Distinct Pattern of Paracoccidioides lutzii, P. restrepiensis and P. americana Antigens Recognized by IgE in Human Paracoccidioidomycosis

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the fungi Paracoccidioides spp. The main antigens recognized by IgE are known for P. brasiliensis species complex, but not for P. lutzii. Current research investigated the major P. lutzii (LDR2) antigens recognized by IgE, in comparison to P. restrepiensis and P. americana (former P. brasiliensis species complex), besides IgG recognition. Cell-free antigens (CFA) from P. lutzii (LDR2), P. restrepiensis (B339) and P. americana (LDR3) were analyzed by ELISA and immunoblotting (IB) by detecting specific IgG and IgE from sera from patients with PCM presumable by P. brasiliensis species complex (n = 24). Additionally, somatic antigen (SA) was analyzed by IB. P. lutzii (LDR2) antigens showed significantly lower reactivity than P. restrepiensis (B339) and P. americana (LDR3) in ELISA for both IgE and IgG (p < 0.05). The IgE-IB pattern was different between P. lutzii (LDR2) and the other species, regarding components with ~30 kDa and ~70 kDa in CFA and a ~200 kDa in SA. P. lutzii (LDR2) present at least three antigens recognized by IgE which mainly differ from P. restrepiensis (B339) and, to a lesser extent, from P. americana (LDR3). Current research evidenced for the first time the major P. lutzii (LDR2) antigens recognized by IgE.