Cloning, production, characterization and IgE cross-reactivity of different manganese superoxide dismutases in individuals sensitized to Aspergillus fumigatus.
BACKGROUND
Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) from Aspergillus fumigatus has been demonstrated to be an allergen showing a high degree of homology with phylogenetically distant MnSODs. We describe cloning, production and characterization of MnSODs from different species.


METHODS
MnSODs were cloned by PCR, expressed as inclusion body protein in Escherichia coli, purified by Ni2+-chelate affinity chromatography and characterized.


RESULTS
The MnSODs from A. fumigatus, man, yeast, Drosophila melanogaster and E. coli show about 50% identity and 70% similarity on the primary structure. All proteins were produced at a high level in E. coli and refolded to achieve enzymatic activity. The proteins were able to bind IgE from sera of individuals sensitized to the A. fumigatus MnSOD.


CONCLUSIONS
MnSOD represents a novel pan-allergen restricted to individuals sensitized to A. fumigatus.
Mayer
C
C
Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), Davos.
Hemmann
S
S
Faith
A
A
Blaser
K
K
Crameri
R
R
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus / Q000276:immunology*; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D003429:Cross Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase