Anti-Crf2 (Aspergillus fumigatus), mAb (rec.) (MS130i-IIIC3)

Aspergillus fumigatus is a common airborne fungal pathogen for humans. It frequently causes an invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised patients with poor prognosis. Potent antifungal drugs are very expensive and cause serious adverse effects. Their correct application requires an early and specific diagnosis of IA. Encoded by CRF1 gene, the Crf protein family contains three protein variants: Crf2 protein, amino acids (333 aa) long, Asp f9 protein (292 aa), first identified as an allergen using serum from Aspergillus-allergic patients and Crf1 (395 aa, also named Crh5). The glycosyol hydrolase/glycosidase Crf2 catalyzes the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds in complex sugars and is located in the cell wall of the growing hyphae. Crf2 may be involved in the remodeling of the cell wall as well, and therefore in the growth and the virulence of the fungus.