1
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Schwarz C, Eschenhagen P, Schmidt H, Hohnstein T, Iwert C, Grehn C, Roehmel J, Steinke E, Stahl M, Lozza L, Tikhonova E, Rosati E, Stervbo U, Babel N, Mainz JG, Wisplinghoff H, Ebel F, Jia LJ, Blango MG, Hortschansky P, Brunke S, Hube B, Brakhage AA, Kniemeyer O, Scheffold A, Bacher P. Antigen specificity and cross-reactivity drive functionally diverse anti-Aspergillus fumigatus T cell responses in cystic fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:161593. [PMID: 36701198 PMCID: PMC9974102 DOI: 10.1172/jci161593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDThe fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes a variety of clinical phenotypes in patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Th cells orchestrate immune responses against fungi, but the types of A. fumigatus-specific Th cells in pwCF and their contribution to protective immunity or inflammation remain poorly characterized.METHODSWe used antigen-reactive T cell enrichment (ARTE) to investigate fungus-reactive Th cells in peripheral blood of pwCF and healthy controls.RESULTSWe show that clonally expanded, high-avidity A. fumigatus-specific effector Th cells, which were absent in healthy donors, developed in pwCF. Individual patients were characterized by distinct Th1-, Th2-, or Th17-dominated responses that remained stable over several years. These different Th subsets target different A. fumigatus proteins, indicating that differential antigen uptake and presentation directs Th cell subset development. Patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) are characterized by high frequencies of Th2 cells that cross-recognize various filamentous fungi.CONCLUSIONOur data highlight the development of heterogenous Th responses targeting different protein fractions of a single fungal pathogen and identify the development of multispecies cross-reactive Th2 cells as a potential risk factor for ABPA.FUNDINGGerman Research Foundation (DFG), under Germany's Excellence Strategy (EXC 2167-390884018 "Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation" and EXC 2051-390713860 "Balance of the Microverse"); Oskar Helene Heim Stiftung; Christiane Herzog Stiftung; Mukoviszidose Institut gGmb; German Cystic Fibrosis Association Mukoviszidose e.V; German Federal Ministry of Education and Science (BMBF) InfectControl 2020 Projects AnDiPath (BMBF 03ZZ0838A+B).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Schwarz
- Klinikum Westbrandenburg, Campus Potsdam, Cystic Fibrosis Section, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Patience Eschenhagen
- Klinikum Westbrandenburg, Campus Potsdam, Cystic Fibrosis Section, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Henrijette Schmidt
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thordis Hohnstein
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Iwert
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Translational Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Grehn
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jobst Roehmel
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva Steinke
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research (DZL), associated partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirjam Stahl
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research (DZL), associated partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Lozza
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Precision for Medicine GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Tikhonova
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Elisa Rosati
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrik Stervbo
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Nina Babel
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Jochen G. Mainz
- Brandenburg Medical School/Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg (MHB), University, Pediatric Pulmonology/Cystic Fibrosis, Klinikum Westbrandenburg, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Hilmar Wisplinghoff
- Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Virology and Microbiology, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Frank Ebel
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Lei-Jie Jia
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Matthew G. Blango
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Hortschansky
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Scheffold
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Petra Bacher
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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2
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Karmakar B, Saha B, Jana K, Gupta Bhattacharya S. Identification and biochemical characterization of Asp t 36, a new fungal allergen from Aspergillus terreus. J Biol Chem 2021; 295:17852-17864. [PMID: 33454019 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus terreus is an allergenic fungus, in addition to causing infections in both humans and plants. However, the allergens in this fungus are still unknown, limiting the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We used a proteomic approach to search for allergens, identifying 16 allergens based on two-dimensional immunoblotting with A. terreus susceptible patient sera. We further characterized triose-phosphate isomerase (Asp t 36), one of the dominant IgE (IgE)-reactive proteins. The gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Phylogenetic analysis showed Asp t 36 to be highly conserved with close similarity to the triose-phosphate isomerase protein sequence from Dermatophagoides farinae, an allergenic dust mite. We identified four immunodominant epitopes using synthetic peptides, and mapped them on a homology-based model of the tertiary structure of Asp t 36. Among these, two were found to create a continuous surface patch on the 3D structure, rendering it an IgE-binding hotspot. Biophysical analysis indicated that Asp t 36 shows similar secondary structure content and temperature sensitivity with other reported triose-phosphate isomerase allergens. In vivo studies using a murine model displayed that the recombinant Asp t 36 was able to stimulate airway inflammation, as demonstrated by an influx of eosinophils, goblet cell hyperplasia, elevated serum Igs, and induction of Th2 cytokines. Collectively, our results reveal the immunogenic property of Asp t 36, a major allergen from A. terreus, and define a new fungal allergen more broadly. This allergen could serve as a potent candidate for investigating component resolved diagnosis and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijoya Karmakar
- Division of Plant Biology, Bose Institute (Main Campus), Kolkata, India
| | - Bodhisattwa Saha
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India.
