Open AccessEvidence for a Melanin Cell Wall Component in Pneumocystis carinii
Author(s) -
Crystal R. Icenhour,
Theodore J. Kottom,
Andrew H. Limper
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
infection and immunity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.508
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1070-6313
pISSN - 0019-9567
DOI - 10.1128/iai.71.9.5360-5363.2003
Subject(s) - pneumocystis carinii , melanin , biology , monoclonal antibody , fluorescein isothiocyanate , fluorescein , antibody , microbiology and biotechnology , virology , biochemistry , immunology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , fluorescence , physics , quantum mechanics , pneumocystis jirovecii
Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled monoclonal antibodies specific for fungal melanin were used in this study to visualize melanin-like components of the Pneumocystis carinii cell wall. A colorimetric enzyme assay confirmed these findings. This is the first report of melanin-like pigments in Pneumocystitis.