# ISOLATION & CHARACTERIZATION OF BASIDIOSPORE ALLERGENS

> **NIH NIH R01** · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · 1991 · $223,938

## Abstract

The current state of knowledge of allergic reactions to fungi is
best described as confusing and complex, although fungal spores
are probably one of the most abundant sources of inhaled organic
material in the environment.  During the last three years, we have
studied allergic reactions of individuals with symptoms of
respiratory allergy to spores from Basidiomycetes (a major class
of fungi).  Our studies indicate that extracts of basidiospores can
be prepared that elicit a significant number of specific skin test
and RAST reactions in subjects with histories of respiratory
allergies, particularly those with asthma.  Several basidiospore
extracts have skin test reactivity the exceeded those obtained
common fungi and were similar to the prevalence of skin
reactions to some tree pollens.  Preliminary investigations have
begun to isolate and characterize important basidiospore
allergens.  Fractionation of basidiospore extracts by gel filtration
on Sephadex G-75 have resulted in considerable purification of
spore allergens.  RAST inhibition studies have demonstrated
significant cross-allergenicity of several basidiospore species.
Based on the fact that we have obtained sufficient quantities of
pure spores, extracted active allergens from these spores, and
demonstrated a number of individuals with positive skin and RAST
reactivity to these spores, our grant renewal application addresses
the following objectives:  (1) Continue identification, isolation,
and characterization of clinically important basidiospore allergens
of five basidiomycete species (2) measure the prevalence of skin
test and IgE antibody reactivity to basidiospores throughout the
United States, since the preliminary evidence in Seattle and New
Orleans suggest that they are important aeroallergens; (3) assess
bronchial reactivity to basidiospore allergens by provocative
inhalation challenge.

Although the task of fungal allergen characterization is much
more difficult than with pollens, the need for standardized fungal
extracts is essential.  The increased number of fungal samples
which are commercially available and are being used in the
practice of allergy for skin testing and immunotherapy
emphasizes the need to identify and characterize further fungal
allergens.  By identification and purification of basidiospore
allergens, determination of prevalence of skin and RAST
reactivity, and analysis of patterns of basidiospore allergen
induced bronchial reactivity, our studies will help further
understanding of mold asthma.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3129932
- **Project number:** 2R01AI020331-07A1
- **Recipient organization:** TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** XNY5ULPU8EN6
- **Principal Investigator:** SAMUEL B LEHRER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $223,938
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1983-09-01 → 1994-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3129932

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3129932, ISOLATION & CHARACTERIZATION OF BASIDIOSPORE ALLERGENS (2R01AI020331-07A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3129932. Licensed CC0.

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