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Vincent M, Corazza F, Chasseur C, Bladt S, Romano M, Huygen K, Denis O, Michel O. Relationship between mold exposure, specific IgE sensitization, and clinical asthma: A case-control study. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2018; 121:333-339. [PMID: 29944956 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2018.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most of the findings related to the noxious effect of mold sensitization on asthma come from investigations based on Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, and Aspergillus fumigatus. However, species such as Penicillium spp, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, or Aspergillus versicolor display a more pronounced indoor tropism, and their potential harmful respiratory effects cannot be neglected. OBJECTIVE The goal of this work was to relate mold sensitizations with asthma severity and with the level of indoor mold contamination among mold-sensitized patients with asthma and nonsensitized patients with asthma. METHODS A case-control study was conducted and several asthma severity markers were compared between patients with asthma with and without mold sensitization. Indoor contamination of patients' dwellings was also investigated. RESULTS Our findings confirmed the association between sensitization to A fumigatus and severity for patients with asthma in contrast with sensitization to other species. Indoor mold contamination was detected in approximately 90% of dwellings. Overall mold exposure was not associated with asthma severity. However, regardless of the sensitization, exposure to A fumigatus and Penicillium spp in dust was linked to an increased risk of severe asthma. CONCLUSION The harmful nature of mold sensitization and mold exposure for patients with asthma was not confirmed in this study. However, sensitization to A fumigatus was associated with an increased risk for severe asthma. A better investigation of the properties of Penicillium spp is recommended because its exposure was found to be associated with a more pronounced impairment of lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Vincent
- Program Allergology, Scientific Service Immunology, WIV-ISP (site Uccle), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Francis Corazza
- Laboratory of Immunology and of Translational Research, CHU Brugmann (Université Libre de Bruxelles-ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Camille Chasseur
- Program Health and Environment, Scientific Service Food, drugs and consumers security, WIV-ISP (site Ixelles), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Marta Romano
- Program Host-Pathogen Interaction, Scientific Service Immunology, WIV-ISP (site Uccle), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Huygen
- Program Allergology, Scientific Service Immunology, WIV-ISP (site Uccle), Brussels, Belgium; Program Host-Pathogen Interaction, Scientific Service Immunology, WIV-ISP (site Uccle), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Denis
- Program Allergology, Scientific Service Immunology, WIV-ISP (site Uccle), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Michel
- Clinic of Immunology and Allergology, CHU Brugmann (Université Libre de Bruxelles-ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Arikoglu T, Batmaz SB, Coşkun T, Otag F, Yildirim DD, Kuyucu S. The characteristics of indoor and outdoor fungi and their relation with allergic respiratory diseases in the southern region of Turkey. Environ Monit Assess 2016; 188:380. [PMID: 27236446 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5371-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Indoor and outdoor fungal exposure has been shown to be associated with the development of allergic respiratory diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the types and concentrations of airborne fungi inside and outside homes and evaluate the association between fungal levels and allergic diseases in the southern region of Turkey. A total of 61 children admitted with respiratory complaints to the pediatric allergy clinic between September 2007 and November 2008 were included in this study. The air samples were obtained using the Air IDEAL volumetric air sampler longitudinally for 1 year. A comprehensive questionnaire was used for medical history and housing conditions. Skin prick test was performed to determine fungal sensitivity and spirometric indices were employed. The predominant indoor fungal species were Cladosporium (69.3 %), Penicillium (18.9 %), Aspergillus (6.5 %), and Alternaria (3.1 %). A strong correlation between indoor and outdoor fungal levels was detected for the Cladosporium species (p < 0.001, r = 0.72) throughout the year. Living in a detached home (p = 0.036) and the presence of cockroaches (p = 0.005) were associated with total indoor fungal levels. The presence of cockroaches (aOR 3.5; 95 % CI 0.95-13.10, p = 0.059) was also associated with fungal sensitization at the edge of significance. The statistical cutoff values of indoor and outdoor Cladosporium levels to predict symptomatic asthma were found to be >176 CFU/m(3) (p = 0.003, AUC 0.696; sensitivity 65.5 %; specificity 68.7 %) and >327 CFU/m(3) (p = 0.038; AUC 0.713; sensitivity 66.6 %; specificity 76.9 %), respectively. Children with respiratory symptoms are exposed to a considerable level of fungi inside and outside their homes. The prevention of fungal exposure may provide valuable intervention for respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugba Arikoglu
- Department of Pediatric Allergy Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, 33343, Ciftlikkoy Kampusu, Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Sehra Birgul Batmaz
- Department of Pediatric Allergy Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, 33343, Ciftlikkoy Kampusu, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Taner Coşkun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Feza Otag
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | | | - Semanur Kuyucu
- Department of Pediatric Allergy Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, 33343, Ciftlikkoy Kampusu, Mersin, Turkey
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Wang Y, Zeng L, Chen X, Hao W, Yang M, Cai J, Wang Y, Yuan G, Che X. [A double-antigen sandwich ELISA for detecting Penicillium marneffei Mp1p-specific antibody]. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2013; 33:439-443. [PMID: 23529249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish an immunological method for detecting antibodies of Penicillium marneffei. METHODS The recombinant Mp1p protein of Penicillium marneffei was expressed in Pichia pastoris and labeled with HRP (Mp1p-HRP) with a modified sodium periodate method. A double-antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was established by determining the optimal coating concentration of Mp1p protein and the concentration of the detecting protein Mp1p-HRP. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay was evaluated by detecting Mp1p antibodies in 100 serum samples from healthy donors, 15 samples from culture-confirmed penicilliosis patients, and 21 samples from patients with culture-confirmed other fungal infections. RESULTS A double-antigen sandwich ELISA was successfully established for detecting Mp1p-specific antibody. The specificity of the assay was 100% (121/121) for detecting Mp1p-specific antibody in the sera from healthy donors and patients with other fungal infection. The detection results of the 15 serum samples from patients with culture-confirmed penicilliosis showed positivity for Mp1p antibody in 2 samples and Mp1p antigen positivity in 12 samples; combining the detection results of Mp1p antigen and antibody obviously increased the diagnostic sensitivity to 93.3% (14/15). CONCLUSION The double-antigen sandwich ELISA shows a high specificity in detecting Mp1p-specific antibody, and simultaneous detection of Mp1p antigen and antibody can increase the diagnostic sensitivity for penicilliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Wang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China.
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Chen JC, Chiu LL, Lee KL, Huang WN, Chuang JG, Liao HK, Chow LP. Identification of critical amino acids in an immunodominant IgE epitope of Pen c 13, a major allergen from Penicillium citrinum. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34627. [PMID: 22506037 PMCID: PMC3323554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pen c 13, identified as a 33-kDa alkaline serine protease, is a major allergen secreted by Penicillium citrinum. Detailed knowledge about the epitopes responsible for IgE binding would help inform the diagnosis/prognosis of fungal allergy and facilitate the rational design of hypoallergenic candidate vaccines. The goal of the present study was to characterize the IgE epitopes of Pen c 13. Methodology/Principal Findings Serum samples were collected from 10 patients with mold allergy and positive Pen c 13 skin test results. IgE-binding epitopes on rPen c 13 were mapped using an enzymatic digestion and chemical cleavage method, followed by dot-blotting and mass spectrometry. A B-cell epitope-predicting server and molecular modeling were used to predict the residues most likely involved in IgE binding. Theoretically predicted IgE-binding regions were further confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis assays. At least twelve different IgE-binding epitopes located throughout Pen c 13 were identified. Of these, peptides S16 (A148–E166) and S22 (A243–K274) were recognized by sera from 90% and 100% of the patients tested, and were further confirmed by inhibition assays. Peptide S22 was selected for further analysis of IgE-binding ability. The results of serum screening showed that the majority of IgE-binding ability resided in the C-terminus. One Pen c 13 mutant, G270A (T261–K274), exhibited clearly enhanced IgE reactivity, whereas another, K274A, exhibited dramatically reduced IgE reactivity. Conclusions/Significance Experimental analyses confirmed in silico-predicted residues involved in an important antigenic region of Pen c 13. The G270A mutant of Pen c 13 has the potential to serve as an additional tool for the diagnosis/prognosis of mold allergy, and the K274A mutant, as a hypoallergenic form of the epitope, may provide a framework for the design and development of a safe and efficient therapeutic strategy for treating human allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Chieh Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Li Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Lun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ning Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jiing-Guang Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Kai Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Ping Chow
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Yasui H, Matsui T, Yokomura K, Nakano Y, Suda T, Chida K. [Three cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in citrus farmers]. Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi 2010; 48:172-177. [PMID: 20184252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We report 3 cases of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis in citrus farmers. They were admitted to our hospital with abnormal chest shadows with coughs, fevers and breathlessness between January and February, but their symptoms disappeared with isolation from their workplace. The diagnoses were comprehensively confirmed by their occupational histories, radiological findings, and the positive findings of environmental provocation tests. Although we cannot clearly determine the pathogenic antigen of this hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Aspergillus and Penicillium might be the causative agents, because they were detected in the patients' workplaces and in double immunodiffusion tests. In Ouchterlony's immunodiffusion test, these antigens were positive in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Yasui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Respiratory Disease Center, Seirei Mikatahara Hospital
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Our prospective case-control study of 118 dwellings in Eastern France examined fungal contamination in unhealthy dwellings (n = 32) (homes with visible mold contamination and adverse health outcomes reported by the occupants), dwellings occupied by allergic patients (with medical diagnostic and positive prick-tests for molds) (n = 27) and matched control dwellings (n = 59). Unhealthy dwellings present higher airborne concentrations of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium than control dwellings, irrespective of the room sampled. Bedroom walls were more highly contaminated by molds than others. Dwellings occupied by allergic patients differed significantly for airborne concentrations of Penicillium only, but not for wall surface contamination, whereas bathroom walls were more highly contaminated than other rooms. Molecular identification of 12 Penicillium species showed Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium olsonii to be the two main species. From the total average of molds, by impaction method, useful thresholds can be given: below 170 CFU/m(3), between 170 and 560 CFU/m(3), 560 and 1000 CFU/m(3) and above 1000 CFU/m(3), respectively for dwellings with low, moderate, high, and very high concentrations. The latter would be considered a potential health hazard. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS A single measure of airborne concentrations of molds by impaction allows to establish useful thresholds by social services to estimate in a objective way the housing moldiness. Excluding the summer period, reproducibility of this kind of measure on 3 months, in the fixed limits, is 94.3%. The differences in terms of biodiversity of the unhealthy housing and those accommodating allergic patients imply a specific approach to decrease fungi airborne concentrations. The biodiversity of Penicillium raises the problem of the use of the single extract of Penicillium chrysogenum for skin-tests. The extent of the contaminated surfaces must be measured to assess the potential risk linked to spore contamination. Indeed, surface sampling mostly allows qualitative assessment of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Reboux
- Department of Mycology, University Hospital, Besançon, France.
