2) Is Involved in Adhesion and Virulence

Dario A Baruch-Martínez1, Manuela Gómez-Gaviria1, Joaquín O Chávez-Santiago1

  • 1Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, Mexico.

Infection and Drug Resistance
|January 1, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The newly identified Pap2 protein in Sporothrix schenckii aids fungal adhesion to host tissues. Immunization with Pap2 offers protection against sporotrichosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pathogenesis
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The cell wall of *Sporothrix schenckii* is crucial for pathogenesis.
  • Previous studies identified proteins of unknown function within the peptidorhamnomannan (PRM) cell wall component.
  • The protein encoded by the SPSK_06559 gene was highly abundant in PRM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the adhesive properties of the SPSK_06559 protein (Pap2) to extracellular matrix (ECM) components.
  • To experimentally validate the predicted adhesive properties of Pap2.
  • To assess the role of Pap2 in *Sporothrix schenckii* pathogenesis using a *Galleria mellonella* infection model.

Main Methods:

  • In silico analysis to predict Pap2 adhesion to ECM components (fibrinogen, fibronectin, collagens).
  • Generation of recombinant Pap2 (rPap2) for experimental validation.
  • Assessment of Pap2's role in pathogenesis in *Galleria mellonella* larvae.

Main Results:

  • Bioinformatic predictions indicated Pap2 possesses adhesive properties.
  • Experimental validation confirmed strong adhesion of rPap2 to ECM components.
  • Immunization with rPap2 provided significant protection to *G. mellonella* larvae against *S. schenckii*.
  • Blocking Pap2 with antibodies reduced fungal lethality in larvae.

Conclusions:

  • Pap2 facilitates initial adhesion to host tissues during *Sporothrix schenckii* infection.
  • Pap2 is a promising immunogenic antigen for vaccine development against sporotrichosis.
  • Pap2 plays an essential role in pathogenesis and is a potential therapeutic target.
Keywords:
cell wallglycoproteinsimmune primingpeptidorhamnomannanrecombinant protein

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