| | - Kuladip Jana
- Division of Molecular Medicines, Bose Institute (Centenary Building), Kolkata, India
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3
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Li L, Guan K, Zheng SG. Biochemical Characteristics and Allergenic Activity of Common Fungus Allergens. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 21:170-185. [PMID: 31309887 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190712121243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fungi form a large kingdom with more than 1.5 million species. Fungal spores are universal atmospheric components and are generally recognized as important causes of allergic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The 4 genera which have the closest connection with allergic disorder are Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium. The cDNA sequences of many fungi allergens and the amino acids involved in their immunoglobulin E binding and T-cell activation have already been elucidated. Until now, 111 allergens from 29 fungal genera have been approved by the International Allergen Nomenclature Sub-committee. This review mainly focuses on the biochemical characteristics and allergenic activity of important allergens from common environmental fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Li
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Kai Guan
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Ohio State College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
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4
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Souza JAM, Baltazar LDM, Carregal VM, Gouveia-Eufrasio L, de Oliveira AG, Dias WG, Campos Rocha M, Rocha de Miranda K, Malavazi I, Santos DDA, Frézard FJG, de Souza DDG, Teixeira MM, Soriani FM. Characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus Extracellular Vesicles and Their Effects on Macrophages and Neutrophils Functions. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2008. [PMID: 31551957 PMCID: PMC6738167 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been considered an alternative process for intercellular communication. EVs release by filamentous fungi and the role of vesicular secretion during fungus-host cells interaction remain unknown. Here, we identified the secretion of EVs from the pathogenic filamentous fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus. Analysis of the structure of EVs demonstrated that A. fumigatus produces round shaped bilayer structures ranging from 100 to 200 nm size, containing ergosterol and a myriad of proteins involved in REDOX, cell wall remodeling and metabolic functions of the fungus. We demonstrated that macrophages can phagocytose A. fumigatus EVs. Phagocytic cells, stimulated with EVs, increased fungal clearance after A. fumigatus conidia challenge. EVs were also able to induce the production of TNF-α and CCL2 by macrophages and a synergistic effect was observed in the production of these mediators when the cells were challenged with the conidia. In bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDN) treated with EVs, there was enhancement of the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in response to conidia. Together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that A. fumigatus produces EVs containing a diverse set of proteins involved in fungal physiology and virulence. Moreover, EVs are biologically active and stimulate production of inflammatory mediators and fungal clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Amanda Marques Souza
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ludmila de Matos Baltazar
- Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Mendes Carregal
- Laboratório de Biofísica e Sistemas Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ludmila Gouveia-Eufrasio
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - André Gustavo de Oliveira
- Lab Circuitos Fisiológicos, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Wendell Girard Dias
- Plataforma de Microscopia Eletrônica Rudolf Barth, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marina Campos Rocha
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Kildare Rocha de Miranda
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iran Malavazi
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Daniel de Assis Santos
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Jean Georges Frézard
- Laboratório de Biofísica e Sistemas Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniele da Glória de Souza
- Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frederico Marianetti Soriani
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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5
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Agarwal R, Sehgal IS, Dhooria S, Aggarwal AN. Developments in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2016; 10:1317-1334. [PMID: 27744712 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2016.1249853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex pulmonary disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, fleeting pulmonary opacities and bronchiectasis. It is the most prevalent of the Aspergillus disorders with an estimated five million cases worldwide. Despite six decades of research, the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this condition remains controversial. The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology has formed a working group to resolve the controversies around this entity. In the year 2013, this group had proposed new criteria for diagnosis and staging, and suggested a treatment protocol for the management of this disorder. Since then, several pieces of new evidence have been published in the investigation and therapeutics of this condition. Areas covered: A non-systematic review of the available literature was performed. We summarize the current evidence in the evaluation and treatment of this enigmatic disorder. We suggest modifications to the existing criteria and propose a new scoring system for the diagnosis of ABPA. Expert commentary: All patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis should routinely be screened for ABPA using A. fumigatus-specific IgE levels. Glucocorticoids should be used as the first-line of therapy in ABPA, and itraconazole reserved in those with recurrent exacerbations and glucocorticoid-dependent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Agarwal
- a Department of Pulmonary Medicine , Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) , Chandigarh , India
| | - Inderpaul S Sehgal
- a Department of Pulmonary Medicine , Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) , Chandigarh , India
| | - Sahajal Dhooria
- a Department of Pulmonary Medicine , Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) , Chandigarh , India
| | - Ashutosh N Aggarwal
- a Department of Pulmonary Medicine , Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) , Chandigarh , India
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6
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Singh BP, Banerjee B, Naik P, Fink JN, Kurup VP. Immune response to n-terminal and c-terminal deletion mutants of Aspergillus fumigatus major allergen ASP F 3. Indian J Clin Biochem 2012; 21:20-7. [PMID: 23105608 DOI: 10.1007/bf02912906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes allergic rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. A number of major allergens from A. fumigatus are purified, but their structure-function role in the pathogenesis of disease is not known. Such information is essential for devising alternative therapy of fungal allergic diseases. In the present study, N-terminal and C-terminal deletion mutants ofAsp f 3 were constructed and their immunopathological responses studied in a mice model of allergy. Three mutants viz,Asp f 3 (aa 33-168), (aa 1-142), and (aa 23-142) were made by deleting certain amino acids from epitopic regions of full lengthAsp f 3, a major allergen of A. furnigatus. TheAsp f 3 and three mutated proteins were expressed in pET vector. The C-terminal deletion mutantAsp f 3 (aa 1-142) induced elevated IFN-γ but low levels of IL-4 by spleen cells. This mutant also showed significant downregulation of peripheral blood eosinophils and lung inflammation in immunized mice. The N-terminal deletion mutantAsp f 3 (aa 33-168) also exhibited an immuno-suppressive effect in terms of IgE production and induction of Th2 cytokine. The results indicate thatrAsp f 3 and its deletion mutants induced distinct immune-inflammatory responses in mice on challenge with these proteins. The non-IgE binding deletion mutants ofAsp f 3 (aa 1-142 and aa 33-168) could deviate Th2 immune response with a concomitant reduction in airway inflammation and infiltration of inflammatory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu P Singh
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi University Campus, Mall Road, 110007 Delhi, India
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7
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CD4+ T cells mediate the protective effect of the recombinant Asp f3-based anti-aspergillosis vaccine. Infect Immun 2011; 79:2257-66. [PMID: 21422177 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01311-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The mortality and morbidity caused by invasive aspergillosis present a major obstacle to the successful treatment of blood cancers with hematopoietic cell transplants. Patients who receive hematopoietic cell transplants are usually immunosuppressed for extended periods, and infection with the ubiquitous mold Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for most cases of aspergillosis. Previously, we demonstrated that vaccination with recombinant forms of the A. fumigatus protein Asp f3 protected cortisone acetate-immunosuppressed mice from experimentally induced pulmonary aspergillosis. Here, we investigated the vaccine's protective mechanism and evaluated in particular the roles of antibodies and T cells. After vaccination, Asp f3-specific preinfection IgG titers did not significantly differ between surviving and nonsurviving mice, and passive transfer of anti-Asp f3 antibodies did not protect immunosuppressed recipients from aspergillosis. We experimentally confirmed Asp f3's predicted peroxisomal localization in A. fumigatus hyphae. We found that fungal Asp f3 is inaccessible to antibodies, unless both cell walls and membranes have been permeabilized. Antibody-induced depletion of CD4+ T cells reduced the survival of recombinant Asp f3 (rAsp f3)-vaccinated mice to nonimmune levels, and transplantation of purified CD4+ T cells from rAsp f3-vaccinated mice into nonimmunized recipients transferred antifungal protection. In addition, residues 60 to 79 and 75 to 94 of Asp f3 contain epitopes that induce proliferation of T cells from vaccinated survivors. Vaccine-primed CD4+ T cells are not expected to clear the fungal pathogen directly; however, they may locally activate immunosuppressed phagocytes that elicit the antifungal effect.