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Amano Y, Enomoto M, Bando M, Kawakami M, Sugiyama Y. [Hypersensitity pneumonitis in a greenhouse rose grower]. Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi 2009; 47:960-964. [PMID: 19882923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A 54-year-old woman presented with chronic cough. She had been engaged in growing roses in plastic greenhouses. Chest CT scan showed bilateral diffuse ground-glass attenuation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated the increase of total cell counts with predominant lymphocyte cells, and transbronchial lung biopsy specimen revealed lymphocyte alveolitis with granuloma. Precipitating antibody against the extract of the Penicillium species obtained in the greenhouses was detected by the double immunodiffusion test, which led to a diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Penicillium species. This case suggests the risk of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by fungi in closed spaces with high temperature and humidity such as greenhouses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Amano
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the University of Tokyo Hospital
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Bobolea I, Barranco P, Jurado-Palomo J, Pedrosa M, Quirce S. Allergy to dry fermented sausage. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2009; 19:324-325. [PMID: 19639733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
MESH Headings
- Allergens/immunology
- Angioedema
- Antigens, Fungal/immunology
- Asthma/etiology
- Conjunctivitis/etiology
- Food Contamination
- Food Hypersensitivity/blood
- Food Hypersensitivity/complications
- Food Hypersensitivity/diagnosis
- Food Hypersensitivity/immunology
- Food Hypersensitivity/physiopathology
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin E/blood
- Male
- Meat Products
- Penicillium/immunology
- Pollen/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/blood
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/complications
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/diagnosis
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/physiopathology
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- I Bobolea
- Department of Allergology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
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Kulambil Padinjakara RN, Ashawesh K, Patel V. Allergic reaction to blue cheese: serendipity or actual causation? N Z Med J 2008; 121:102-104. [PMID: 18841191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
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10
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Ngaosuwankul P, Pongtanalert P, Engering A, Chaiyaroj SC. Differential gene expression profiles of human monocyte-derived antigen presenting cells in response to Penicillium marneffei: roles of DC-SIGN (CD209) in fungal cell uptake. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2008; 26:151-163. [PMID: 19054934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
DNA microarray technology was used to determine the gene expression profile of human monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDMs) after stimulation by Penicillium marneffei yeast. The expression levels of 175 macrophage genes were found to be altered by a minimum of two-fold in magnitude following 4 hours of P. marneffei exposure. Among those, 41 genes were upregulated in activated hMDMs while 134 genes were downregulated. Real-time PCR and RT-PCR were performed to further examine gene expression associated with the inflammatory response. Increased levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta gene expression in both hMDMs and human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (hMoDCs) were observed after stimulation by P. marneffei yeast. Furthermore, the genes encoding T-bet, IL-6 and ICAM-1 were also upregulated in hMDMs. Functional analysis of the adhesion of P. marneffei to dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN, CD209) was performed in hMoDCs since the microarray data revealed an increased expression of DC-SIGN in activated hMDMs. We found that DC-SIGN-Fc bound preferentially to P. marneffei yeast rather than to conidia. Moreover, an anti-DC-SIGN monoclonal antibody inhibited the binding of P. marneffei yeast to hMoDCs, but did not inhibit endocytosis of P. marneffei yeast. The mannose receptor, on the other hand, was important in both adhesion and phagocytosis. These results suggest that P. marneffei may exploit DC-SIGN as a receptor to facilitate the systemic spread of infection. Taken together, our study demonstrates the usefulness of microarray technology in generating valuable expression data to permit conventional immunologic investigations of host-fungal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyaporn Ngaosuwankul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Erbek SS, Topal O, Erbek S, Cakmak O. [Fungal allergy in chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps]. Kulak Burun Bogaz Ihtis Derg 2008; 18:153-156. [PMID: 18984996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fungi, by systemic or local allergic effect, may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We investigated the incidence of fungal allergy in patients with CRS and its effect on the clinical characteristics of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 127 patients, aged 18 years or over, with CRS (42 females, 85 males; mean age 43+/-12 years; range 19 to 78 years). Fungal allergy was determined by skin prick test and its effect was analyzed on blood eosinophil and total immunoglobulin E levels, the presence of polyps, and paranasal sinus computed tomography scores. RESULTS Eighty-five patients (66.9%) were found to have allergy. The incidence of allergy did not differ between patients with and without polyps (p>0.05). House dust mites (62.2%) were the most frequent allergens. The incidence of fungal allergy was 38.8% in allergic patients. Isolated fungal allergy was detected in two patients (1.6%). The most frequent fungal allergens were Aspergillus, followed by Alternaria, and Penicillium. No association was found between fungal allergy and blood eosinophil and total immunoglobulin E levels, presence of polyps, or paranasal sinus computed tomography scores (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The incidence of fungal allergy in patients with CRS was found to be high in this study. Tissue culture studies are required to determine the definitive relationship between fungal allergy and clinical features of CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selim S Erbek
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medicine Faculty of Başkent University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Lei H, Yuan H, Wu J, Yuan L, Wen L, Ni H. [Synthesis and identification of penicillic-acid antigens from Penicillium cyclopium]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 2008; 24:898-902. [PMID: 18724715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
To establish a new immune assay for Penicillic Acid (PA) from Penicillium cyclopium, we studied the synthesis of conjugated complete antigens for penicillic acid. PA was conjugated to bovine serum album (BSA) and ovalbumin (OVA) by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). The artificial antigens PA-BSA and PA-OVA were identified by ultraviolet spectrometric scanning, SDS-PAGE and immunization. Results showed that the absorption peak of conjugation were different from that of the carrier protein alone and of the PA. The conjugated ratio of PA and BSA was 23.2:1 and that of PA and OVA was 10.4:1. Balb/c mice were immunized by the artificial antigen of PA-BSA, with PA-OVA as coating antigen. The average titer of antiserums was more than 12 800 by indirect ELISA. The obtained antigens offered a basis for developing immunoassay method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Zhao WJ, Xi LY, Ma L. [Effect of Penicillium marneffei on TLR-2, TLR-4, and Dectin-1 expression and TNF-alpha production in macrophage]. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2008; 28:37-40. [PMID: 18227022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of heat-killed Penicillium marneffei (PM) on the expressions of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) and dendritic cell associated C-type lectin-1 (Dectin-1)and the production of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). in mouse peritoneal macrophages. METHODS Mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured in the presence of heat-killed yeast-phase PM for 24 h, and the average fluorescence intensity of TLR-2, TLR-4, and Dectin-1 in the macrophages was detected using flow cytometry. Fluorescent staining of the macrophages was performed to observe the fluorescence of TLR-2, TLR-4, and Dectin-1 with confocal microscopy. TNF-alpha mRNA in the cell culture supernatant was measured with real-time PCR, and TNF-alpha protein detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The average fluorescence intensity of TLR-2, TLR-4 and Dectin-1 in the macrophages was increased in response to a 24-h PM stimulation, and the stimulated macrophages produced large amounts of TNF-alpha. CONCLUSION PM up-regulates the expression of TLR-2, TLR-4 and Dectin-1 in mouse peritoneal macrophages, and their expressions are directly associated with macrophage activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jie Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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Yoshikawa S, Tsushima K, Yasuo M, Fujimoto K, Kubo K, Kumagai T, Yamazaki Y. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Penicillium citrinum, not Enoki spores. Am J Ind Med 2007; 50:1010-7. [PMID: 17979128 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flammulina velutipes is called the Enoki mushroom in Japanese and is cultivated indoors. Mushroom workers face occupational exposure to a tremendous number of fungi and organic antigens capable of causing hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). One worker employed at an Enoki farm developed HP due to Penicillium citrinum. This study investigated new cases of HP among the workers cultivating Enoki. METHODS Serum Krebs von der Lungen-6 (KL-6), surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D were measured. Lymphocyte stimulation tests (LST) and double immunodiffusion tests (DIT) were performed to identify P. citrinum. Workers showing high levels of KL-6, SP-A, or SP-D and a high LST value or positive DIT were identified and then were further examined by chest computed tomography, bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy. The initial patient and new HP patients were defined as the HP group and the other participants were defined as the non-HP group. RESULTS Forty-eight Enoki workers participated in the study. Four of nine workers who met the criteria for further examinations were diagnosed as having HP due to P. citrinum. In comparison between non-HP group and HP group, KL-6, SP-D and LST values were significantly higher in HP group. There was a strong correlation between KL-6 and SP-D. DIT had high sensitivity and high specificity. CONCLUSIONS KL-6, SP-D, LST, and DIT were useful for detecting HP patients. KL-6 was the most useful predictor of HP in this study. DIT was useful not only as a predictor of HP but also as a detector of the causative antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiko Yoshikawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
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Goh JCC, Juliana J, Malina O, Ngah ZU, Norhafizalena O. Prevalence of Penicillium specific Ig E level and allergy symptoms among office workers in a selected company in Bangi, Malaysia. Trop Biomed 2007; 24:37-46. [PMID: 17568376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Indoor fungal reservoirs, particularly airborne Penicillium species, were identified throughout the ventilation system of the building and dissemination of fungi from those reservoirs was found to be occurring all the time. The objectives of this study were to determine the association between air concentration of indoor mould (Penicillium) and allergy symptoms among office workers. The study design used in this research was a cross-sectional study. Risk factors were identified through the questionnaire survey. Office workers were selected based on the proximity of their workstations to the microbiological air sampler used for the mould sampling. Results from the current study suggests that individual susceptibility of exposed subjects might be influenced by several factors associated with mould exposure; for example, inhaled mycotoxins or volatile organic compounds, which may, in some complex way, affect the immune response. This study provides the much needed preliminary baseline data for developing guidelines with validated findings that will be of use for policy decisions in Malaysia regarding indoor air quality. Results from this study are recommended for use in planning and implementing control measures in order to reduce the exposure to indoor mould and promote healthy working environment among the workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C C Goh
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia
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Chiu LL, Perng DW, Yu CH, Su SN, Chow LP. Mold allergen, pen C 13, induces IL-8 expression in human airway epithelial cells by activating protease-activated receptor 1 and 2. J Immunol 2007; 178:5237-44. [PMID: 17404307 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.8.5237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Allergenic serine proteases are important in the pathogenesis of asthma. One of these, Pen c 13, is the immunodominant allergen produced by Penicillium citrinum. Many serine proteases induce cytokine expression, but whether Pen c 13 does so in human respiratory epithelial cells is not known. In this study, we investigated whether Pen c 13 caused IL-8 release and activated protease-activated receptors (PARs) in airway epithelial cells. In airway-derived A549 cells and normal human airway epithelial cells, Pen c 13 induced IL-8 release in a dose-dependent manner. Pen c 13 also increased IL-8 release in a time-dependent manner in A549 cells. Pen c 13 cleaved PAR-1 and PAR-2 at their activation sites. Treatment with Pen c 13 induced intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization and desensitized the cells to the action of other proteases and PAR-1 and PAR-2 agonists. Moreover, Pen c 13-mediated IL-8 release was significantly decreased in Ca(2+)-free medium and was abolished by the protease inhibitors, PMSF and 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride. Blocking Abs against the cleavage sites of PAR-1 and PAR-2, but not of PAR-4, inhibited Pen c 13-induced IL-8 production, as did inhibition of phospholipase C. Pen c 13 induced IL-8 expression via activation of ERK 1/2, and not of p38 and JNK. In addition, treatment of A549 cells or normal human airway epithelial cells with Pen c 13 increased phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 by a Ca(2+)-dependent pathway. These finding show that Pen c 13 induces IL-8 release in airway epithelial cells and that this is dependent on PAR-1 and PAR-2 activation and intracellular calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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17
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Li J, Xi LY, Liu HF, Zhang JM, Li XQ, Xu XR. [Differential expression of isocitrate lyase in P. marneffei phagocytized by nonstimulated and stimulated murine macrophages]. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2007; 27:631-3. [PMID: 17545074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the differential expression of isocitrate lyase in Penicillium marneffei phagocytized by nonstimulated and stimulated murine macrophages, and explore the role of glyoxylate pathway in pathogenesis of Penicilliosis marneffei. METHODS Penicillium marneffei conidia and Raw264.7 cells were incubated in 16 cultures, which were divided to 4 groups for treatment with N-monomethyl-L-arginine (LNMMA, CI group), murine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (T group), IFN-gamma plus LPS and LNMMA (TI group), or the same volume of culture medium (C group). The transcriptional levels of isocitrate lyase were detected using real-time RT-PCR, and its expression levels detected biochemically. RESULTS The transcriptional levels of isocitrate lyase in C, CI, T, TI groups were 1.00, 1.42, 33.09, and 74.88 (P<0.05), while the expression levels were 0.06, 0.07, 0.18, and 0.93, respectively (P<0.05). The content of nitric oxide in T group was significantly higher than that in the other groups (P<0.01), but the CFU of T group was the lowest (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Reactive nitrogen intermediates induced by stimulated murine macrophages restrain the expression of isocitrate lyase of Penicillium marneffei and development of Penicillium marneffei, in which process the glyoxylate pathway may play an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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18
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Ng GWY, Cheuk W, Lee MKP, Wu TC, Chau KF. Test and teach. Fever and disseminated lymphadenopathy in a SLE patient in Hong Kong. Diagnosis: Penicilliosis. Pathology 2006; 38:353-5. [PMID: 16916727 DOI: 10.1080/00313020600820724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- George W Y Ng
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
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Turyk M, Curtis L, Scheff P, Contraras A, Coover L, Hernandez E, Freels S, Persky V. Environmental allergens and asthma morbidity in low-income children. J Asthma 2006; 43:453-7. [PMID: 16952864 DOI: 10.1080/02770900600758333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Asthma morbidity is high in inner-city children in the United States, which may be related in part to increased allergens in poorly maintained housing. This study examined asthma morbidity in relation to mold, cockroach, dust mite, and cat allergens in the homes of 61 low-income Chicago children with asthma. Children exposed to higher levels of Penicillium in the bedroom had more frequent asthma symptoms, whereas those exposed to higher levels of cockroach allergen in the bedroom had a higher number of asthma symptoms. Respiratory infections confounded the association of cockroach allergen with number of asthma symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Turyk
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA.
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20
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Woo PCY, Chong KTK, Lau CCY, Wong SSY, Lau SKP, Yuen KY. A novel approach for screening immunogenic proteins inPenicillium marneffeiusing the ÎAFMP1ÎAFMP2deletion mutant ofAspergillus fumigatus. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2006; 262:138-47. [PMID: 16923068 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2006.00376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Using serum from guinea-pigs immunized with a DeltaAFMP1DeltaAFMP2 deletion mutant of Aspergillus fumigatus to screen a cDNA library of A. fumigatus, we cloned a novel immunogenic 57-kDa protein in A. fumigatus. We also cloned its 55-kDa homologue in Penicillium marneffei, which was possibly related to amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, with homologues present only in the subphylum Pezizomycotina of Ascomycota. The recombinant 55-kDa protein of P. marneffei reacted strongly with guinea-pig serum immunized with P. marneffei and with the sera of patients with P. marneffei infection. A similar approach could be applied to immunogenic protein screening in other microorganisms for serological diagnosis, epidemiological studies and the study of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Y Woo
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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21
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Yoshikawa S, Tsushima K, Koizumi T, Kubo K, Kumagai T, Yamazaki Y. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by spores of Penicillium citrinum in a worker cultivating Enoki mushroom. Intern Med 2006; 45:537-41. [PMID: 16702747 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.45.1646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 47-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital with a 2-week history of dry cough and shortness of breath. She had been engaged in Enoki mushroom production for 22 years. Chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed bilateral fine-nodular shadows and ground glass opacity. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated an increase of total cell counts with predominant lymphocytosis. Pathological specimens obtained by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed alveolitis and noncaseating granuloma with giant cells. Lymphocyte stimulation test showed positive responses with Enoki mushroom, culture medium, and Penicillium citrinum. On double immunodiffusion test, a precipitation line was observed between patient's serum and Penicillium citrinum antigen. She was found to have hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Penicillium citrinum. This is the first report of mushroom worker's lung caused by Penicillium citrinum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiko Yoshikawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University, Asahi, Matsumoto
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Lee YM, Kim YK, Kim SO, Kim SJ, Park HS. A case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Penicillium species in a home environment. J Korean Med Sci 2005; 20:1073-5. [PMID: 16361826 PMCID: PMC2779313 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2005.20.6.1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2004] [Accepted: 12/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a 30-yr-old female housewife caused by Penicillium species found in her home environment. The patient was diagnosed according to history, chest radiograph, spirometry, high-resolution chest CT, and transbronchial lung biopsy. To identify the causative agent, cultured aeromolds were collected by the open-plate method. From the main fungi cultured, fungal antigens were prepared, and immunoblot analysis with the patient's serum and each fungal antigen was performed. A fungal colonies were isolated from the patient's home. Immunoblotting analysis with the patient's sera demonstrated a IgG-binding fractions to Penicillium species extract, while binding was not noted with control subject. This study indicates that the patient had hypersensitivity pneumonitis on exposure to Penicillium species in her home environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Mok Lee
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Soonchunhyang University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yang-Ki Kim
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Soonchunhyang University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin-Ok Kim
- Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Korean National Tuberculosis Association, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Jae Kim
- Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Korean National Tuberculosis Association, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae-Sim Park
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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Abstract
In this study, the author examined the cross-reactivities of Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus niger/fumigatus, and Penicillium notatum with affinity-purified rabbit sera. The molds were grown for expression of maximum numbers of antigens, after which they were extracted and mixed with commercially available extracts. The mixture was used for antibody preparation in rabbits, measurement of antibody levels, and for the demonstration of the degree of cross-reactivity. Control rabbits were injected with saline, yet they produced significant levels of immunoglobulin G antibodies against all mold extracts tested. The author interpreted this result to mean that sera obtained from rabbits immunized with pure mold extracts likely reflected cross-reactivity with other molds. Therefore, only affinity-purified antibodies and the most sensitive immunoassay technique (i.e., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) were used for the cross-inhibition studies. The antigenic cross-reactivities were as follows: (a) between Aspergillus and Penicillium, 19.6-21.0%; (b) between Stachybotrys and Aspergillus, 8.2-8.7%; and (c) between Stachybotrys and Penicillium, 7.0-9.6%. The findings of this study demonstrate that cross-reactivity studies between different molds require the use of affinity-purified antibodies and a sensitive and quantitative assay with untreated antigens. With the use of such an assay, it was determined that the cross-reactivity between Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Penicillium was at approximately 10%, which is less widespread than previously believed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristo Vojdani
- Section of Neuroimmunology, Immunosciences Lab., Inc., Beverly Hills, California 90211, USA.
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Sevinc MS, Kumar V, Abebe M, Casley WL, Vijay HM. Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone encoding one IgE-binding fragment of Penicillium brevicompactum. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005; 138:12-20. [PMID: 16088208 DOI: 10.1159/000087353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2005] [Accepted: 04/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The abundance of allergenic Penicillium species has been associated with an increased incidence of childhood asthma and pulmonary bleeding. Penicillium brevicompactum has been identified as the most prevalent indoor species of this genus. However, detailed studies on the allergens of the ubiquitous Penicillium species are still lacking. For the characterization of allergens of prevalent Penicillium species, molecular cloning of the allergen genes of P. brevicompactum was performed in the present study. METHODS A phage cDNA library of P. brevicompactum was constructed in Uni-ZAP XR vector using mRNA isolated from the organism. The cDNA library of P. brevicompactum was screened using pooled atopic sera. RESULTS Screening of P. brevicompactum cDNA library resulted in one positive clone encoding an estimated molecular weight of 11 kDa polypeptide, rich in acidic residues (>20%), with a pI of 3.87. This clone was designated as Pen b 26 and found to be reactive only against the atopic sera obtained from individuals sensitive to P. brevicompactum. The amino acid sequence analysis of Pen b 26 revealed that it had strong homology to the 60S acidic ribosomal protein P1 family from different eukaryotic sources, predominantly fungal aero-allergens. Other features of Pen b 26 including having high alpha-helical content (>50%), alanine-rich residues (>20%), and a well-conserved C-terminal epitope region fits well into the common properties of 60S acidic ribosomal proteins. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained suggest that the allergenic clone, Pen b 26 is a 60S acidic ribosomal protein P1 of P. brevicompactum and shows strong similarity to other P1 family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Serdal Sevinc
- Environmental Health Directorate, F.G. Banting Building, Health Canada, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2, Postal Locator 2202D2, Canada
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Pornprasert S, Dettrairat S, Vongchan P, Apichatpiyakul C. Production of a monoclonal antibody against a yeast secreted antigen of Penicillium marneffei. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2005; 36:966-9. [PMID: 16295553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody against P. mameffei yeast secreted antigen was produced in order to develop a serological test for penicilliosis marneffei. The yeast form of P. marneffei was cultured in brain heart infusion broth at 37 degrees C for 7 days. A secreted antigen was prepared, partially purified from culture supernatant and subsequently immunized in a BALB/c mouse. Mouse monoclonal antibody was produced from immune spleen cells by a standard hybridoma technique. Specificity of the obtained monoclonal antibody was assessed with yeast secreted antigens for P. mameffei, C. alblicans, C. neoformans, and H. capsulatum by an indirect ELISA. Three of 46 hybrid clones (1 F1, 2G5, and 3G4) reacted positively with P mameffei secreted antigen. 1 F1 and 3G4 were cloned by two rounds of limiting dilution. Partially purified monoclonal antibody and rabbit polyclonal antibody against P. marneffei yeast secreted antigen were used to develop a double antibody sandwich ELISA to detect P. marneffei antigen in plasma or serum samples of 7 patients with penicilliosis marneffei and 5 healthy controls. The sandwich ELISA developed using monoclonal antibody as a capture antibody and rabbit polyclonal antibody as a detector was able to detect P. marneffei antigen in all the plasma and serum samples of penicilliosis marneffei patients, while negative in all the healthy controls. Thus, the monoclonal antibody produced in the present study appeared to be highly specific for P. marneffei and the double antibody sandwich ELISA developed using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against the yeast secreted antigen of P. marneffei showed a strong potential for the diagnosis of penicilliosis marneffei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakorn Pornprasert
- Deparetment of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawarorost Road, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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26
