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Fernandes-Beraldo KR, Santos de Freitas-Xavier R, Pardini-Vicentini A. Fast and cost-effective protocol to produce Paracoccidioides spp. antigens. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:170-180. [PMID: 37721912 PMCID: PMC10594581 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The existing methods for Paracoccidioides spp. antigen production are problematic in terms of standardization, specificity, stability, repeatability, and reproducibility. OBJECTIVE To optimize the methodology for Paracoccidioides spp. antigen production and evaluate its applicability in paracoccidioidomycosis immunodiagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antigens were obtained from Paracoccidioides lutzii isolates (01, 66, and 8334), Paracoccidioides brasiliensis sensu stricto (113), and Paracoccidioides restripiensis (B-339). These fungi were grown at 36 °C ± 1 °C, on modified Fava-Netto agar, according to Freitas et al. (2018). Paracoccidioides lutzii antigens were obtained after , 10, and 20 days of culture, whereas P. brasiliensis and P. restripiensis antigens were obtained after 10 days. Antigens were evaluated in natura, 10 and 20 times concentrated. Antigenic capacity was evaluated using a double immunodiffusion assay against serum samples from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis, and random blood donors. RESULTS Cross-reactivity between Paracoccidioides spp. antigens was observed when P. brasiliensis, P. restrepiensis antigens, and P. lutzii antigens were evaluated with the polyclonal antibodies against P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis, respectively. No cross-reactivity was obtained for polyclonal antibodies against Histoplasma capsulatum, Aspergillus fumigatus, and random blood donors. The proposed protocol allowed stable, repeatable, and reproducible genus-specific antigen production at a low cost and in a short cultivation time. CONCLUSION The proposed protocol allowed us to obtain genus-specific antigens that can be developed and reproduced in all laboratories in Brazil and South America, where paracoccidioidomycosis is a neglected disease, contributing to an early diagnosis, especially in endemic regions, regardless of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Rosa Fernandes-Beraldo
- Laboratório Central, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências, Coordenadoria de Controle de Doenças, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
| | - Roseli Santos de Freitas-Xavier
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica (LIM53), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
| | - Adriana Pardini-Vicentini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências, Coordenadoria de Controle de Doenças, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil; Laboratório de Imunodiagnóstico das Micoses, Centro de Imunologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
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Assolini JP, Lenhard-Vidal A, Bredt CSDO, Tano ZN, Sano A, Cezar-Dos-Santos F, Ono MA, Itano EN. Distinct Pattern of Paracoccidioides lutzii, P. restrepiensis and P. americana Antigens Recognized by IgE in Human Paracoccidioidomycosis. Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:2608-2614. [PMID: 33983482 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02508-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the fungi Paracoccidioides spp. The main antigens recognized by IgE are known for P. brasiliensis species complex, but not for P. lutzii. Current research investigated the major P. lutzii (LDR2) antigens recognized by IgE, in comparison to P. restrepiensis and P. americana (former P. brasiliensis species complex), besides IgG recognition. Cell-free antigens (CFA) from P. lutzii (LDR2), P. restrepiensis (B339) and P. americana (LDR3) were analyzed by ELISA and immunoblotting (IB) by detecting specific IgG and IgE from sera from patients with PCM presumable by P. brasiliensis species complex (n = 24). Additionally, somatic antigen (SA) was analyzed by IB. P. lutzii (LDR2) antigens showed significantly lower reactivity than P. restrepiensis (B339) and P. americana (LDR3) in ELISA for both IgE and IgG (p < 0.05). The IgE-IB pattern was different between P. lutzii (LDR2) and the other species, regarding components with ~30 kDa and ~70 kDa in CFA and a ~200 kDa in SA. P. lutzii (LDR2) present at least three antigens recognized by IgE which mainly differ from P. restrepiensis (B339) and, to a lesser extent, from P. americana (LDR3). Current research evidenced for the first time the major P. lutzii (LDR2) antigens recognized by IgE.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P Assolini
- State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. .,Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, CCB, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR, 86051-970, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Ayako Sano
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | - Mario A Ono
- State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Eiko N Itano
- State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. .,Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, CCB, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR, 86051-970, Brazil.
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Higuita-Gutiérrez LF, Quintero-Quinchía C, Madera-Miranda IC, Cardona-Arias JA. Metanálisis de pruebas inmunológicas para el diagnóstico de la infección por Paracoccidioides, 1972-2017. INFECTIO 2019. [DOI: 10.22354/in.v23i2.774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo: Evaluar la validez diagnóstica de las pruebas inmunológicas en la infección por Paracoccidioides, a partir de un metaanálisis de la literatura publicada entre 1972-2017.Métodos: Se realizó un metanálisis según las fases de identificación, tamización, elección e inclusión descritas en la guía PRISMA. Se evaluó la calidad metodológica con la guía QUADAS y se garantizó la reproducibilidad en la selección de estudios y extracción de la información. Se estimó la sensibilidad, especificidad, razones de verosimilitud, OR diagnóstica y área bajo la curva ROC usando Meta-DiSc.Resultados: Se identificaron 21 estudios que evaluaron 32 pruebas diagnósticas con una población de 1.404 individuos sanos, 2.415 con otras infecciones y 2.337 con Paracoccidioides. La mayoría de pacientes son de Brasil y Colombia. Las pruebas analizadas incluyen inmunodifusión, western blot, ELISA, aglutinación en látex. Las pruebas presentaron una sensibilidad y especificidad superior al 90%, razón de verosimilitud positiva y negativa de 24,7 y 0,08 respectivamente. La OR diagnóstica fue 495,9 y el área bajo la curva de 0,99. En la meta-regresión por tipo de antígeno se encontró que las mezclas de antígenos y el gp43 presentaron resultados satisfactorios en todos los parámetros; por su parte, los que utilizaron el antígeno p27 no presentaron resultados aceptables en ninguno de los parámetros.Conclusión: La elevada validez diagnóstica hallada en las pruebas serológicas que utilizan mezclas de antígenos o gp43 purificada evidencia la pertinencia de su uso en clínica y en programas de tamización.
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Okegawa Y, Koshino M, Okushima T, Motohashi K. Application of preparative disk gel electrophoresis for antigen purification from inclusion bodies. Protein Expr Purif 2015; 118:77-82. [PMID: 26494602 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Specific antibodies are a reliable tool to examine protein expression patterns and to determine the protein localizations within cells. Generally, recombinant proteins are used as antigens for specific antibody production. However, recombinant proteins from mammals and plants are often overexpressed as insoluble inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. Solubilization of these inclusion bodies is desirable because soluble antigens are more suitable for injection into animals to be immunized. Furthermore, highly purified proteins are also required for specific antibody production. Plastidic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase: EC 6.4.1.2) from Arabidopsis thaliana, which catalyzes the formation of malonyl-CoA from acetyl-CoA in chloroplasts, formed inclusion bodies when the recombinant protein was overexpressed in E. coli. To obtain the purified protein to use as an antigen, we applied preparative disk gel electrophoresis for protein purification from inclusion bodies. This method is suitable for antigen preparation from inclusion bodies because the purified protein is recovered as a soluble fraction in electrode running buffer containing 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate that can be directly injected into immune animals, and it can be used for large-scale antigen preparation (several tens of milligrams).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Okegawa
- Department of Bioresource and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8555, Japan
| | - Masanori Koshino
- Department of Bioresource and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8555, Japan
| | - Teruya Okushima
- Department of Bioresource and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8555, Japan
| | - Ken Motohashi
- Department of Bioresource and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8555, Japan.
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da Silva JDF, de Oliveira HC, Marcos CM, Assato PA, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Advances and challenges in paracoccidioidomycosis serology caused by Paracoccidioides species complex: an update. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 84:87-94. [PMID: 26494541 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the possible methodologies for the rapid and inexpensive identification of fungal infections is essential for disease diagnosis, but there are some limitations. To help with this problem, serological methods that detect antigens or antibodies are widely used and are useful for the diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) through the detection of gp43, which is the main antigen employed for the immunodiagnosis of this disease caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. However, the use of gp43 has become restricted because it was recently found that this marker is not identified in the infections caused by Paracoccidioides lutzii. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new antigens in both species or antigens specific for P. lutzii to decrease the morbidity and/or mortality associated with PCM. This review provides a discussion of new diagnostic challenges after the recent discoveries regarding the taxonomy of the Paracoccidioides genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julhiany de Fátima da Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Haroldo Cesar de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline Maria Marcos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Akemi Assato
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil.
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Torres I, Hernandez O, Tamayo D, Muñoz JF, García AM, Gómez BL, Restrepo A, McEwen JG. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis PbP27gene: knockdown procedures and functional characterization. FEMS Yeast Res 2013; 14:270-80. [DOI: 10.1111/1567-1364.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isaura Torres
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Instituto de Biología; Universidad de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
| | - Orville Hernandez
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Biociencias; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
| | - Diana Tamayo
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Instituto de Biología; Universidad de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
| | - Jose F. Muñoz
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Instituto de Biología; Universidad de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
| | - Ana M. García
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
| | - Beatriz L. Gómez
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá Colombia
| | - Angela Restrepo
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
| | - Juan G. McEwen
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
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Santos LDS, Fernandes VC, Cruz SGD, Siqueira WC, Goes AM, Pedroso ÊRP. Profile of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 levels in sera of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis: treatment follow-up using Mexo and rPb27 as antigens in an ELISA. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2012; 107:1-10. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Fernandes VC, Martins EM, Boeloni JN, Coitinho JB, Serakides R, Goes AM. The combined use of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Pb40 and Pb27 recombinant proteins enhances chemotherapy effects in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. Microbes Infect 2011; 13:1062-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Teles F, Martins M. Laboratorial diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis and new insights for the future of fungal diagnosis. Talanta 2011; 85:2254-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2011.07.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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García Blanco S, Muñoz JF, Torres I, Díez Posada S, Gómez BL, McEwen JG, Restrepo S, García AM. Differential PbP27 expression in the yeast and mycelial forms of the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis species complex. Fungal Genet Biol 2011; 48:1087-95. [PMID: 21945996 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
p27 is an antigenic protein produced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the etiologic agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Despite its unknown function, it has been suggested as a putative virulence factor, proposed as a suitable target for the design of diagnostic tools and vaccines, and considered as an enhancer in antifungal treatment of PCM. We evaluated sequence polymorphisms of PbP27 gene sequence among isolates, finding some polymorphisms associated with the isolates' phylogenetic origin. In order to determine if there was a differential expression pattern between morphological states and among isolates, we also evaluated PbP27 expression, at transcriptional and translational levels, in mycelia and yeast cultures in 14 isolates belonging to the P. brasiliensis species complex (S1, PS2, PS3, and "Pb01-like", proposed to be named Paracoccidioides lutzii) by two techniques, real time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) and protein dot blot. For the latter, four protein extracts from different cell localizations (SDS or β-mercaptoethanol, cytoplasmic and extracellular proteins) were analyzed for each isolate. p27 was present in the four extracts evaluated, mainly in the SDS extract, corresponding to an extract containing proteins loosely attached to the cell wall. This information correlates with immunohistochemical analysis, where positive staining of the yeasts' cell wall was observed. We found that p27 was present in all isolates, mainly in the yeast form. This pattern was corroborated by RT-qPCR results, with higher expression levels found in the yeast form for most of the isolates. The results provide new insights into the expression patterns of this protein, and further characterize it in view of potential uses as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- S García Blanco
