The Brown Roll-Rim Mushroom, Paxillus involutus (Agaricomycetes), as a Promising Biomedical Research Resource.

The brown roll-rim mushroom (Paxillus involutus) quickly produces biomass in nature, although, being a mycorrhizal fungus, it is rather poorly maintained in culture. Information about its toxic properties is controversial. Until the mid-20th century, the species was considered as an edible fungus; however, data later accumulated regarding its poisonous properties, leading to the term "Paxillus syndromeP. involutus. Since mushrooms can have quite a few unidentified antigens complementary to B-lymphocyte receptors, this is a hidden danger of using unfractionated mushroom raw materials for preventive and oncotherapy purposes, and we hope that this article stimulates immunological groups worldwide to identify the "X" antigen related to the Paxillus syndrome. Oncotherapy effects of the known bioactive complexes of P. involutus are associated with a specific inhibition of some growth receptors of the cancer cell, whereas experimentation with purified substances of P. involutus and various families of growth receptors of cancer cell has good prospects. A clear speciation is fixing within the P. involutus complex. The key for identification of species of P. involutus complex is given and cultural characteristics of P. involutus strains kept at Komarov Botanical Institute Basidiomycetes Culture Collection are presented.

Selection of Specific Peptides for Coccidioides spp. Obtained from Antigenic Fractions through SDS-PAGE and Western Blot Methods by the Recognition of Sera from Patients with Coccidioidomycosis.

Antigenic fractions of 100, 50, 37, and 28 kDa obtained through the SDS-PAGE method that were more frequently recognized by anti-Coccidioides antibodies in the sera of coccidioidomycosis patients were selected using western blotting. Subsequently, these bands were sequenced, and the obtained proteins were analysed by BLAST to choose peptides specific for Coccidioides spp. from among the shared aligned sequences of related fungi. A peptide specific for C. immitis was selected from the "GPI anchored serine-threonine rich protein OS C. immitis", while from the "uncharacterized protein of C. immitis", we selected a peptide for C. immitis and C. posadasii. These proteins arose from the 100 kDa antigenic fraction. From the protein "fatty acid amide hydrolase 1 of C. posadasii" that was identified from the 50 kDa antigenic fraction, a peptide was selected that recognized C. immitis and C. posadasii. In addition, the analysis of all the peptides (353) of each of the assembled proteins showed that only 35 had 100% identity with proteins of C. immitis and C. posadasii, one had 100% identity with only C. immitis, and one had 100% identity with only C. posadasii. These peptides can be used as diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and antifungals.

Neurocognitive function in HIV-infected persons with asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia: a comparison of three prospective cohorts.

BACKGROUND: HIV-infected persons with detectable cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) in blood have increased morbidity and mortality compared with HIV-infected persons who are CrAg-negative. This study examined neurocognitive function among persons with asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia. METHODS: Participants from three prospective HIV cohorts underwent neurocognitive testing at the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Cohorts included persons with cryptococcal meningitis (N = 90), asymptomatic CrAg + (N = 87), and HIV-infected persons without central nervous system infection (N = 125). Z-scores for each neurocognitive test were calculated relative to an HIV-negative Ugandan population with a composite quantitative neurocognitive performance Z-score (QNPZ-8) created from eight tested domains. Neurocognitive function was measured pre-ART for all three cohorts and additionally after 4 weeks of ART (and 6 weeks of pre-emptive fluconazole) treatment among asymptomatic CrAg + participants. RESULTS: Cryptococcal meningitis and asymptomatic CrAg + participants had lower median CD4 counts (17 and 26 cells/µL, respectively) than the HIV-infected control cohort (233 cells/µL) as well as lower Karnofsky performance status (60 and 70 vs. 90, respectively). The composite QNPZ-8 for asymptomatic CrAg + (-1.80 Z-score) fell between the cryptococcal meningitis cohort (-2.22 Z-score, P = 0.02) and HIV-infected controls (-1.36, P = 0.003). After four weeks of ART and six weeks of fluconazole, the asymptomatic CrAg + cohort neurocognitive performance improved (-1.0 Z-score, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Significant deficits in neurocognitive function were identified in asymptomatic CrAg + persons with advanced HIV/AIDS even without signs or sequelae of meningitis. Neurocognitive function in this group improves over time after initiation of pre-emptive fluconazole treatment and ART, but short term adherence support may be necessary.

Peptide Vaccine Against Paracoccidioidomycosis.

The chapter reviews methods utilized for the isolation and characterization of a promising immunogen candidate, aiming at a human vaccine against paracoccidioidomycosis. Peptide P10 carries a T-CD4+ epitope and was identified as an internal sequence of the major diagnostic antigen known as gp43 glycoprotein. It successfully treated massive intratracheal infections by virulent Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in combination with chemotherapy.An introduction about the systemic mycosis was found essential to understand the various options that were considered to design prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine protocols using peptide P10.

Anti-inflammatory effect of geranium nanoemulsion macrophages induced with soluble protein of Candida albicans.

Pelargonium graveolens is a member of the Geraniaceae family and has been used in folk medicine in many countries because of its anti-inflammatory activity. No studies have yet been reported to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of a nanoemulsion containing geranium oil (GO) model in macrophages. In this study the anti-inflammatory effect of Geranium nanoemulsion (NEG) macrophages induced with soluble proteins of Candida albicans was investigated. GO presented citronellol (17.74%) and geraniol (14.43%) as main constituents. The characterization in NEG was demonstrated, showing the particle size of 164 ± 3.5 nm, PDI of 0.12 ± 0.006 and zeta potential -10 mV ± 1.7. The MIC obtained for NEG and GO were 3.64 µg ml-1 and 1.82 µg ml-1, respectively. The viability of the macrophages treated with NEG and GO concentrations (1/2 x, 1x and 2x MIC) was evaluated. There was a significant reduction of viability and the MTT assay was not confirmed after the LDH assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by determining nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (interleukin IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and the expression levels gene of interleukin (IL-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The apoptosis inhibition capacity was assessed by determination of INFγ, caspase 3 and caspase 8. The results indicated that there was a significant increase of NO in the levels after treatment with NEG and significantly reduced levels after treatment with GO. The cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF) were evaluated and NEG (½ x, 1x MIC) decreased IL-1 levels by 1.25-1.37 times, respectively. The NEG did not decrease IL-6 levels and a significant increase was observed for IL-10. GO significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-10 levels. There was a significant decrease in IL-2 and COX-2 levels and increased levels of iNOs. The levels of IFNγ and caspase-3 after treatment with NEG decreased indicating an anti-inflammatory effect and can inhibit apoptosis. Finally, the levels of caspase-8 do not change. Thus, pretreatment with NEG induced an anti-inflammatory effect against soluble proteins of C. albicans model macrophages.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Histoplasma Antigen Detection by Enzyme Immunoassay.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of an antigen enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on urine samples for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in dogs. This retrospective medical records review included canine cases with urine samples submitted for Histoplasma EIA antigen assay between 2007 and 2011 from three veterinary institutions. Cases for which urine samples were submitted for Histoplasma antigen testing were reviewed and compared to the gold standard of finding Histoplasma organisms or an alternative diagnosis on cytology or histopathology. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and the kappa coefficient and associated confidence interval were calculated for the EIA-based Histoplasma antigen assay. Sixty cases met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen cases were considered true positives based on identification of the organism, and 41 cases were considered true negatives with an alternative definitive diagnosis. Two cases were considered false negatives, and there were no false positives. Sensitivity was 89.47% and the negative predictive value was 95.35%. Specificity and the positive predictive value were both 100%. The kappa coefficient was 0.9207 (95% confidence interval, 0.8131-1). The Histoplasma antigen EIA test demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in dogs.

