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Brauer VS, Pessoni AM, Freitas MS, Cavalcanti-Neto MP, Ries LNA, Almeida F. Chitin Biosynthesis in Aspergillus Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010089. [PMID: 36675910 PMCID: PMC9865612 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal cell wall (FCW) is a dynamic structure responsible for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and is essential for modulating the interaction of the fungus with its environment. It is composed of proteins, lipids, pigments and polysaccharides, including chitin. Chitin synthesis is catalyzed by chitin synthases (CS), and up to eight CS-encoding genes can be found in Aspergillus species. This review discusses in detail the chitin synthesis and regulation in Aspergillus species, and how manipulation of chitin synthesis pathways can modulate fungal growth, enzyme production, virulence and susceptibility to antifungal agents. More specifically, the metabolic steps involved in chitin biosynthesis are described with an emphasis on how the initiation of chitin biosynthesis remains unknown. A description of the classification, localization and transport of CS was also made. Chitin biosynthesis is shown to underlie a complex regulatory network, with extensive cross-talks existing between the different signaling pathways. Furthermore, pathways and recently identified regulators of chitin biosynthesis during the caspofungin paradoxical effect (CPE) are described. The effect of a chitin on the mammalian immune system is also discussed. Lastly, interference with chitin biosynthesis may also be beneficial for biotechnological applications. Even after more than 30 years of research, chitin biosynthesis remains a topic of current interest in mycology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica S. Brauer
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01000-000, Brazil
| | - André M. Pessoni
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01000-000, Brazil
| | - Mateus S. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01000-000, Brazil
| | - Marinaldo P. Cavalcanti-Neto
- Integrated Laboratory of Morphofunctional Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability (NUPEM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 27965-045, Brazil
| | - Laure N. A. Ries
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- Correspondence: (L.N.A.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01000-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: (L.N.A.R.); (F.A.)
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disease due to pulmonary infection with Aspergillus, and other emerging opportunistic fungi remains a significant unmet need. Existing antifungal medicines are predominantly dosed either orally or systemically, but because of limited exposure to the lung lumen, adverse events, and problematic drug-drug interactions, inhaled treatment could provide an attractive option. AREA COVERED This review summarizes 1) the limitations of current antifungal therapy, 2) the beneficial effects of inhaled antifungal agents, 3) the clinical development of inhaled antifungal triazoles (repurposed with an innovative inhalation system or a novel inhaled agent) for the treatment of pulmonary fungal infections, and 4) the difficulties and challenges of inhaled antifungal agent development. Regrettably, details of novel inhaled devices or formulations were not covered. EXPERT OPINION Inhaled antifungal treatment could provide an attractive option by shifting the risk benefit ratio of treatment favorably. Preclinical and clinical studies with inhaled antifungal agents (off-label use) are encouraging so far. New inhaled antifungal triazoles are well tolerated in early clinical studies and warrant further clinical development. However, challenges remain and many unaddressed issues including required preclinical studies, appropriate clinical design, pharmacokinetics, delivery system(s) and regulatory process need to be resolved. Early communication with regulatory authorities is therefore recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ito
- Respiratory Molecular Medicine, Genomic and Environmental Medicine section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
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Palmieri F, Koutsokera A, Bernasconi E, Junier P, von Garnier C, Ubags N. Recent Advances in Fungal Infections: From Lung Ecology to Therapeutic Strategies With a Focus on Aspergillus spp. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:832510. [PMID: 35386908 PMCID: PMC8977413 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.832510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are estimated to be the main cause of death for more than 1.5 million people worldwide annually. However, fungal pathogenicity has been largely neglected. This is notably the case for pulmonary fungal infections, which are difficult to diagnose and to treat. We are currently facing a global emergence of antifungal resistance, which decreases the chances of survival for affected patients. New therapeutic approaches are therefore needed to face these life-threatening fungal infections. In this review, we will provide a general overview on respiratory fungal infections, with a focus on fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Next, the immunological and microbiological mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis will be discussed. The role of the respiratory mycobiota and its interactions with the bacterial microbiota on lung fungal infections will be presented from an ecological perspective. Finally, we will focus on existing and future innovative approaches for the treatment of respiratory fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Palmieri
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Fabio Palmieri,
| | - Angela Koutsokera
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Bernasconi
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pilar Junier
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe von Garnier
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Niki Ubags
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Niki Ubags,
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Using Expanded Natural Killer Cells as Therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040231. [PMID: 33080826 PMCID: PMC7712362 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major opportunistic fungal infection in patients with haematological malignancies. Morbidity and mortality rates are high despite anti-fungal treatment, as the compromised status of immune system prevents the host from responding optimally to conventional therapy. This raises the consideration for immunotherapy as an adjunctive treatment. In this study, we evaluated the utility of expanded human NK cells as treatment against Aspergillus fumigatus infection in vitro and in vivo. The NK cells were expanded and activated by K562 cells genetically modified to express 4-1BB ligand and membrane-bound interleukin-15 (K562-41BBL-mbIL-15) as feeders. The efficacy of these cells was investigated in A. fumigatus killing assays in vitro and as adoptive cellular therapy in vivo. The expanded NK cells possessed potent killing activity at low effector-to-target ratio of 2:1. Fungicidal activity was morphotypal-dependent and most efficacious against A. fumigatus conidia. Fungicidal activity was mediated by dectin-1 receptors on the expanded NK cells leading to augmented release of perforin, resulting in enhanced direct cytolysis. In an immunocompromised mice pulmonary aspergillosis model, we showed that NK cell treatment significantly reduced fungal burden, hence demonstrating the translational potential of expanded NK cells as adjunctive therapy against IA in immunocompromised patients.