- Laboratorio de Micología y Fitopatología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá DC, Colombia
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Fernandes VC, Martins EMN, Boeloni JN, Coitinho JB, Serakides R, Goes AM. Additive effect of rPb27 immunization and chemotherapy in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17885. [PMID: 21423771 PMCID: PMC3053394 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis, PCM, the major systemic mycosis in Latin America, is caused by the termally dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and requires extended periods of chemotherapy with a significant frequency of relapsing disease. The search for new alternatives of treatment is necessary. rPb27 is an antigenic protein from P. brasiliensis that already showed a significant protective activity as a vaccine for PCM in experimental models. The cDNA of rPb27 was subcloned into a pET-DEST 42 plasmid, expressed in E. coli with a his-tag and purified by affinity chromatography. Immunization with this recombinant protein and chemotherapy were used together in an attempt to improve treatment of PCM. For this, BALB/c mice were challenged with pathogenic P. brasiliensis strain and after immunized with rPb27, in the presence of Corynebacterium parvum and Al(OH)3, some groups were also treated with fluconazole. After 40 days of treatment, the combined drug/rPb27 administration controlled PCM in the liver and spleen, with long lasting protection, and largely preserved tissues structures of these organs. Additionally, in the lungs after 40 days of treatment there was a significant reduction in the fungal load and size of lesions. At the same time, the levels of TNF-α were higher than infected-only mice. Moreover, significant levels of anti-rPb27 specific IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b isotypes were detected in the sera of mice immunized with rPb27 fluconazole treated or not. These results showed an additive protective effect of rPb27 immunization and chemotherapy, suggesting that an rPb27-based vaccine can be used to enhance PCM antifungal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane C Fernandes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Fernandes V, Coitinho J, Veloso J, Araújo S, Pedroso E, Goes A. Combined use of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis recombinant rPb27 and rPb40 antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for immunodiagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis. J Immunol Methods 2011; 367:78-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2011.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lau A, Chen S, Sleiman S, Sorrell T. Current status and future perspectives on molecular and serological methods in diagnostic mycology. Future Microbiol 2009; 4:1185-222. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.09.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are an important cause of infectious morbidity. Nonculture-based methods are increasingly used for rapid, accurate diagnosis to improve patient outcomes. New and existing DNA amplification platforms have high sensitivity and specificity for direct detection and identification of fungi in clinical specimens. Since laboratories are increasingly reliant on DNA sequencing for fungal identification, measures to improve sequence interpretation should support validation of reference isolates and quality control in public gene repositories. Novel technologies (e.g., isothermal and PNA FISH methods), platforms enabling high-throughput analyses (e.g., DNA microarrays and Luminex® xMAP™) and/or commercial PCR assays warrant further evaluation for routine diagnostic use. Notwithstanding the advantages of molecular tests, serological assays remain clinically useful for patient management. The serum Aspergillus galactomannan test has been incorporated into diagnostic algorithms of invasive aspergillosis. Both the galactomannan and the serum β-D-glucan test have value for diagnosing infection and monitoring therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lau
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharon Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia and Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Sue Sleiman
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Tania Sorrell
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Darcy and Hawkesbury Roads, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Correia J, de Moraes Borba C, Reis B, Martins A, Unkles S, Kinghorn JR, Lucena-Silva N. The ceja-1 sequence as a potential new molecular marker for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. Mycoses 2009; 53:130-7. [PMID: 19389074 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2008.01682.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a two-step PCR assay that amplifies a region of the ceja-1 sequence that is specific for virulent strains of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. An internal region of the ceja-1 sequence was chosen for designing primers that were utilised in a single tube heminested PCR protocol to amplify DNA from six virulent strains. PCR specificity was determined by the absence of amplified products with genomic DNA from four non-virulent strains of P. brasiliensis and from eight fungal pathogens, one bacterium, two protozoa, one worm and mouse and human genomic DNA (leucocytes). The fact that the PCR product was only obtained with the genetic material from virulent isolates of P. brasiliensis suggested that this partial amplified sequence might be a marker of virulence for this fungus. The diagnostic potential of this PCR was confirmed by the successful amplification of this fragment with genomic DNA obtained in lymph node aspirate from a patient with paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Correia