Purification and characterization of a mycelial catalase from Scedosporium boydii, a useful tool for specific antibody detection in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Scedosporium boydii is an opportunistic filamentous fungus which may be responsible for a wide variety of infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. This fungus belongs to the Scedosporium apiospermum species complex, which usually ranks second among the filamentous fungi colonizing the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and may lead to allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses, sensitization, or respiratory infections. Upon microbial infection, host phagocytic cells release reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide, as part of the antimicrobial response. Catalases are known to protect pathogens against ROS by detoxification of the hydrogen peroxide. Here, we investigated the catalase equipment of Scedosporium boydii, one of the major pathogenic species in the S. apiospermum species complex. Three catalases were identified, and the mycelial catalase A1 was purified to homogeneity by a three-step chromatographic process. This enzyme is a monofunctional tetrameric protein of 460 kDa, consisting of four 82-kDa glycosylated subunits. The potential usefulness of this enzyme in serodiagnosis of S. apiospermum infections was then investigated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using 64 serum samples from CF patients. Whatever the species involved in the S. apiospermum complex, sera from infected patients were clearly differentiated from sera from patients with an Aspergillus fumigatus infection or those from CF patients without clinical and biological signs of a fungal infection and without any fungus recovered from sputum samples. These results suggest that catalase A1 is a good candidate for the development of an immunoassay for serodiagnosis of infections caused by the S. apiospermum complex in patients with CF.

Arthrographis kalrae soluble antigens present hemolytic and cytotoxic activities.

Arthrographis kalrae is a dimorphic, cosmopolitan and neurotropic fungus that has been described as a rare human pathogen. This study investigated the hemolytic and cytotoxic activities of A. kalrae cell-free antigens (CFAs). Total CFAs and their Sephadex chromatography fractions were tested on mouse erythrocytes for hemolysis and on the P3U1 cell line for cytotoxicity. Hemolytic and cytotoxic activities were detected in distinct molecular mass (MM) fractions. Additionally, antibodies against isogenic erythrocytes sensitized with CFAs (anti-E-CFAs) inhibited hemolysis but not cytotoxicity. Hemolysis was not affected by heating, and a higher reactivity was detected in the carbohydrate-rich fractions, which decreased after reduction by periodate treatment. The pioneering nature of this work is due to the demonstration of the cytotoxic activity in A. kalrae and the suggestion that this activity may be due to molecules distinct from the hemolytic factor, with the latter potentially being a component with a high MM.

Evaluación de la actividad antifúngica de extractos liquénicos e identificación de sus metabolitos / Evaluation of the fungicide activity from lichens extracts and identification their metabolites

Los líquenes son los hongos que establecen una relación simbiótica con un alga o cianobacteria. En esta simbiosis se producen por parte del hongo, una serie de metabolitos secundarios conocidos como sustancias liquénicas; las cuales presentan una marcada actividad antibiótica. En Cuba no se tienen antecedentes sobre estudios de metabolitos liquénicos por lo que se propone; evaluar el efecto fungicida de extractos liquénicos producidos por especies cubanas así como identificar sus metabolitos. Se emplearon líquenes de diferentes zonas del país (Parmotrema dilatatum, P. tinctorum, P. praesorediosum P. cristiferum, Ramalina americana, Cladonia ceratophylla y Cladonia portentosa spp. pacífica), a los cuales se les extrajo con acetona, las sustancias liquénicas almacenadas en el talo. Los extractos fueron probados contra los hongos fitopatógenos Rhizoctonia solani y Phythophtora nicotianae; por el método de envenenamiento del medio de cultivo agar papa dextrosa a concentraciones de: 0,01 por ciento; 0,03 por ciento y 0,07 por ciento. Se utilizó un control negativo de dimetilsufóxido al 0,07 por ciento y se determinaron los porcentajes de inhibición, cuyos resultados fueron analizados estadísticamente. Los metabolitos secundarios presentes en los extractos se identificaron por cromatografía de capa fina (TLC). Exceptuando el extracto liquénico de P. cristiferum, todos los demás mostraron más de un 50 por ciento de inhibición del crecimiento de ambos hongos a la concentración de 0,07 por ciento, mientras que a las restantes concentraciones los valores fueron variados con diferencias significativas con respecto al control. Se lograron identificar tres metabolitos liquénicos: metil 2‘-O- metilmicrofilinato, 4-O-Demetilmicrofilinico y el ácido ramaniloico.