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8
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Martel C, Nielsen GD, Mari A, Licht TR, Poulsen LK. Bibliographic review on the potential of microorganisms, microbial products and enzymes to induce respiratory sensitization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [PMCID: PMC7163639 DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2010.en-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Martel
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute Denmark
| | | | - Adriano Mari
- Center for Clinical and Experimental llergology Italy
| | - Tine Rask Licht
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute Denmark
| | - Lars K. Poulsen
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute Denmark
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Robotham JM, Xia L, Willison LN, Teuber SS, Sathe SK, Roux KH. Characterization of a cashew allergen, 11S globulin (Ana o 2), conformational epitope. Mol Immunol 2010; 47:1830-8. [PMID: 20362336 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2009] [Revised: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Both linear and conformational epitopes likely contribute to the allergenicity of tree nut allergens, yet, due largely to technical issues, few conformational epitopes have been characterized. Using the well studied recombinant cashew allergen, Ana o 2, an 11S globulin or legumin, we identified a murine monoclonal antibody which recognizes a conformational epitope and competes with patient IgE Ana o 2-reactive antibodies. This epitope is expressed on the large subunit of Ana o 2, but only when associated with an 11S globulin small subunit. Both Ana o 2 and the homologous soybean Gly m 6 small subunits can foster epitope expression, even when the natural N-terminal to C-terminal subunit order is reversed in chimeric molecules. The epitope, which is also expressed on native Ana o 2, is readily susceptible to destruction by physical and chemical denaturants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Robotham
- Department of Biological Science and Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32306-4295, USA
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Ito JI, Lyons JM, Diaz-Arevalo D, Hong TB, Kalkum M. Vaccine progress. Med Mycol 2009; 47 Suppl 1:S394-400. [DOI: 10.1080/13693780802552614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Simon-Nobbe B, Denk U, Pöll V, Rid R, Breitenbach M. The spectrum of fungal allergy. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2007; 145:58-86. [PMID: 17709917 DOI: 10.1159/000107578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi can be found throughout the world. They may live as saprophytes, parasites or symbionts of animals and plants in indoor as well as outdoor environment. For decades, fungi belonging to the ascomycota as well as to the basidiomycota have been known to cause a broad panel of human disorders. In contrast to pollen, fungal spores and/or mycelial cells may not only cause type I allergy, the most prevalent disease caused by molds, but also a large number of other illnesses, including allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses, allergic sinusitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and atopic dermatitis; and, again in contrast to pollen-derived allergies, fungal allergies are frequently linked with allergic asthma. Sensitization to molds has been reported in up to 80% of asthmatic patients. Although research on fungal allergies dates back to the 19th century, major improvements in the diagnosis and therapy of mold allergy have been hampered by the fact that fungal extracts are highly variable in their protein composition due to strain variabilities, batch-to-batch variations, and by the fact that extracts may be prepared from spores and/or mycelial cells. Nonetheless, about 150 individual fungal allergens from approximately 80 mold genera have been identified in the last 20 years. First clinical studies with recombinant mold allergens have demonstrated their potency in clinical diagnosis. This review aims to give an overview of the biology of molds and diseases caused by molds in humans, as well as a detailed summary of the latest results on recombinant fungal allergens.