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We have identified previously that Penicillium citrinum is the most prevalent Penicillium species in the Taipei area. It is important to delineate the whole spectrum of allergenic components of this prevalent airborne fungus. The purpose of this study was to identify novel P. citrinum allergens through molecular cloning of allergen genes using a cDNA library of P. citrinum and sera from patients with bronchial asthma. METHODS A lambda-Uni-ZAP XR-based cDNA library of P. citrinum was screened with sera from asthmatic patients. An IgE-binding cDNA clone was isolated and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The frequency of IgE-binding to the expressed protein and the IgE reactivity to allergen subunits were analyzed by immunoblotting. RESULTS An IgE-reactive cDNA clone (clone B) was isolated by plaque immunoassay. The cDNA insert is 876-bp long and encodes a 228-amino acid polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 25 035 Da. Protein database search with the deduced clone B sequence revealed that 121 (53%) and 82 (36%) of the 228 amino acids were identical to those of the elongation factor 1-beta (EF-1beta) proteins from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, respectively. His-tagged recombinant clone B proteins were constructed and expressed in E. coli. Seven (8%) of the 92 serum samples from patients with bronchial asthma showed IgE-binding to the recombinant clone B protein. Among these seven positive sera, five demonstrated IgE-binding to the C-terminal fragment (aa 119-228) while the other two sera showed IgE reactivity to the N-terminal fragment (aa 1-118) of this newly identified EF-1betaPenicillium allergen. CONCLUSIONS A novel P. citrinum allergen (Pen c 24) was identified and characterized in the present study. Results obtained provide more information about allergens of prevalent airborne fungi and a basis to understand more about the IgE responses in human atopic disorders and in parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- R-B Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
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Tongchusak S, Pongtanalert P, Pongsunk S, Chawengkirttikul R, Chaiyaroj SC. Distinct immunologic properties of Penicillium marneffei yeasts obtained from different in vitro growth conditions. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2004; 22:229-35. [PMID: 15783136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
A dimorphic fungus Penicillium marneffei is a causative agent of penicilliosis, a life-threatening disseminated disease in immunocompromised hosts predominantly found in southeast Asia and southern China. P. marneffei is the only known Penicillium that possesses a dimorphic characteristic. Since it is difficult to produce large amount of P. marneffei yeasts in vivo for experimentation purpose, yeast cells were produced in different in vitro conditions as alternatives. We interested in investigating the immunologic properties of yeast cells from different culture preparations. It was found that yeast cells obtained from brain heart infusion broth and Sabouraud dextrose broth did not resemble those resided in clinical specimens. A solution of 1% peptone, on the other hand, could induce a direct conidial transition into fission yeasts. Ability of yeast cells in each preparation to activate macrophages was determined by analyzing surface expression of CD40 and CD86 co-stimulatory molecules after two days of co-cultivation. Every P. marneffei yeast cell preparation demonstrated such ability. However, the ones from Sabouraud dextrose broth seemed to induce less phagocytosis. Additionally, although distinct antigenic profiles and lack of conformity in antigenic expression were observed among yeast cells from different culture conditions, most major immunogenic bands were present when Western analysis was performed using polyclonal antisera from penicilliosis patients. The results of the study raise attention on immunological and biochemical characteristics of P. marneffei yeasts if such preparations are to be used in future laboratory investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songsak Tongchusak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Weber RW. Penicillium. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2004; 93:A6, front cover. [PMID: 15521363 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61386-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Weber
- National Jewish Medical & Research Center 1400 Jackson Street Room J326 Denver, CO 80206, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We characterized by immunoblotting the antigenicity of the most frequent fungi colonizing cork during its industrial processing, Penicillium glabrum and Chrysonilia sitophila. Penicillium glabrum is the main causative agent of Suberosis, a hypersensitivity pneumonitis of cork workers. Chrysonilia sitophila induces both IgE sensitization and occupational asthma in the wood processing industry. METHODS Serum-specific IgG, IgG4 and IgE to P. glabrum and C. sitophila from nine cork workers with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and seven with asthma (four with occupational asthma) were analysed by immunoblotting. RESULTS Both HP and asthmatic patients' sera showed immunoreactivity to several proteins resolved in the specific immunoblot strips. The frequency of specific IgG recognition to 12-13.5 and 33 kDa proteins of P. glabrum was significantly higher in HP patients. The sera of HP patients had significantly higher specific IgG recognition to 16 and 51-55 kDa proteins of C. sitophila. There was no specific IgE recognition in the sera of HP or asthmatic patients to both fungi. CONCLUSIONS Different patterns of antibody reactivity to P. glabrum and C. sitophila are seen in cork workers with hypersensitivity pneumonitis or asthma. The 12-13.5 and 33 kDa proteins of P. glabrum and the 16 and 51-55 kDa proteins of C. sitophila may be major antigens in Suberosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Winck
- Pneumology Department, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
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Winck JC, Delgado L, Murta R, Vanzeller M, Marques JA. Cork workers' occupational asthma: lack of association with allergic sensitisation to fungi of the work environment. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2004; 77:296-300. [PMID: 14740220 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-003-0494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2003] [Accepted: 11/14/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate allergic sensitisation to Chrysonilia sitophila, Penicillium glabrum, and Trichoderma longibrachiatum in cork workers with asthma. METHODS Skin prick tests with a battery of common allergens and with the three fungi were performed on ten cork workers with asthma and eight non-exposed asthmatics. Based on serial peak expiratory flow measurements, five were classified as having occupational asthma (AO) and five as having non-occupational asthma (NOA). In exposed patients, specific antibodies for the three fungi were also studied by immunoblotting RESULTS Two out of ten patients with occupational exposure and four out of eight of the control group showed positive results for skin prick tests for common allergens. Moreover, two out of five patients with OA and three out of eight controls exhibited sensitisation to storage mites. All exposed patients (with OA or NOA) had negative skin prick test results for the fungal extracts. In patients with asthma and occupational exposure, immunoblotting results confirmed the absence of specific IgE. However, specific IgG4 was present in some cases. CONCLUSIONS Atopy does not seem to characterise occupational asthma in cork workers. Despite their long exposure to moulds, we could not find evidence of IgE sensitisation to the three most prevalent cork fungi in patients with OA, which points to the search for other causative agents, such as cork chemical compounds or contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Winck
- Pneumology Department, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto and Hospital de S. João, 4200, Porto, Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Morisset
- Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital, Hopital Central, 54035 Nancy Cedex, France
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Penicillium frequentans is considered to be the causal agent of suberosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to cork dust inhalation. Nevertheless, other fungi can colonize cork during its storage period in humid conditions. The aims of the study were to assess the etiologic role of several fungi and cork itself in the genesis of suberosis, and to review the clinical characteristics of patients with this disease. METHODS Eight patients with suberosis were studied. Chest radiography, high-resolution chest CT, pulmonary function testing, bronchofibroscopy with BAL and transbronchial biopsy, and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity tests were performed. Fungal and suberin (cork that is culture negative for fungi) antigens were used for serum determination of specific IgG antibodies, immediate hypersensitivity specific skin tests, and specific bronchial challenge tests. RESULTS Serum specific IgG antibody determinations and specific skin tests against Aspergillus fumigatus and suberin demonstrated the capacity of both these antigenic extracts to induce an immunologic response. Positive specific bronchial challenge tests performed not only with P frequentans but also with A fumigatus, and cork itself were recorded in some patients for the first time in this disease. Dyspnea and cough were the most frequent symptoms. Clinical and functional improvement occurred after antigen avoidance. CONCLUSIONS In addition to P frequentans, A fumigatus and cork dust itself may contribute to the development of suberosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Morell
- Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
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Tang RB, Shen HD, Chen SJ, Lee CY. Detection of IgE reactivity to fungus antigens by immunoblotting in allergic diseases in children. J Chin Med Assoc 2003; 66:453-9. [PMID: 14604308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungi are well-known as sources for allergens that cause allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sensitization to airborne fungi in allergic diseases in children. METHODS The presence of IgE antibodies to common allergens in serum samples from 77 atopic and 5 non-atopic children was determined by multiple allergosorbent (MAST) chemiluminescent assay. The allergic extracts, Penicillium notatum, Penicillium oxalicum, and Aspergillus fumigatus, were prepared. IgE-binding fungal components were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)-immunoblotting, using sera from the above-mentioned patients. RESULTS The MAST data demonstrated that 62 (81%) of the 77 sera tested showed IgE antibodies to both Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae. Only 2 and 1 of the 77 atopic sera were positive to Penicillium and Aspergillus, respectively. However, 13 (17%) sera showed positive IgE-immunoblotting. Eight and 6 of them demonstrated IgE antibodies to more than 10 different components of P. notatum and P. oxalicum respectively. Ten of the 13 sera showed IgE-immunoblot reactivity to A. fumigatus, and only 1 of the 10 positive samples showed a positive MAST of class I to Aspergillus. All the other sera showed negative results in the MAST test to Aspergillus. The discrepancy observed between the results of IgE-immunoblotting using self-prepared extracts and the commercial MAST test of the serum samples tested may be due to the variations in the fungal strains and the allergenic extracts used, and the different assay systems employed. CONCLUSIONS The results confirmed the importance of airborne fungi in association with allergic disorders in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Bin Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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Brito FF, Mur P, Leal JA, Galindo PA, Gómez E, Borja J, Barber D, Lombardero M. Penicillium nalgiovense as an occupational and contact allergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003; 112:213-5. [PMID: 12847505 DOI: 10.1067/mai.2003.1566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Roilides E, Lyman CA, Sein T, Petraitiene R, Walsh TJ. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhances phagocytosis and oxidative burst of mononuclear phagocytes against Penicillium marneffei conidia. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 2003; 36:19-26. [PMID: 12727361 DOI: 10.1016/s0928-8244(03)00035-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The responses of rabbit pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and elutriated human monocytes (EHMs) to Penicillium marneffei, an emerging dimorphic fungus that may cause fatal disease in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, were studied. PAMs and EHMs comparably phagocytosed conidia of two P. marneffei strains in the presence of serum. Electron microscopy showed intraphagosomal destruction of conidia after 12 h. Serum-opsonized conidia elicited significantly more superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) release from EHMs compared to non-opsonized conidia, but equivalent O(2)(-) amounts to that elicited by serum-opsonized Aspergillus fumigatus conidia. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) significantly enhanced phagocytosis of P. marneffei conidia by PAMs and EHMs, as shown by light microscopy. Moreover, M-CSF enhanced O(2)(-) production by EHMs in response to both serum-opsonized (P<0.001) and non-opsonized (P=0.03) conidia of A. fumigatus as well as conidia of the P. marneffei isolates (P<0.001 and 0.03). We conclude that M-CSF enhances phagocytosis and oxidative metabolism of mononuclear phagocytes suggesting a potential role for this cytokine in host defense against pulmonary and disseminated P. marneffei infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Roilides
- Immunocompromised Host Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg 10, Rm 13N240, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Jacobs RL, Andrews CP. Hypersensitivity pneumonia-nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/fibrosis histopathologic presentation: a study in diagnosis and long-term management. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2003; 90:265-70. [PMID: 12602678 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)62153-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/fibrosis (NSIP) has been classified a form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia/fibrosis. We have shown that cases of NSIP without demonstrable serum precipitins may be caused by inhalation of high levels of mold and/or bacteria in closed environments. OBJECTIVE We report a patient with a clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of NSIP without serum precipitins caused by a microbial contamination in her home. Her case was converted from an acute to an insidious clinical presentation by inadequate remediation. A prolonged avoidance-challenge technique demonstrated that this case of NSIP was a form of hypersensitivity pneumonia that was reversible by effective remediation. METHODS The patient was identified by compatible signs and symptoms, roentgenographic studies, pulmonary function tests, and a transbronchial lung biopsy. She was further evaluated with a detailed environmental history, serologic tests, and investigation of the home environment. An environmental avoidance and challenge technique was performed to confirm cause and effect and to determine that remediation had been effective. RESULTS Review of the biopsy showed NSIP and failed to reveal any non-caseating granuloma formation. Investigation of the home revealed a Cladosporium species contamination of the air conditioning system and Penicillium species beneath an entryway carpet. Serum precipitins to commercial antigens of common mold to the south Texas area were negative. Avoidance and challenge techniques confirmed the home as the causative environment in this case of NSIP. The patient has been free of signs and symptoms and has taken no medication for interstitial lung disease over the past 30 months. CONCLUSIONS Some cases of NSIP may be caused by inhalation of microbial antigen(s) in a closed environment. An environmental challenge technique was an effective method to determine the causative environment and confirm that remediation had been effective. Inadequate remediation may lead to symptomatic improvement, but may convert a patient from an acute to an insidious presenter. The environmental challenge obviates a need for specific challenges to determine specific causation. Remediation of or moving from an environmental contamination to achieve reversibility or prevent progression was the treatment of choice to avoid use of long-term immunosuppressive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Jacobs
- Biogenics Research Institute, Lung Diagnostics, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
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Qiu LW, Peng DX, Xu H, Jia J, Che XY, Yuen KY. [Preparation and identification of monoclonal antibodies against Penicillium marneffei]. Di Yi Jun Yi Da Xue Xue Bao 2003; 23:38-9. [PMID: 12527512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prepare and identify monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Penicillium marneffei. METHODS Recombinant mannoprotein1 (MP1) of Penicillium marneffei was used to immunize BALB/c mice, and anti-MP1 mAbs were obtained by means of hybridoma. Screening and identification of the mAbs were subsequently performed with indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS Four hybridomas producing antibodies against Penicillium marneffei were obtained, and the IgG isotypes of the 4 mAbs were identified as IgG1 with affinity constants (K) of 8.2x10(-9), 4.7x10(-9), 6.5x10(-9) and 2.7x10(-9), respectively. Western blotting demonstrated specific recognition of Aspergillus fumigatus MP1 by the obtained mAbs. CONCLUSION The 4 hybridomas producing anti-MP1 mAbs with high specificity and affinity can be of significant value in the diagnosis of Penicilliosis marneffei infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-wen Qiu
- Central Laboratory, Zhujiang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
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Abstract
None of the vaccines used in dimorphic fungal infections utilized the mucosal route for immunization, whereas only one utilized a secreted protein as antigen, despite knowing that infections caused by dimorphic fungi are usually acquired through inhalation. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of Mp1p (a secreted cell wall antigen encoded by MP1)-based vaccines for generation of protective immune responses against Penicillium marneffei infection using a mouse model, and compared the relative effectiveness of intramuscular MP1 DNA vaccine, oral mucosal MP1 DNA vaccine delivered by live-attenuated Salmonella typhimurium, and intraperitoneal recombinant Mp1p protein vaccine. The serum IgM level of the Mp1p protein vaccine group at day 7 and the serum IgG levels of the Mp1p protein vaccine group at days 7 and 21 were significantly higher than those of the other groups (P<0.0001). The serum IgG level of the MP1 DNA vaccine group was significantly higher than that of the corresponding control group and oral mucosal MP1 DNA vaccine group (one dose) at day 21 (P<0.0001 and <0.05, respectively). The groups of mice immunized with intramuscular MP1 DNA vaccine, oral mucosal MP1 DNA vaccine, and intraperitoneal Mp1p protein vaccine showed significantly higher Mp1p-specific lymphocyte proliferation index (LPI) than the control groups. The interferon-gamma (IF-gamma) levels of supernatant of splenic cell cultures obtained from mice after intramuscular MP1 DNA vaccine, mucosal MP1 DNA vaccine (three doses), or intraperitoneal Mp1p protein vaccine administration were higher than that which occurred after mucosal MP1 DNA vaccine (one dose) administration or those of controls. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) was not detectable in the supernatant of splenic cell cultures obtained from all groups of mice. The percentage survival of the mice immunized with intramuscular MP1 DNA vaccine, oral mucosal MP1 DNA vaccine (three doses), oral mucosal MP1 DNA vaccine (one dose), intraperitoneal recombinant Mp1p protein, oral live-attenuated S. typhimurium control, and intramuscular pJW4303 DNA control at day 60 after wild type P. marneffei challenge were 100, 60, 40, 40, 40, and 0%, respectively. The survival of mice in the MP1 DNA vaccine group was significantly better than those of the oral mucosal MP1 DNA vaccine (three doses) group (P<0.05), oral mucosal MP1 DNA vaccine (one dose) group (P<0.005), recombinant Mp1p protein group (P<0.005), S. typhimurium aroA strain group (P<0.05), and pJW4303 group (P<0.00001). Although, the mechanism by which intramuscular MP1 DNA vaccine offered the best protection against P. marneffei infection remains to be elucidated, the present observation prompted further clinical trials on the use of MP1 DNA immunization on asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus carriers in P. marneffei endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Po Wong
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, University Pathology Building, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
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Winck JC, Delgado L, Vanzeller M, Guimarães T, Torres S, Sapage JM. Broncho-alveolar inflammation in cork worker's asthma. Allerg Immunol (Paris) 2002; 34:199-203. [PMID: 12134642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Suberosis is an occupational lung disease of cork workers associated with repeated exposure to mouldy cork dust in the cork industry, usually presenting as an interstitial lung disorder (Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis). However, Occupational Asthma can also be associated with cork dust exposure and demonstrated by serial peak expiratory flow changes. AIM To investigate broncho-alveolar inflammation in patients with cork work-related occupational asthma, evaluated by Broncho-alveolar fluid cellular profiles and serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) rates monitoring. RESULTS We studied 14 patients with respiratory symptoms associated with occupational exposure in the cork industry. Positive PEF monitoring occurred in 7 cases (Occupational Asthma-OA), and in 7 (Non-occupational asthmatics-NOA) PEF records were negative. There were no differences in age, lung function (FEV1%, RV%), bronchial hyperresponsiveness, years of exposure, and atopy between the two patients groups. However, patients with work-related asthma had higher BAL eosinophil counts than NOA (1.9 +/- 2.6% versus 0.2 +/- 0.3%; p < 0.05, Wilcoxon test). CONCLUSIONS Cork worker's asthma, demonstrated by work related changes in serial PEF recordings, is associated with eosinophilic lung inflammation as described in other forms of occupational asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Winck
- Hospital de São João and Faculdade de Medicina-Universidade do Porto-4200 Porto, Portugal
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Bidat E. [Food allergy: one only finds what one seeks]. Allerg Immunol (Paris) 2002; 34:218-20. [PMID: 12134646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
We report three observations of food allergy to Penicillium. A systematic approach has allowed the retention of the surprising diagnosis in the first observation that we met. For those following we were content with a diagnosis of strong suspicion, without making a provocation test. The indications of provocation tests are discussed. As in these observations, it is possible that certain food allergens which are considered as rare are in fact more frequent than those reported in the literature; when an allergy does not bother the patient, when exclusion of the food is easy, food allergy is "forgotten" and not reported to the physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bidat
- Service de pédiatrie-Hôpital Ambroise Paré-92104 Boulogne
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Lai HY, Tam MF, Tang RB, Chou H, Chang CY, Tsai JJ, Shen HD. cDNA cloning and immunological characterization of a newly identified enolase allergen from Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus fumigatus. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2002; 127:181-90. [PMID: 11979043 DOI: 10.1159/000053862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus fumigatus are prevalent indoor airborne fungal species that have been implicated in human respiratory allergic disorders. It is important to understand the allergenic profile of these fungal species. The purpose of the present study is to characterize a newly identified enolase allergen from P. citrinum and A. fumigatus. METHODS Fungal proteins were separated by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and blotted onto polyvinylidene difluoride membranes. Protein spots that reacted with IgE antibodies in serum samples from asthmatic patients were identified and the N-terminal amino acid sequences were determined by Edman degradation. The peptide sequences obtained were utilized in cloning the cDNA of the allergen genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and the 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification cDNA end reactions. RESULTS Our results from 2D immunoblotting identified a 47-kD IgE-reactive component in the extracts of P. citrinum and A. fumigatus. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the 47-kD proteins are homologous to those of fungal enolases. The corresponding enolase cDNA from P. citrinum contains 1,552 bp and encodes a protein of 438 residues. In A. fumigatus, the isolated enolase cDNA has 1,649 bp and contains a 438-amino acid open reading frame. The deduced amino acid sequences of these two enolases have 94% identity. These enolases from P. citrinum and A. fumigatus were expressed in Escherichia coli as a His-tagged protein and designated as rPen c 22 and rAsp f 22, respectively. Sera from 7 (30%) of the 23 Penicillium-sensitized asthmatic patients showed IgE binding to the 47-kD P. citrinum component (Pen c 22) and rPen c 22. In addition, six of seven Pen c 22-positive serum samples have IgE immunoblot reactivity to the 47-kD A. fumigatus component (Asp f 22) and rAsp f 22. A polyclonal rabbit antiserum generated against the N-terminal peptide of Pen c 22 can react with Pen c 22, rPen c 22, Asp f 22 and rAsp f 22. In addition, the presence of IgE cross-reactivity between rPen c 22 and rAsp f 22 and between enolases from A. fumigatus and Alternaria alternata was also detected by immunoblot inhibition. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that a novel enolase allergen from P. citrinum (Pen c 22) and A. fumigatus (Asp f 22) was identified. In addition, IgE cross-reactivity between enolase allergens from A. fumigatus and P. citrinum and between enolases from A. fumigatus and A. alternata was also detected. Results obtained provide more information on fungal enolase allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Yu Lai
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Cathay General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Koguchi Y, Kawakami K, Kon S, Segawa T, Maeda M, Uede T, Saito A. Penicillium marneffei causes osteopontin-mediated production of interleukin-12 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Infect Immun 2002; 70:1042-8. [PMID: 11854181 PMCID: PMC127744 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.3.1042-1048.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the role of osteopontin (OPN) in interleukin-12 (IL-12) production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with Penicillium marneffei. Kinetic studies showed that OPN synthesis preceded that of IL-12 at both mRNA and protein levels when PBMCs were cocultured with P. marneffei. Treatment with anti-OPN monoclonal antibodies (MAb) significantly suppressed IL-12 secretion. Furthermore, native OPN induced a profound level of synthesis of IL-12 from noninfected PBMCs. The major cellular source of OPN was monocytes, because depletion of CD14(+) cells resulted in the abrogation of such production. We also examined the regulatory role of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in OPN secretion from P. marneffei-stimulated PBMCs. Neutralizing anti-GM-CSF MAb significantly reduced OPN secretion, and treatment with this cytokine induced OPN production from both infected and noninfected PBMCs. Finally, antagonists against the mannose receptor but not the beta-glucan receptor almost completely abrogated the production of OPN. Our results demonstrated that OPN secreted from monocytes is involved in the production of IL-12 from PBMCs after stimulation with P. marneffei and that OPN production is regulated by GM-CSF. Our results also indicated the possible involvement of the mannose receptor as a signal-transducing receptor for triggering the secretion of OPN by P. marneffei-stimulated PBMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinobu Koguchi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of sensitization to fungi in young atopic patients in relation to age and clinical importance is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sensitization to different fungi in atopic children in relation to age and other aeroallergens. METHODS A total of 137 atopic children (male 62%, female 38%; mean age 5 years and 9 months, range 5 months-14 years) were studied. Sera of all patients were routinely tested for total IgE and specific IgE against aeroallergens and milk. Positive sera were also tested for IgE against Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium herbarum and Penicillium chrysogenum, using the Pharmacia Enzyme CAP procedure. RESULTS In this study in atopic children total IgE showed a significant linear relation with age, whereas specific IgE against outdoor fungi, indoor fungi and house dust mite showed significant non-linearity with age. Prevalence of specific IgE for Cladosporium ranked first, followed closely by Aspergillus and Alternaria. Calculation of the sensitization of indoor and outdoor fungi showed maximum prevalence at 7.8 years, followed by lower values at higher ages. A similar significant relation was also found for Alternaria, while this relation was not significant for the other individual fungi. Specific IgE for indoor and outdoor fungi was associated with the presence of specific IgE for aeroallergen and milk. We found that all children aged 4 years and older showed IgE for house dust mite that did not decline with increasing age. CONCLUSIONS Sensitization to fungi is prevalent in childhood, with an age-dependent distribution reaching maximum values at 7.7-7.8 years, followed by a decline for all fungal sensitization with increasing age. The importance and relative contribution of fungal sensitization to airway disease, compared with the other allergens, remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Nolles
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Guglielminetti M, Valoti E, Cassini P, Taino G, Caretta G. Respiratory syndrome very similar to extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to Penicillium verrucosum in workers in a cheese factory. Mycopathologia 2001; 149:123-9. [PMID: 11307594 DOI: 10.1023/a:1007293109657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A respiratory syndrome very similar to extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to Penicillium verrucosum was recognized in 4 workers employed in a Gorgonzola cheese factory. A mycogen allergy to P. verrucosum, used as starter in the production, was demonstrated by positive sputum culture and detection of specific antibodies in the blood. Intense and prolonged exposure to inhalation of fungal spores could have lead to the development of this allergic response. The fact that 2 of the subjects are siblings seems to indicate host susceptibility or immunological constitution in the pathogenesis of the respiratory allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guglielminetti
- Dipartimento di Ecologia del Territorio e degli Ambienti Terrestri, Sezione di Micologia, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Via S. Epifanio 14, 27100 Pavia, Italia
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Reese G, Schmechel D, Ayuso R, Lehrer SB. Grid-immunoblotting: a fast and simple technique to test multiple allergens with small amounts of antibody for cross-reactivity. J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl 2001; 756:151-6. [PMID: 11419706 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(01)00103-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Grid-immunoblotting is a procedure that allows the simultaneous testing of up to 20 different antibodies such as monoclonal antibody-containing hybridoma supernatants or human sera for specific antibodies to up to 20 different antigens or allergens on a single sheet of nitrocellulose membrane. Since only 150 to 200 microl of antibody-containing solution are required this technique is uniquely suited to test growing hybridomas and small amounts of sera (e.g. mouse and children's sera). Compared to a standard ELISA, approximately ten times less antibody is needed to obtain the same information.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Reese
- Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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Shen HD, Lin WL, Tam MF, Chou H, Wang CW, Tsai JJ, Wang SR, Han SH. Identification of vacuolar serine proteinase as a major allergen of Aspergillus fumigatus by immunoblotting and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. Clin Exp Allergy 2001; 31:295-302. [PMID: 11251631 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2001.01026.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus species are common airborne fungi that have been identified as causative agents of extrinsic bronchial asthma. More than 10 allergens from A. fumigatus have been recently characterized by cDNA cloning. The objective of this study is to identify A. fumigatus allergens through immunoblot analysis using sera from asthmatic patients. IgE-binding components of A. fumigatus and IgE cross-reactivity among allergens of different prevalent airborne fungal species were analysed by immunoblot and immunoblot inhibition, respectively, using sera from asthmatic patients. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of major allergens identified were determined by Edman degradation. Among two batches (70 and 41 sera) of asthmatic sera tested, 19 (27%) and 14 (34%), respectively, have IgE immunoblot reactivity towards components of A. fumigatus. A 34-kDa protein that reacts with IgE antibodies in 15 (79%) and 11 (79%) of the 19 and 14 positive samples, respectively, may be considered a major allergen of A. fumigatus. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the 34 kDa major allergen and the 30.5 and 30 kDa IgE-binding components of A. fumigatus showed sequence identity to that of the vacuolar serine proteinase from A. fumigatus. The results from immunoblot inhibition show IgE cross-reactivity among major allergens of A. fumigatus, P. notatum and P. oxalicum. Results obtained suggest that the 34 kDa major allergen of A. fumigatus may be a vacuolar serine proteinase. There is IgE cross-reactivity among serine proteinase allergens of A. fumigatus, P. notatum and P. oxalicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- H D Shen
- Department of Medical Research, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Shih-Pai, Taipei, Taiwan 112, Republic of China.