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center, FIOCRUZ, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Reis B, Fernandes V, Martins E, Serakides R, Goes A. Protective immunity induced by rPb27 of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Vaccine 2008; 26:5461-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.07.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Revised: 07/20/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Correa MM, Bedoya AM, Guerrero MP, Méndez J, Restrepo A, McEwen JG. Diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis by a dot blot assay using a recombinant Paracoccidioides brasiliensis p27 protein. Mycoses 2007; 50:41-7. [PMID: 17302747 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2006.01306.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A variety of immunological methods have proven useful for Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) diagnosis; however, they are often time consuming and many lack sensitivity and specificity, partially attributed to the use of crude antigens, which give cross reactivity. Until now, attempts to clone and express Paracoccidioides brasiliensis immunodominant antigens have presented difficulties of process and problems of cost. In an attempt to obtain a more rapid, sensitive, and specific test for PCM diagnosis, we subcloned the P. brasiliensis p27 gene and used the recombinant protein as the antigen in dot blot assays to evaluate its usefulness in paracoccidioidomicosis diagnosis. The development of an optimised procedure for p27 recombinant protein purification and production led to an easier and less expensive process than the one previously used in our laboratory and allowed the availability of enough purified protein for its evaluation as the antigen in the dot blot assays. In these assays, antibodies present in ten serum samples from seven patients with PCM recognised the recombinant protein showing a sensitivity of 100% with a specificity of 98%. These results confirm the value of the 27-kDa recombinant antigen in the serodiagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis and that the dot blot format is an alternative to the immunoenzymatic assay procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Correa
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Bacteriología y Laboratorio Clínico, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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Elguezabal N, Lopitz-Otsoa F, Laín A, de Larrinoa IF, Moragues MD, Pontón J. Serodiagnosis of mycoses using recombinant antigens. Mycopathologia 2006; 160:97-109. [PMID: 16170604 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-005-0144-9] [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: 04/13/2005] [Accepted: 06/29/2005] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The early diagnosis of mycoses is important for the institution of an effective antifungal therapy. Detection of antibodies against crude antigenic extracts is one of the standard techniques for the diagnosis of most mycoses. However, while these crude antigenic extracts are relatively easy to obtain, they usually show low reproducibility and are not very specific, since antibodies from patients with different mycoses may show cross-reactivity. The application of molecular biology techniques to the study of fungal antigens has allowed the production of recombinant antigens that may help to solve these problems. The purpose of this review is to discuss the use of recombinant fungal antigens in the diagnosis of mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Elguezabal
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain.
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21
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Pereira LA, Pereira M, Felipe MSS, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Soares CMDA. Proteomic identification, nucleotide sequence, heterologous expression and immunological reactivity of the triosephosphate isomerase of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Microbes Infect 2004; 6:892-900. [PMID: 15310465 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2004.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2004] [Accepted: 05/05/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
An antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) was gel isolated and characterized. Endoproteinase Lys-C-digested peptides of the purified protein, which presented a molecular mass of 29 kDa and pI of 5.8, were subjected to sequence analysis of their amino acids. Searches at databases comparing the sequence of amino acids from the three peptides of the native protein revealed strong homology to triosephosphate isomerase (TPI: E.C. 5.3.1.1) from several sources. The complete cDNA and gene encoding PbTPI were obtained and both contained an open reading frame predicted to encode a 249-amino acid protein that presented all the peptides characterized in the native PbTPI. The Pbtpi gene contained six exons interrupted by five introns. Analysis performed with the deduced PbTPI suggested its usefulness in providing phylogenetic relatedness, as well as evidencing the correlation between the phylogeny provided by the deduced protein and intron positions in the cognate genes. The immunological reactivity of PbTPI