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Alekseeva L, Nekrasov A, Marchenko A, Shevchenko M, Benevolenskii S, Sapozhnikov A, Kurup VP, Svirshchevskaya E. Cryptic B-cell epitope identification through informational analysis of protein sequenses. Vaccine 2007; 25:2688-97. [PMID: 16891044 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2005] [Revised: 04/19/2006] [Accepted: 07/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A comparison of the location of B-cell epitopes and information structure (IS) of protein sequences was attempted. Analysis of 62 known B-cell epitopes located in five different proteins showed that they concentrated in IS sites with increased degree of information coordination. Based on the analysis of IS six peptides from two proteins were selected and produced in a recombinant form as yeast virus-like particles (VLPs). Immunization of mice with recombinant VLP-peptides has induced the production of IgG capable of recognizing full-length antigens. This result suggests that the analysis of IS of proteins can be useful in the selection of peptides possessing cryptic B-cell epitope activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Alekseeva
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
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13
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Ito JI, Lyons JM, Hong TB, Tamae D, Liu YK, Wilczynski SP, Kalkum M. Vaccinations with recombinant variants of Aspergillus fumigatus allergen Asp f 3 protect mice against invasive aspergillosis. Infect Immun 2006; 74:5075-84. [PMID: 16926399 PMCID: PMC1594836 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00815-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A vaccine that effectively protects immunocompromised patients against invasive aspergillosis is a novel approach to a universally fatal disease. Here we present a rationale for selection and in vivo testing of potential protein vaccine candidates, based on the modification of an immunodominant fungal allergen for which we demonstrate immunoprotective properties. Pulmonary exposure to viable Aspergillus fumigatus conidia as well as vaccination with crude hyphal extracts protects corticosteroid-immunosuppressed mice against invasive aspergillosis (J. I. Ito and J. M. Lyons, J. Infect. Dis. 186:869-871, 2002). Sera from the latter animals contain antibodies with numerous and diverse antigen specificities, whereas sera from conidium-exposed mice contain antibodies predominantly against allergen Asp f 3 (and some against Asp f 1), as identified by mass spectrometry. Subcutaneous immunization with recombinant Asp f 3 (rAsp f 3) but not with Asp f 1 was protective. The lungs of Asp f 3-vaccinated survivors were free of hyphae and showed only a patchy low-density infiltrate of mononuclear cells. In contrast, the nonimmunized animals died with invasive hyphal elements and a compact peribronchial infiltrate of predominantly polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Three truncated versions of rAsp f 3, spanning amino acid residues 15 to 168 [rAsp f 3(15-168)], 1 to 142, and 15 to 142 and lacking the known bipartite sequence required for IgE binding, were also shown to be protective. Remarkably, vaccination with either rAsp f 3(1-142) or rAsp f 3(15-168) drastically diminished the production of antigen-specific antibodies compared to vaccination with the full-length rAsp f 3(1-168) or the double-truncated rAsp f 3(15-142) version. Our findings point to a possible mechanism in which Asp f 3 vaccination induces a cellular immune response that upon infection results in the activation of lymphocytes that in turn enhances and/or restores the function of corticosteroid-suppressed macrophages to clear fungal elements in the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James I Ito
- Immunology Division, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
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Svirshchevskaya E, Alekseeva L, Marchenko A, Benevolenskii S, Berzhec VM, Nekrasov A. Selection of cryptic B-cell epitopes using informational analysis of protein sequences. J Bioinform Comput Biol 2006; 4:389-402. [PMID: 16819790 DOI: 10.1142/s0219720006002053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2005] [Revised: 12/06/2005] [Accepted: 12/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sub-unit vaccines are synthetic or recombinant peptides representing T- or B-cell epitopes of major protein antigens from a particular pathogen. Epitope selection requires the synthesis of peptides that overlap the protein sequences and screening for the most effective ones. In this study a new method of immunogenic peptide selection based on the analysis of information structure of protein sequences is suggested. The analysis of known B-cell epitope location in the information structure of Aspergillus fumigatus proteins Asp f 2 and Asp f 3 has shown that epitopes are scattered along the sequences of proteins for the exception of sites with Increased Degree Information Coordination (IDIC). Based on these results peptides from different allergens such as Asp f 2, Der p 1, and Fel d 1 were selected and produced in a recombinant form in the context of yeast virus-like particles (VLPs). Immunization of mice with VLPs containing peptides form allergens has induced the production of IgG able to recognize full-length antigens. This result suggests that the analysis of information structure of proteins can be used for the selection of peptides possessing cryptic B-cell epitope activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Svirshchevskaya
- Department of Immunology, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous fungus that causes a variety of diseases in man and animals. A number of protein, carbohydrate, and glycoprotein antigens have been identified from A. fumigatus. The diseases are diverse, and therefore are the antigens and their roles in causing or modulating the diseases. The induction and binding of antibodies and the interaction of antigen and various immune cells are of immense significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. In recent years, over 20 genes encoding A. fumigatus antigens have been cloned and the proteins expressed. Among these allergens, Asp f 1, f 2, f 3, f 4, and f 6 showed strong but diverse IgE binding with sera from different groups of patients. Results currently available suggest that Asp f 2, f 3, and f 6 together reacted with IgE from more patients with asthma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), although they are only marginally effective in demonstrating specific IgE in patients with cystic fibrosis and ABPA. The molecular structure of allergens also plays a major role in the immunological response in the allergic patients. Antigens can be engineered with less or more binding with IgE, and such antigens may have significant roles as specific reagents or as immunomodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- V P Kurup
- Department of Pediatrics, Allergy/lmmunology Division, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA.
