PRA1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU4G09580 (symbol PRA1, also known as aspf2) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes the allergen Asp f II, a protein with a PRA1-like domain and a metallopeptidase catalytic domain superfamily. The gene is associated with integrin, fibrinogen, and HK binding, as well as zinc binding and metallopeptidase activity. It is linked to multiple immune-modulatory processes, including suppression of host T-cell-mediated and complement-mediated immune responses, immune evasion, and adhesion of the symbiont to the host via the host extracellular matrix. Additional associations include iron acquisition from the host, siderophore anabolism, zinc import, leukocyte adhesion, and phagocytosis. The product localizes to the hyphal tip, hyphal cell wall, and extracellular space. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to altered protein content, oxidative stress response, and increased innate thermotolerance with decreased vegetative growth.