Aspergillus antigen

Koth LL, Rodriguez MW, Bernstein XL, et al. Aspergillus antigen induces robust Th2 cytokine production, inflammation, airway hyperreactivity and fibrosis in the absence of MCP-1 or CCR2. Respir Res 2004 5(1) 12. 

IgE is discordant with the actual increase in IgE observed in ABPA patients. Criticisms are that peripheral blood mononuclear cells may not accurately reflect the profile of pulmonary monocytes and the ABPA patients were bdng treated with corticosteroids, which may cause a shift of both airway and peripheral blood T cells to a Thl profile (45,67). In addition, the Aspergillus antigen chosen may not be responsible for in vivo increase in specific IgE, in vifro culture may not be representative of events leading to clinical ABPA, and limitations of experimental protocols are derived from current concepts of the rapidly evolving field of immunology (66). 

Secondary criteria (10,27), such as A. fumigatus in sputum by repeated cultures or microscopic examination, expectoration of brown mucus plugs or flecks containing eosinophils and Charcot-Leyden crystals, and late skin reactivity to Aspergillus antigen, are less frequently seen and less important. 

MuraU PS, Kurup VP, Bansal NK, Fink JN, Greenberger PA. IgE downregulation and cytokine induction by Aspergillus antigens in human allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis [see comments]. J Lab CUn Med 1998 131 228—235. 

Moser, M., Menz, G., Blaser, K., and Crameri, R. (1994). Recombinant expression and antigenic properties of a 32-kilodalton extracellular alkaline protease, representing a possible virulence factor from Aspergillus fumigatus. Infect. Immun. 62, 936-942. 

Calera JA, Paris S, Monod M, Hamilton AJ, Debeaupuis JP, Diaquin M, Lopez-Medrano R, Leal F, Latge JP Cloning and dismption of the antigenic catalase gene of Aspergillus fumigatus. Infect Immun 1997 65 2717-2724. 

Longbottom JL, Austick PKC Antigens and allergens of Aspergillus fumigatus. I. Characterization by quantitative immunoelectrophoretic techniques. J Allergy Clin Irrrmunol 1986 79 9-17. 

Armda LK, Platts-Mills TAE, Longbottom JL, El-Dahr JM, Chapman M Aspergillus fumigatus Identification of 16, 18 and 45 kDa antigens recognized by human IgG and IgE antibodies and murine monoclonal antibodies. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1992 89 1166-1176. 

Ojanen TH, Terho EO, Mantyjarvi RA Comparison of A. fumigatus and Aspergillus umbrosus antigens in serological tests of farmer s lung. Allergy 1982 37 297-301. 

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