Lichens are fungi that establish a symbiotic relationship with an alga or cyanobacterium. This symbiosis produced by the fungus, a series of secondary metabolites known as lichen substances; which show a strong antibiotic activity. In Cuba there is no background on the studies above lichen metabolites so it is proposed; evaluate the fungicidal activity of lichen extracts produced by Cuban species and to identify metabolites. Lichens from different areas of the country (Parmotrema dilatatum, P. tinctorum, P.praesorediosum, P. cristiferum, Ramalina americana, Cladonia ceratophylla and Cladonia portentosa spp. pacífica), to which it extracted with acetone, the lichen substances stored in tallus. The extracts were tested against the fungal pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Phythophtora nicotianae; poisoning by the method of culture medium potato dextrose agar at concentrations of 0.01 percent; 0.03 percent and 0.07 percent. A negative control to 0.07 percent dimethylsulfoxide was used and the percentage of inhibition, the results were analyzed statistically determined. Secondary metabolites present in the extracts were identified by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Except P. cristiferum lichen extract, all others showed more than 50 percent growth inhibition of both fungi at concentration of 0.07 percent, while the remaining concentrations were varied values with significant differences from the control. Was made to identify three lichen metabolites metilmicrofilinato 2‘ methyl-O, 4-ODemetilmicrofilinico and ramaniloico acid.

Serology of paracoccidioidomycosis due to Paracoccidioides lutzii.

Paracoccidioides lutzii is a new agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and has its epicenter localized to the Central-West region of Brazil. Serological diagnosis of PCM caused by P. lutzii has not been established. This study aimed to develop new antigenic preparations from P. lutzii and to apply them in serological techniques to improve the diagnosis of PCM due to P. lutzii. Paracoccidioides lutzii exoantigens, cell free antigen (CFA), and a TCA-precipitated antigen were evaluated in immunodiffusion (ID) tests using a total of 89 patient sera from the Central-West region of Brazil. Seventy-two sera were defined as reactive for P. brasiliensis using traditional antigens (AgPbB339 and gp43). Non-reactive sera for traditional antigens (n = 17) were tested with different P. lutzii preparations and P. lutzii CFA showed 100% reactivity. ELISA was found to be a very useful test to titer anti-P. lutzii antibodies using P. lutzii-CFA preparations. Sera from patients with PCM due to P. lutzii presented with higher antibody titers than PCM due to P. brasiliensis and heterologous sera. In western blot, sera from patients with PCM due to P. lutzii were able to recognize antigenic molecules from the P. lutzii-CFA antigen, but sera from patients with PCM due to P. brasiliensis could not recognize any P. lutzii molecules. Due to the facility of preparing P. lutzii CFA antigens we recommend its use in immunodiffusion tests for the diagnosis of PCM due to P. lutzii. ELISA and western blot can be used as complementary tests.

Prevalence and correlates of cryptococcal antigen positivity among AIDS patients--United States, 1986-2012.

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is one of the leading opportunistic infections associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The worldwide burden of CM among persons living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was estimated in 2009 to be 957,900 cases, with approximately 624,700 deaths annually. The high burden of CM globally comes despite the fact that cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is detectable weeks before the onset of symptoms, allowing screening for cryptococcal infection and early treatment to prevent CM and CM-related mortality (2). However, few studies have been conducted in the United States to assess the prevalence of cryptococcal infection. To quantify the prevalence of undiagnosed cryptococcal infection in HIV-infected persons in the United States during 1986-2012, stored sera from 1,872 participants in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study and the Women's Interagency HIV Study with CD4 T-cell counts <100 cells/µL were screened for CrAg, using the CrAg Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) (Immy, Inc.). This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated the overall prevalence of CrAg positivity in this population to be 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.2%-3.7%).

Adrenocortical insufficiency is not a problem in preterm infants treated with antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole.

AIM: Fluconazole prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections is a cornerstone of neonatal care, but in vitro studies have shown that it inhibits corticosteroid production. This study assessed whether preterm infants demonstrated an association between fluconazole administration, and its duration, and symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency. METHODS: We compared two groups who were treated before and after we introduced the use of fluconazole to our neonatal intensive care unit. Infants with a gestational age of ≤27 weeks or with a birth weight of ≤750 g were considered for the retrospective analysis. In order to assess whether the duration of prophylaxis was related to adrenocortical insufficiency, regression models were performed in all preterm infants in the fluconazole group. RESULTS: The fluconazole group (n = 37) and nonfluconazole group (n = 41) were compared. No differences were found in the percentage of infants with symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency, such as hypotension or need of vasopressor therapy. The incidence of hypotension and the use of vasopressor therapy were not related to duration of fluconazole prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Fluconazole and it duration were not associated with the incidence of symptoms related to adrenocortical insufficiency. Further prospective trials are needed to better define the relationship between fluconazole and adrenocortical insufficiency.

Protective effect of rPb40 as an adjuvant for chemotherapy in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis.

The conventional treatment for the most prevalent mycosis in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), involves long periods of therapy that results in side effects and a high frequency of relapses. The search for a new, alternative treatment is necessary. Pb40 is an antigenic protein from P. brasiliensis fraction F0. This fraction has already been shown to have significant protective activity when used as a PCM vaccine in experimental models. The complete cDNA sequence corresponding to Pb40 was cloned into a pET-21a plasmid, expressed in E. coli with a his-tag and purified by affinity chromatography. The predicted protein sequence exhibited nearly 100% homology to a fragment of the hypothetical EF-hand domain containing protein of P. brasiliensis. Immunization with this recombinant protein was used together with chemotherapy in an attempt to improve PCM treatment. The combined drug/rPb40 treatment exhibited long-lasting control of PCM in the liver and spleen and largely preserved the tissue structures of these organs. Despite the lack of a reduction in CFUs in the group that received the combined treatment, there was a significant reduction in the size of the lesions in the lungs after 70 days of infection. At the same time, the IL-10 levels were higher in the treated mice than in the infected-only mice. Moreover, significant levels of rPb40-specific IgG antibodies were detected in the sera of immunized mice. Thus, the treatment protocol consisting of rPb40 immunization in addition to fluconazole chemotherapy showed an additive protective effect after intratracheal challenge, preventing fungal dissemination to other sites of infection and preventing relapses. These results provide new prospects for PCM immunotherapy.

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis in chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Rhinosinusitis is the inflammation of nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa and is associated with mucosal alteration ranging from inflammatory thickening or gross nasal polyp formation.The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of allergic fungal rhino sinusitis among the patients having chronic rhino sinusitis with or without polyps who under goes functional endoscopic sinus surgery. METHODS: The patient with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyp who FESS were studied. Surgical specimens were sent for mycology and histopathological analysis for identification of fungus. RESULTS: Headache 41(82%) and nasal block 45(90%) were the commonest clinical presentation. Out of 50 patients, fungal elements were detected by KOH in 8(16%) of cases and histopathological examination in 11(22%) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitisis a common disorder in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, it need different specific tests for the diagnosis, a more specific diagnostic tests are fungus culture, and IgE to fungal antigen and skin test are needed for definite diagnosis.

Identification and characterization of antigenic proteins potentially expressed during the infectious process of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic mycosis presenting clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe forms. A P. brasiliensis cDNA expression library was produced and screened with pooled sera from PCM patients adsorbed against antigens derived from in vitro-grown P. brasiliensis yeast cells. Sequencing DNA inserts from clones reactive with PCM patients sera indicated 35 open reading frames presenting homology to genes involved in metabolic pathways, transport, among other predicted functions. The complete cDNAs encoding aromatic-l-amino-acid decarboxylase (Pbddc), lumazine synthase (Pbls) and a homologue of the high affinity copper transporter (Pbctr3) were obtained. Recombinant proteins PbDDC and PbLS were obtained; a peptide was synthesized for PbCTR3. The proteins and the synthetic peptide were recognized by sera of patients with confirmed PCM and not by sera of healthy patients. Using the in vivo-induced antigen technology (IVIAT), we identified immunogenic proteins expressed at high levels during infection. Quantitative real time RT-PCR demonstrated high transcript levels of Pbddc, Pbls and Pbctr3 in yeast cells infecting macrophages. Transcripts in yeast cells derived from spleen and liver of infected mice were also measured by qRT-PCR. Our results suggest a putative role for the immunogenic proteins in the infectious process of P. brasiliensis.

Methamphetamine enhances histoplasmosis by immunosuppression of the host.

The effect of methamphetamine on the host response to an opportunistic pathogen has not been extensively described. Methamphetamine is a major public health and safety problem in the United States. Chronic methamphetamine abuse is associated with a 2-fold higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection and, possibly, additional infections. Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus that is endemic in the Midwest of the United States and that causes respiratory and systemic disease, particularly in individuals with impaired immunity. We showed that methamphetamine abrogates normal macrophage function, resulting in an inability to control histoplasmosis. Methamphetamine decreased phagocytosis and killing of yeast by primary macrophages by alkalization of the phagosome. Furthermore, mice that received methamphetamine prior to H. capsulatum infection were immunologically impaired, with increased fungal burden, increased pulmonary inflammation, and decreased survival. Immunosuppression by methamphetamine may be associated with deregulation of cytokines in the lungs of infected mice, aberrant processing of H. capsulatum within macrophages, and immobilization of MAC-1 receptors on the surface of macrophages that are involved in phagocytosis. Additionally, methamphetamine inhibits T cell proliferation and alters antibody production, which are important components of adaptive immunity. With use of a murine model of histoplasmosis, this study establishes that methamphetamine may alter the immune system of the host and enhance fungal pathogenesis.

Cryptococcosis associated with crescentic glomerulonephritis.

Crescentic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is an uncommon form of renal injury in childhood. Whereas many infectious processes are known to be linked to CGN, fungal infections typically are not. This report describes an 11-year-old girl who presented with CGN, cutaneous anergy, and cryptococcal mediastinitis. Whereas cryptococcal disease in children is usually associated with immunodeficiency (inherited or acquired), extensive immunologic evaluation of the patient was notable only for relative CD4 lymphopenia with normal CD4/CD8 ratios. Testing for human immunodeficiency virus was negative. Clinical and diagnostic studies are presented, along with a review of the literature regarding glomerular disease and cryptococcal infections.

Use of sera from humans and dolphins with lacaziosis and sera from experimentally infected mice for Western Blot analyses of Lacazia loboi antigens.

Antibodies in the sera of patients with lacaziosis recognized an approximately 193-kDa antigen and other Lacazia loboi antigens. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis gp43 antigen was detected by all evaluated sera, but they failed to detect a protein with the same molecular mass in L. loboi extracts. This study is the first to examine the humoral response to L. loboi antigens by using multiple host sera.

Cladosporium herbarum translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is an IgE-binding antigen and is associated with disease severity.

Cladosporium herbarum represents one of the most important world-wide occurring allergenic fungal species. The prevalence of IgE reactivity to C. herbarum in patients suffering from allergy varies between 5 and 30% in the different climatic zones. Since mold allergy has often been associated with severe asthma, along with other allergic symptoms, it is important to define more comprehensively the allergen repertoire of this ascomycete. In this context we are reporting our successful approach to identify, clone, produce as a recombinant protein, purify and further characterize a new C. herbarum allergen which is a close homolog of the human translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP, also called histamine releasing factor, HRF). The immunoreactivity of both pure recombinant molecules was investigated by means of immunoblot analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays as well as histamine release studies. To summarize, IgE antibodies from five out of nine individuals recognized both the human and the fungal protein in immunoblots. The latter was able to cause histamine release from human basophils with about half the efficiency compared to its human homolog HRF. Cross-inhibition assays showed that the patients' IgEs recognize common epitopes on both the human and C. herbarum proteins, but however, only pre-incubation with C. herbarum TCTP could completely inhibit reactivity with HRF. Furthermore, it appears that patients reactive to TCTP have a higher probability to suffer from asthma than other allergic patients.