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Kamal N, Chowdhury S, Madan T, Sharma D, Attreyi M, Haq W, Katti SB, Kumar A, Sarma PU. Tryptophan residue is essential for immunoreactivity of a diagnostically relevant peptide epitope of A. fumigatus. Mol Cell Biochem 2005; 275:223-31. [PMID: 16335802 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-005-2056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The role of tryptophan (Trp17) in immunoreactivity of P1, the diagnostically relevant peptide from a major allergen/antigen of Aspergillus fumigatus, was evaluated by chemically modifying tryptophanyl residue of P1. In BIAcore kinetic studies, unmodified P1 showed a 100-fold higher binding with ABPA (Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis) patients' IgG [KD (equilibrium dissociation constant) = 2.74 e(-8) +/- 0.13 M] than the controls' IgG (KD = 2.97 e(-6) +/- 0.14 M), whereas chemically-modified P1 showed similar binding [KD patients' IgG = 3.25 e(-7) +/- 0.16 M, KD controls' IgG = 3.86 e(-7) +/- 0.19 M] indicating loss of specific immunoreactivity of P1 on tryptophan modification. Modified P1 showed loss of specific binding to IgE and IgG antibodies of ABPA patients in ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). The study infers that tryptophan residue (Trp17) is essential for immunoreactivity of P1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neel Kamal
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi, India
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Rementeria A, López-Molina N, Ludwig A, Vivanco AB, Bikandi J, Pontón J, Garaizar J. Genes and molecules involved in Aspergillus fumigatus virulence. Rev Iberoam Micol 2005; 22:1-23. [PMID: 15813678 DOI: 10.1016/s1130-1406(05)70001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus causes a wide range of diseases that include mycotoxicosis, allergic reactions and systemic diseases (invasive aspergillosis) with high mortality rates. Pathogenicity depends on immune status of patients and fungal strain. There is no unique essential virulence factor for development of this fungus in the patient and its virulence appears to be under polygenetic control. The group of molecules and genes associated with the virulence of this fungus includes many cell wall components, such as beta-(1-3)-glucan, galactomannan, galactomannanproteins (Afmp1 and Afmp2), and the chitin synthetases (Chs; chsE and chsG), as well as others. Some genes and molecules have been implicated in evasion from the immune response, such as the rodlets layer (rodA/hyp1 gene) and the conidial melanin-DHN (pksP/alb1 gene). The detoxifying systems for Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by catalases (Cat1p and Cat2p) and superoxide dismutases (MnSOD and Cu, ZnSOD), had also been pointed out as essential for virulence. In addition, this fungus produces toxins (14 kDa diffusible substance from conidia, fumigaclavin C, aurasperon C, gliotoxin, helvolic acid, fumagilin, Asp-hemolysin, and ribotoxin Asp fI/mitogilin F/restrictocin), allergens (Asp f1 to Asp f23), and enzymatic proteins as alkaline serin proteases (Alp and Alp2), metalloproteases (Mep), aspartic proteases (Pep and Pep2), dipeptidyl-peptidases (DppIV and DppV), phospholipase C and phospholipase B (Plb1 and Plb2). These toxic substances and enzymes seems to be additive and/or synergistic, decreasing the survival rates of the infected animals due to their direct action on cells or supporting microbial invasion during infection. Adaptation ability to different trophic situations is an essential attribute of most pathogens. To maintain its virulence attributes A. fumigatus requires iron obtaining by hydroxamate type siderophores (ornitin monooxigenase/SidA), phosphorous obtaining (fos1, fos2, and fos3), signal transductional falls that regulate morphogenesis and/or usage of nutrients as nitrogen (rasA, rasB, rhbA), mitogen activated kinases (sakA codified MAP-kinase), AMPc-Pka signal transductional route, as well as others. In addition, they seem to be essential in this field the amino acid biosynthesis (cpcA and homoaconitase/lysF), the activation and expression of some genes at 37 degrees C (Hsp1/Asp f12, cgrA), some molecules and genes that maintain cellular viability (smcA, Prp8, anexins), etc. Conversely, knowledge about relationship between pathogen and immune response of the host has been improved, opening new research possibilities. The involvement of non-professional cells (endothelial, and tracheal and alveolar epithelial cells) and professional cells (natural killer or NK, and dendritic cells) in infection has been also observed. Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMP) and Patterns Recognizing Receptors (PRR; as Toll like receptors TLR-2 and TLR-4) could influence inflammatory response and dominant cytokine profile, and consequently Th response to infec tion. Superficial components of fungus and host cell surface receptors driving these phenomena are still unknown, although some molecules already associated with its virulence could also be involved. Sequencing of A. fumigatus genome and study of gene expression during their infective process by using DNA microarray and biochips, promises to improve the knowledge of virulence of this fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Rementeria
- Departamento Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco, Spain.
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Ramachandran H, Banerjee B, Greenberger PA, Kelly KJ, Fink JN, Kurup VP. Role of C-terminal cysteine residues of Aspergillus fumigatus allergen Asp f 4 in immunoglobulin E binding. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 11:261-5. [PMID: 15013973 PMCID: PMC371203 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.11.2.261-265.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Among the several allergens cloned and expressed from Aspergillus fumigatus, Asp f 4 is a major one associated with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). The structure-function relationship of allergens is important in understanding the immunopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic diseases. These include the epitopes, conformational or linear, deletion of the N or C terminus or both N and C termini, and glycosylation or nonglycosylation, all of which affect immune responses. Similarly, the role of cysteine residues present in allergens may yield useful information regarding the conformational structure of allergens and the immunoglobulin E (IgE) epitope interaction. Such information may help in developing new strategies towards immunotherapy. In order to define the role of cysteine in the interaction of the antibody with Asp f 4, we have constructed mutants by selectively deleting cysteine residues from the C-terminal region of the Asp f 4. Immunological evaluation of these engineered recombinant constructs was conducted by using sera from patients with ABPA, Aspergillus skin test-positive asthmatics, and healthy controls. The results demonstrate strong IgE binding with Asp f 4 and two truncated mutants, Asp f 4(1-234) (amino acids [aa] 1 to 234) and Asp f 4(1-241) (aa 1 to 241), while another mutant, Asp f 4(1-196) (aa 1 to 196), showed reactivity with fewer patients. The result suggests that deletion of cysteines and the alteration of IgE epitopes at the C-terminal end resulted in conformational changes, which may have a potential role in the immunomodulation of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harikrishnan Ramachandran
- Department of Pediatrics, Allergy-Immunology Division, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA
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Abstract
Many fungi are capable of causing IgE-mediated hypersensitivity in humans. However, the most predominant fungi implicated in allergy belong to the genera Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. Pure and relevant allergens are essential for diagnosis as well as for understanding the immunopathogenesis of the disease. Until recently, pure and standardizable antigens from fungi were not available. In recent years, many recombinant allergens have been produced by molecular cloning. Using these allergens, novel methods are being developed to improve diagnosis of mold-induced allergy. By understanding the immunopathogenesis of allergens, new avenues might open up leading to improved patient care, including immunotherapy and vaccination. This review covers the current status of fungal allergens, their role in reliable immunodiagnosis, and their probable use in immunotherapy and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viswanath P Kurup
- Medical College of Wisconsin, VA Medical Center, Research Service 151-I, 5000 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA.
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