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Shen HD, Wang CW, Lin WL, Lai HY, Tam MF, Chou H, Wang SR, Han SH. cDNA cloning and immunologic characterization of Pen o 18, the vacuolar serine protease major allergen of Penicillium oxalicum. J Lab Clin Med 2001; 137:115-24. [PMID: 11174468 DOI: 10.1067/mlc.2001.112096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Penicillium species are prevalent indoor airborne fungi that have been identified as causative agents of human extrinsic bronchial asthma. In the preparation of standardized diagnostic reagents, it is imperative to define the allergens of these ubiquitous fungi. Results from our previous study on P. oxalicum suggest that the 34-kd major immunoglobulin E-reacting component of this prevalent Penicillium species is probably a vacuolar serine protease. The purpose of the present study was to define this major P. oxalicum allergen (Pen o 18) through cDNA cloning and immunologic characterization. The cDNA of Pen o 18 was isolated through a combination of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification cDNA ends reactions. The primers used in these reactions were constructed according to the internal amino acid sequences of Pen o 18 and the conserved amino acid sequences of fungal serine proteases. Our results showed that a 1897-bp cDNA with an open reading frame of 503 residues was isolated for the proenzyme of Pen o 18. The encoded protein has a 16-residue signal peptide and a 119-residue prosequence. On maturation, the protein has an N-terminal glutamate that is the 136th residue encoded by the cDNA. Apparently the precursor also undergoes C-terminal processing with the cleavage of about 47 amino acids. The cDNA for Pen c 18 (the vacuolar serine protease allergen from P. citrinum ) was also isolated for comparison. Contrary to a previous report, the C-terminal region of Pen c 18 is similar to that of Pen o 18. Recombinant proteins (rPen o 18 and rPen c 18) with the putative mature N-termini and a his-tag were obtained by expressing the corresponding cDNAs in Escherichia coli. Serum samples from 7 asthmatic patients with immunoglobulin E reactivity to the 34-kd component of P. oxalicum also react to his-tagged recombinant Pen o 18. The presence of immunoglobulin E cross-reactivity between rPen o 18 and rPen c 18 was detected by immunoblot inhibition. Two monoclonal antibodies (PCM39 and FUM20) against fungal serine proteases react with rPen o 18, rPen c 18, and the 35/34-kd components in the corresponding crude fungal extracts. These components also react with immunoglobulin E antibodies in serum samples from asthmatic patients. In conclusion, results obtained confirm that the 34-kd major allergen of P. oxalicum is a vacuolar serine protease. The cDNAs of Pen o 18 and Pen c 18 encode precursor molecules that appear to undergo both N-terminal and C-terminal processing. Constructs beginning with mature N-terminal can be expressed in E. coli to produce recombinant polypeptides that are reactive to monoclonal antibodies or immunoglobulin E antibodies in serum samples from asthmatic patients. Results obtained may provide useful information and materials for preparation of standardized diagnostic reagents in clinical mold allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H D Shen
- Department of Medical Research, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan
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Lin WL, Chou H, Tam MF, Huang MH, Han SH, Shen HD. Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to serine proteinase allergens in Penicillium and Aspergillus species. Clin Exp Allergy 2000; 30:1653-62. [PMID: 11069576 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2000.00922.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alkaline and/or vacuolar serine proteinases are major allergens in prevalent airborne Penicillium and Aspergillus species. OBJECTIVE The object of this study is to generate and characterize monoclonal antibodies against these serine proteinase allergens. METHODS BALB/c mice were immunized individually with the Penicillium citrinum culture medium or the crude extract and culture medium preparations of Aspergillus fumigatus. Hybridoma cells that secrete monoclonal antibodies against serine proteinase allergens were selected by immunoblotting. Antigens in three different Penicillium (P. citrinum, P. notatum and P. oxalicum) and two different Aspergillus species (A. fumigatus, and A. flavus) recognized by these monoclonal antibodies were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis immunoblotting and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. RESULTS Four (PCM8, PCM10, PCM16 and PCM39) and one (FUM20) monoclonal antibodies against serine proteinase allergens were generated after fusion of NS-1 cells with spleen cells obtained from BALB/c mice immunized with antigens from P. citrinum and A. fumigatus, respectively. Immunoblotting results showed that PCM8 reacted with an alkaline serine proteinase allergen in P. citrinum and P. notatum. PCM10 and PCM39 reacted with the alkaline serine proteinase in two Penicillium (P. citrinum, P. notatum) and two Aspergillus species (A. fumigatus, and A. flavus) tested. PCM16 reacted with the alkaline serine proteinase allergen in P. citrinum, A. fumigatus and A. flavus but not with that in P. notatum. MoAb FUM20 reacted with the alkaline serine proteinase allergen in two Aspergillus species (A. fumigatus and A. flavus) but not with that in two different Penicillium species (P. citrinum, P. notatum) tested. Among these five monoclonal antibodies generated, only PCM39 and FUM20 can react with the vacuolar serine proteinase allergen in P. notatum, P. oxalicum and in A. fumigatus. The 35 kDa P. citrinum component that reacted with FUM20 has an N-terminal amino acid sequence of DSPSVEKNAP. CONCLUSION Five monoclonal antibodies against different epitopes of the serine proteinase major allergens in prevalent Penicillium and Aspergillus species were generated in the present study. Antibodies obtained may be useful in the characterization and standardization of serine proteinase allergens in crude fungal extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Shen HD, Wang CW, Chou H, Lin WL, Tam MF, Huang MH, Kuo ML, Wang SR, Han SH. Complementary DNA cloning and immunologic characterization of a new Penicillium citrinum allergen (Pen c 3). J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000; 105:827-33. [PMID: 10756236 DOI: 10.1067/mai.2000.105220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Penicillium citrinum has been identified as the most prevalent airborne Penicillium species in the Taipei area. It is important to understand the allergenic composition of this ubiquitous fungal species. OBJECTIVE The complementary DNA (cDNA) clone of an allergen from P citrinum was isolated and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein. mAbs were prepared with the recombinant protein as antigen. The corresponding natural allergen in the fungal extracts was identified with the mAbs. METHODS A Uni-Zap XR P citrinum cDNA library was screened with sera from asthmatic patients. An IgE-binding cDNA clone was isolated and expressed as a glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein. The frequency of IgE binding to the expressed protein was analyzed by immunoblotting. Spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with the recombinant protein were fused with NS-1 cells for mAb generation. RESULTS A P citrinum cDNA library was screened with a mixture of serum samples from 4 asthmatic patients. An IgE-binding cDNA clone was obtained and designated as PCE2. PCE2 has a 694-bp insert that contains a 167 amino acids open reading frame. The deduced amino acid sequence of the encoded protein has 82.6% (138 amino acids) identity with an Aspergillus fumigatus peroxisomal membrane protein allergen (Asp f 3). PCE2 was expressed in E coli as a fusion protein and designated as Pen c 3. Sera from 13 (46%) of the 28 Penicillium-sensitized asthmatic patients demonstrated IgE binding to Pen c 3. In addition, 11 of the 13 Pen c 3-positive serum samples have IgE immunoblot reactivity to recombinant Asp f 3. The presence of IgE cross-reactivity between Pen c 3 and Asp f 3 was also detected by immunoblot inhibition. Four of the 6 mAbs generated against Pen c 3 cross-react with Asp f 3. The presence of the corresponding 18-k natural allergens in the crude extracts of P citrinum and A fumigatus were detected by immunoblot with use of the mAbs and sera from asthmatic patients. CONCLUSION Results obtained suggest that the peroxisomal membrane protein (Pen c 3) is an important allergen of P citrinum. PCE2 is a full-length cDNA clone encoding this allergen. In addition, the mAbs generated may be useful in standardizing the diagnostic allergenic extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- H D Shen
- Department of Medical Research, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Eder C, Crameri R, Mayer C, Eicher R, Straub R, Gerber H, Lazary S, Marti E. Allergen-specific IgE levels against crude mould and storage mite extracts and recombinant mould allergens in sera from horses affected with chronic bronchitis. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2000; 73:241-53. [PMID: 10713338 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-2427(00)00154-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin E antibody (IgE) levels against four recombinant (r) mould allergens (r-Aspergillus fumigatus [rAsp f] 7, 8 and 9; r-Alternaria alternata 1 [rAlta1]) and crude mould (Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium notatum) and storage mite extracts were determined by ELISA in sera from 24 pulmonary sound control horses and 26 horses suffering from chronic bronchitis/bronchiolitis (CB), also called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Serum IgG and IgA titres were also determined against Aspergillus fumigatus extract and rAsp f 8.IgE against the crude extracts could be measured in all sera, but there was no significant difference between CB-affected and control horses. In contrast, only 8-30% of the horses, depending on the r-allergen tested, had detectable IgE levels in serum against the r-allergens. Horses with CB had significantly more often detectable IgE levels than controls against rAlt a 1 (10/26 and 3/24, respectively, p=0. 054), rAsp f 7 (13/26 and 2/24, respectively, p<0.01) and rAsp f 8 (11/26 and 1/24, respectively, p<0.01). Only four horses (three CB-affected and one healthy, p0.05) had detectable IgE levels against rAsp f 9. Furthermore, CB-affected horses were often sensitised against two or more r-allergens (13/26 of the CB-affected horses) while only one of the 24 healthy horses had positive IgE levels against more than one r-allergens. Similarly to IgE levels, no significant differences between CB-affected and healthy horses were found for IgG titres against the Aspergillus fumigatus extract. However, horses with CB had significantly higher serum IgG titres against rAsp f 8 than healthy controls (median=28 versus 10 relative ELISA units [REU], p<0.01). Additionally, horses with detectable IgE titres against rAsp f 8 had significantly higher IgG titres against this r-allergen than horses with undetectable IgE titres (median IgG titres=46 and 13 REU, respectively; p<0.01). For serum IgA titres, neither differences between healthy and CB-affected animals nor correlations between IgA and IgG or IgE titres could be found. These results show that horses suffering from CB are more often sensitised to some Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria alternata allergens than control horses and that they are partly sensitised to the same fungal proteins as mould-allergic human patients. Furthermore, this study shows that r-allergens allow a much more sensitive determination of specific serum antibody levels by ELISA than crude mould extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Eder
- Division of Immunogenetics, Institute of Animal Breeding, Bremgartenstrasse 109 A, 3012, Berne, Switzerland
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