Basidiospores are a prevalent and frequent cause of respiratory allergies, yet their allergens remain poorly defined; thus, we have attempted a molecular characterization of representative basidiomycete allergens. A Psilocybe cubensis mycelial cDNA library was immunoscreened with patient serum. A clone was isolated that expressed a 23-kD recombinant allergen as a fusion protein and inhibited a 16-kD band (Psi c 2) in immunoprints of P. cubensis extract, indicating antigenic identity. Sequence (cDNA) analysis of the clone indicates homology with cyclophilin and the deduced amino acid sequence of Psi c 2 showed 78% identity and 4% similarity with the amino acid sequence of Schizosaccharomyces pombe cyclophilin. This recombinant allergen is a useful model for epitope analysis of basidiospore allergens and fungal allergen cross-reactivity, and may provide an improved reagent for basidiospore allergy diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords:
Allergens, Fungi, IgE, Cyclophilin, Psilocybe cubensis, Basidiomycete
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© 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel
1995
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