Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression of the M antigen of Histoplasma capsulatum.

ABSTRACT: The major diagnostic antigens of Histoplasma capsulatum are the H and M antigens, pluripotent glycoproteins that elicit both humoral and T-cell-mediated immune responses. These antigens may play a role in the pathogenesis of histoplasmosis. M antigen is considered immunodominant because antibodies against it are the first precipitins to arise in acute histoplasmosis and are commonly present during all phases of infection. The biological activity of monomolecular M antigen and its ability to elicit a protective immune response to H. capsulatum are largely unknown. A molecular approach was used to identify the biological nature of M antigen, including its purification from histoplasmin, partial digestion with proteinases, and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography to separate t

SUBMITTER: Zancope-Oliveira RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC96551 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature