Proteomic evaluation of Alternaria alternata spores, hyphae, and commercial allergen extracts

Abstract

Alternaria alternata is associated with allergic respiratory disease which has led to the need for allergen extract-based immunotherapies and diagnostics. Available commercial Alternaria allergen extracts are neither standardized nor well-characterized with regard to allergen content. Immunotherapy and diagnosis with existing products, while safe and effective, could be improved with better characterization and manufacturing consistency. The goal of this study is to apply analytical methods, including quantitative mass spectrometry, for comparative and comprehensive characterization of Alternaria allergen extracts from various source materials.