Purification and partial characterization of an antigen from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum that cross-reacts with antiserum to cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum) root antigens

Abstract

Conidia of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum contained an antigen that cross-reacted with antiserum to cotton root tissue antigens. In agar-gel double diffusion tests, one precipitin band was formed when antiserum to cotton antigens was reacted with crude fungal antigens, or when antiserum to crude fungal antigens was reacted with cotton antigens. The cross-reactive antigen from fungal conidia (CRA) was isolated, purified, and partially characterized. The CRA migrated as a single band in polyacrylamide- or agar-gel electrophoresis, and sedimented as a single band during analytical ultracentrifugation. It was antigenic in rabbits, and was a protein-carbohydrate complex. The possible significance of the CRA in host-parasite compatibility is discussed.