A substance that elicits an antibody response and is responsible for producing allergic reactions by inducing formation of IgE.
IgE is one of a group of immune system mediators. IgE antibodies, when bound to basophiles in circulation or mast cells in tissue, cause these cells to release chemicals when they come into contact with an allergen.
These chemicals can cause injury to surrounding tissue—the visible signs of an allergy. Fungal allergens are proteins found in either the mycelium or spores.
Only a few fungal allergens have been characterized, but all fungi are thought to be potentially allergenic.
