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Aim: To identify immunoreactive proteins of Cryptococcus gattii genotype VGII and their B-cell epitopes., Materials & Methods: We combined 2D gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting and mass spectrometry to identify immunoreactive proteins from four strains of C. gattii genotype VGII (CG01, CG02, CG03 and R265). Next, we screened the identified proteins to map B-cell epitopes., Results: Sixty-eight immunoreactive proteins were identified. The strains and the number of proteins we found were: CG01 (12), CG02 (12), CG03 (18) and R265 (26). In addition, we mapped 374 peptides potentially targeted by B cells., Conclusion: Both immunoreactive proteins and B-cell epitopes of C. gattii genotype VGII that were potentially targeted by a host humoral response were identified. Considering the evolutionary relevance of the identified proteins, we may speculate that they could be used as the initial targets for recombinant protein and peptide synthesis aimed at the development of immunodiagnostic tools for cryptococcosis.

Abstract: Differential immunoproteomics was applied to identify proteins secreted by Metarhizium anisopliae induced by the Rhipicephalus microplus cuticle. In addition, IgG anti-spore surface proteins were used for searching for proteins possibly involved in early stages of fungus versus tick infection. LC-MS/MS of differentially secreted proteins led to the identification of proteases (carboxypeptidase and Pr1A), chitinase, carboxylic acid transport and proline-rich protein. Differential immunoproteomics strategy facilitated the detection and the identification of new proteins related to M. anisopliae host–pathogen interaction and could be used in further works to identify novel proteins related to other microbial infection systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]