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Biochemical characteristics of extracts from proallergenic microfungi Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli

Summary

Researchers studied two types of fungi that cause powdery mildew on plants and can trigger allergies in people who breathe in their spores. They discovered that these fungi contain proteins that act as allergens, including special proteins that help fungi survive stress. The fungi also contain high levels of linoleic acid, a fatty acid that can increase inflammation in the body. This research helps scientists understand why these fungi can cause allergic reactions and could help develop better diagnostic tools for fungal allergies.

Background

Phytopathogenic microfungi Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli cause powdery mildew in common plants. Fungi produce immunogenic factors triggering allergic reactions, with airborne protein allergens playing a pivotal role in respiratory allergies. These Erysiphe species have not been biochemically characterized despite demonstrated proallergenic activity.

Objective

This study aimed to conduct a comparative biochemical characterization of E. palczewskii and E. convolvuli, focusing on their potential allergenic properties through analysis of protein profiles, fatty acid composition, and carbohydrate content.

Results

E. palczewskii analysis identified 1118 peptides with 68.8% unique sequences, while E. convolvuli revealed 770 peptides with 47% unique sequences. Both species exhibited diverse fatty acid profiles with 18:2 constituting approximately 30% in E. palczewskii and 13% in E. convolvuli. Both fungi primarily produced hexoses, pentoses, and hexosamines, with heat shock proteins and metabolic enzymes being highly abundant.

Conclusion

The comparative proteomic analysis revealed unique and shared proteins between the two species, with several proteins exhibiting allergenic potential including heat shock proteins and metabolic enzymes. The high concentration of fatty acid 18:2, a precursor of arachidonic acid involved in inflammatory responses, suggests these fungi contain allergens capable of triggering immune reactions.
  • Published in:BMC Genomics,
  • Study Type:Comparative Analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 40826442, DOI: 10.1186/s12864-025-11862-w
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