CHED 898 |
| Alternaria alternata is a common fungus found worldwide in every habitat and is known as a ubiquitous agent of decay. Strains are also known to be pathogenic towards plants, posing serious problems in the production of food and also many strains are associated with mycosis in animals. This study introduces Alternaria in the aspect as a human allergen, linked with respiratory distress for millions suffering from allergenic rhinitis and the association with childhood asthma. The fungi are thought to affect the epithelial cells within the human nasal cavity, releasing allergens and proteases to produce the allergenic reactions. Through proteomic methods the allergens have been studied to produce a database comparing different strains/species of Alternaria, along with strains grown under different environmental conditions, particularly those at physiological conditions within the human nasal cavity. These results can be used on further characterization and mechanism studies of the allergens. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Biochemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |