title: An immunodominant 90-kilodalton Aspergillus fumigatus antigen is the subunit of a catalase.
abstract: We have identified, purified, and characterized structurally and functionally a 90-kDa immunodominant antigen associated with the water-soluble fraction of Aspergillus fumigatus. This antigen is recognized by 90.3% of serum samples from patients with aspergilloma and should be considered either by itself or better in combination with other purified antigens as a candidate for developing a standardized immunoassay for the detection of aspergilloma. p90 is a glycoprotein containing at least two two N-linked sugar chains of 2 and 5 kDa, respectively, which are not necessary for its reactivity with aspergilloma serum samples. Using specific anti-p90 rabbit serum, we have demonstrated that under native conditions, p90 exists in oligomeric form and has associated catalase activity. This activity is resistant to extreme temperatures (> 60 degrees C), reducing agents (40 mM dithiothreitol), high concentrations of denaturing agents such as 8 M urea and 8% sodium dodecyl sulfate, and treatments with ethanol-chloroform-water (5:3:10 [vol/vol]) mixtures.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científica, Spain.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: López-Medrano
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Ovejero
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Calera
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Puente
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Leal
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*; D002374:Catalase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D003470:Culture Media; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D016056:Immunodominant Epitopes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011817:Rabbits; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D000946:Antigens, Fungal; D003470:Culture Media; D006023:Glycoproteins; D016056:Immunodominant Epitopes; D002374:Catalase