was examined. The complete coding cDNA of PbTPI was overexpressed in an Escherichia coli host to produce high levels of recombinant fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase (GST) that had been purified by affinity chromatography. The purified recombinant TPI was recognized by sera of patients with confirmed paracoccidioidomycosis and not by sera of healthy individuals. Thus, recombinant PbTPI can be a valuable addition to the still small arsenal of P. brasiliensis immunoreactive proteins, which could be tested for incorporation into assays for serodiagnosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz A Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, ICBII, ICB2, Campus 2, UFG, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Díez S, Gómez BL, McEwen JG, Restrepo A, Hay RJ, Hamilton AJ. Combined use of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis recombinant 27-kilodalton and purified 87-kilodalton antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serodiagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis. J Clin Microbiol 2003; 41:1536-42. [PMID: 12682142 PMCID: PMC153928 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.41.4.1536-1542.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) has relied on the identification of the host's humoral response by using a variety of immunological methods, such as complement fixation and immunodiffusion. Although these approaches are useful, historically their sensitivity and specificity have often been compromised by the use of complex mixtures of undefined antigens. The use of combinations of purified, well-characterized antigens appears preferable and may yield optimum results. Accordingly an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using combinations of the previously described 27-kDa recombinant antigen and the 87-kDa heat shock protein were used for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with PCM. A total of 37 patients classified according to their clinical presentations (7 with the acute or subacute form of the disease, 22 with the chronic form of the disease, and 8 with the chronic unifocal form) were studied. Eighteen of these patients were also evaluated at every follow-up appointment. Forty serum samples from patients with other diseases and 50 serum samples from healthy individuals were also studied. Detection of anti-27-kDa and anti-87-kDa antibodies in sera of patients with PCM by ELISA using a combination of the two purified proteins showed a sensitivity of 92% with a specificity of 88% in comparison with normal human sera and 90% in comparison with the heterologous sera. These results demonstrated a significant increase in sensitivity and specificity compared to results when the antigens were used separately. Thus, the use of combinations of well-defined antigens appears to offer clear advantages over the use of single antigens when diagnosing PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Díez
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's Hospital, London, England.
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Yeo SF, Wong B. Current status of nonculture methods for diagnosis of invasive fungal infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2002; 15:465-84. [PMID: 12097252 PMCID: PMC118074 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.15.3.465-484.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal infections has increased dramatically in recent decades, especially among immunocompromised patients. However, the diagnosis of these infections in a timely fashion is often very difficult. Conventional microbiologic and histopathologic approaches generally are neither sensitive nor specific, and they often do not detect invasive fungal infection until late in the course of disease. Since early diagnosis may guide appropriate treatment and prevent mortality, there has been considerable interest in developing nonculture approaches to diagnosing fungal infections. These approaches include detection of specific host immune responses to fungal antigens, detection of specific macromolecular antigens using immunologic reagents, amplification and detection of specific fungal nucleic acid sequences, and detection and quantitation of specific fungal metabolite products. This work reviews the current status and recent developments as well as problems in the design of nonculture diagnostic methods for invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Fah Yeo
- Infectious Disease Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Cunha DA, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Sueli M, Felipe S, Salem-Izacc SM, Deepe GS, Soares CMA. Heterologous expression, purification, and immunological reactivity of a recombinant HSP60 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2002; 9:374-7. [PMID: 11874881 PMCID: PMC119943 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.9.2.374-377.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The complete coding cDNA of HSP60 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was overexpressed in an Escherichia coli host to produce high levels of recombinant protein. The protein was purified by affinity chromatography. A total of 169 human serum samples were tested for reactivity by Western blot analysis with the purified HSP60 recombinant protein. Immunoblots indicated that the recombinant P. brasiliensis HSP60 was recognized by antibodies in 72 of 75 sera from paracoccidioidomycosis patients. No cross-reactivity was detected with individual sera from patients with aspergillosis, sporotrichosis, cryptococcosis, and tuberculosis. Reactivity to HSP60 was observed in sera from 9.52% of control healthy individuals and 11.5% of patients with histoplasmosis. The high sensitivity and specificity (97.3 and 92.5%, respectively) for HSP60 suggested that the recombinant protein can be used singly or in association with other recombinant antigens to detect antibody responses in P. brasiliensis-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Cunha
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, ICB, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Díez S, Gómez BL, Restrepo A, Hay RJ, Hamilton AJ. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis 87-kilodalton antigen, a heat shock protein useful in diagnosis: characterization, purification, and detection in biopsy material via immunohistochemistry. J Clin Microbiol 2002; 40:359-65. [PMID: 11825942 PMCID: PMC153377 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.40.2.359-365.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The 87-kDa antigen derived from the fungal pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis can be detected in the sera of infected patients, and its levels have been shown to correlate well with response to treatment and with clinical cure. Despite its potential importance, the antigen has been poorly characterized. The 87-kDa antigen was purified to homogeneity via preparative gel electrophoresis; N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed substantial homology with heat shock proteins (hsps) from a variety of organisms. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) raised against a Histoplasma capsulatum 80-kDa hsp showed cross-reactivity to the purified 87-kDa antigen via Western blotting, and the 87-kDa-specific MAb P1B demonstrated that the antigen was expressed at higher levels in yeast than in mycelia by the same technique. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence reactivity using P1B confirmed increased expression of the 87-kDa antigen during the temperature-induced transformation of mycelia to yeast. Yeast-to-mycelium transformation was accompanied by a fall in expression, although the 87-kDa antigen was clearly constitutively expressed in both phases. Immunochemical staining of tissues from patients with MAb P1B who were infected with P. brasiliensis confirmed in vivo expression of the 87-kDa antigen by yeasts, and identification of this antigen via this method appears to be a useful adjunct to other methods used to diagnose paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Díez
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's Hospital, London, England.
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da Fonseca CA, Jesuino RS, Felipe MS, Cunha DA, Brito WA, Soares CM. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and characterization of antigens from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Microbes Infect 2001; 3:535-42. [PMID: 11418327 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(01)01409-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a fungal pathogen of humans. To identify antigens from P. brasiliensis we fractionated a crude preparation of proteins from the fungus and detected the IgG reactive proteins by immunoblot assays of yeast cellular extracts with sera of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). We identified and characterized six new antigens by amino acid sequencing and homology search analyses with other proteins deposited in a database. The newly characterized antigens were highly homologous to catalase, fructose-1,6-biphosphate aldolase (aldolase), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and triosephosphate isomerase from several sources. The characterized antigens presented preferential synthesis in yeast cells, the host fungus phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, ICBII, UFG, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970, Go, Goiânia, Brazil
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Costa MRE, Lacaz CDS, Kawasaki M, Camargo ZPD. Conventional versus molecular diagnostic tests. Med Mycol 2000. [DOI: 10.1080/mmy.38.s1.139.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Díez S, Garcia EA, Pino PA, Botero S, Corredor GG, Peralta LA, Castaño JH, Restrepo A, McEwen JG. PCR with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis specific primers: potential use in ecological studies. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 1999; 41:351-8. [PMID: 10671288 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46651999000600004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise microenvironment of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis has not yet been discovered perhaps because the methods used are not sensitive enough. We applied to this purpose the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using three sets of specific primers corresponding to two P. brasiliensis genes. This fungus as well as several other fungi, were grown and their DNA obtained by mechanical disruption and a phenol chloroform isoamylalcohol-based purification method. The DNA served for a PCR reaction that employed specific primers from two P. brasiliensis genes that codify for antigenic proteins, namely, the 27 kDa and the 43 kDa. The lowest detection range for the 27 kDa gene was 3 pg. The amplification for both genes was positive only with DNA from P. brasiliensis; additionally, the mRNA for the 27 kDa gene was present only in P. brasiliensis, as indicated by the Northern analysis. The standardization of PCR technology permitted the amplification of P. brasiliensis DNA in artificially contaminated soils and in tissues of armadillos naturally infected with the fungus. These results indicate that PCR technology could play an important role in the search for P. brasiliensis' habitat and could also be used in other ecological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Díez
- Unidad de Biología Molecular y Grupo de Micología, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
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