A 55-KDA ANTIGEN OF PNEUMOCYSTIS-CARINII - ANALYSIS OF THE CELLULAR IMMUNE-RESPONSE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE GENE

Rat-derived Pneumocystis carinii contains a major antigen complex of 45-55 kDa. The fusion protein of a cDNA encoding the 3' portion of the 55 kDa antigen, which had previously been shown to be recognized by serum antibodies of exposed subjects, was investigated for its ability to stimulate a cellular immune response. Rats exposed to P. carinii via the environment exhibited a vigorous proliferative response to the antigen whereas unexposed rats did not. The full-length cDNA for a 55 kDa antigen was cloned and found to contain a 1245 bp open reading frame capable of encoding a 414-amino-acid peptide. The gene encoding this protein contained a single 39 bp intron and transcribed a 1.45 kb RNA message. The cloning and characterization of the 55 kDa antigen gene will allow production of the specific immunological reagents necessary to characterize this molecule and study its role in the biology and pathogenesis of P. carinii.