title: Immunoblot analysis of components of Penicillium citrinum recognized by human IgE and IgG antibodies.
abstract: Penicillium species are well-known indoor fungi and have been considered as one of the causative agents of extrinsic bronchial asthma. We have identified that Penicillium citrinum is the most prevalent Penicillium species in the Taipei area. In the present study, components of this airborne fungus recognized by human IgE and IgG antibodies were analyzed by immunoblotting. Eight components ranging in MWs from 112 to 17.5 kD reacted with IgE antibodies in 11 serum samples. The component with an MW of about 33 kD showed the highest frequency (81.8%) of IgE-binding. However, 11 components of P. citrinum showed IgG-immunoblotting activity, and the component with an MW of about 66 kD revealed the highest frequency (58.3%) of IgG-binding. Only 3 of the 9 serum samples which reflected IgE antibody activity to the 33 kD component of P. citrinum showed IgG-immunoblotting activity to the same 33 kD component. Furthermore, 4 of the 5 serum samples obtained from healthy laboratory personnel demonstrated IgG responses, but none had IgE antibody activity to components of p. citrinum. The discrepancy observed between IgE and IgG responses to the same allergenic extract requires further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Research, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Han
mesh_terms: D001665:Binding Sites; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D010407:Penicillium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007073:Immunoglobulin E