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Jantzen da Silva Lucas A, Menegon de Oliveira L, da Rocha M, Prentice C. Edible insects: An alternative of nutritional, functional and bioactive compounds. Food Chem 2020; 311:126022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.126022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Raheem D, Raposo A, Oluwole OB, Nieuwland M, Saraiva A, Carrascosa C. Entomophagy: Nutritional, ecological, safety and legislation aspects. Food Res Int 2019; 126:108672. [PMID: 31732082 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.108672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there is a need to seek alternative sources of protein in addition to meat. This has led to considerable interest in edible insects. Such insects form part of cultures and diets in many Asian and African countries, and are an excellent source of essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins and proteins. Furthermore, they have been reported to be sustainable. The ecological importance of insects is related to their short life cycles when reared and farmed. This makes them ideal in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, cutting land uses and polluted water, and reducing environmental contamination. However, the use of edible insects as food in Europe is minimal. To ensure safety of insects when eaten as food, considerations should be made on: microbiological contamination; toxicological hazards, e.g. chemical hazards and antinutrients; allergenicity issues that are related to different exposures, including injection, ingestion, inhalation and skin contact. In this review, we summarize the nutritional and sustainable values of edible insects, look at safety and legislative measures and we finally discuss future issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dele Raheem
- Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - António Raposo
- CBIOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | | | - Maaike Nieuwland
- Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ariana Saraiva
- Pharmacy Faculty, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Conrado Carrascosa
- Department of Animal Pathology and Production, Bromatology and Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n, 35413 Arucas, Spain
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Hong JY, Kim M, Sol IS, Kim KW, Lee CM, Elias JA, Sohn MH, Lee CG. Chitotriosidase inhibits allergic asthmatic airways via regulation of TGF-β expression and Foxp3 + Treg cells. Allergy 2018; 73:1686-1699. [PMID: 29420850 PMCID: PMC6047905 DOI: 10.1111/all.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chitotriosidase (chitinase 1, Chit1), a major true chitinase in humans, is induced in childhood asthma and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory and tissue remodeling responses. However, the role and the mechanisms that underlie these contributions to the diseases have not been defined. We hypothesized that Chit1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. METHODS Wild-type and Chit1-deficient mice and cells in culture were used to define the roles of Chit1 in models of allergic adaptive Th2 inflammation. In addition, the levels of sputum Chit1 were evaluated in pediatric asthma patients and compared to control. RESULTS The levels of sputum Chit1 were significantly increased in the patients with childhood asthma. Mice with Chit1 null mutation demonstrated enhanced allergic Th2 inflammatory and cytokine and IgE responses to OVA or house dust mite allergen sensitization and challenge. However, the expression levels of TGF-β1 were significantly decreased with a diminished number of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in the lungs of Chit1-/- mice compared to WT controls. In vitro, the absence of Chit1 significantly reduced TGF-β-stimulated conversion of CD4+ CD25- naïve T cells to CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg cells, suggesting Chit1 is required for optimal effect of TGF-β1 in Treg cell differentiation. CONCLUSION Chit1 plays a protective role in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation and asthmatic airway responses via regulation of TGF-β expression and Foxp3+ Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yeon Hong
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Allergy, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mina Kim
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Allergy, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Suk Sol
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Allergy, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Allergy, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang-Min Lee
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, RI., USA
| | - Jack A. Elias
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, RI., USA
| | - Myung Hyun Sohn
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Allergy, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chun Geun Lee
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, RI., USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
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Immune Recognition of Fungal Polysaccharides. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3030047. [PMID: 29371564 PMCID: PMC5715945 DOI: 10.3390/jof3030047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of fungal infections has dramatically increased in recent years, in large part due to increased use of immunosuppressive medications, as well as aggressive medical and surgical interventions that compromise natural skin and mucosal barriers. There are relatively few currently licensed antifungal drugs, and rising resistance to these agents has led to interest in the development of novel preventative and therapeutic strategies targeting these devastating infections. One approach to combat fungal infections is to augment the host immune response towards these organisms. The polysaccharide-rich cell wall is the initial point of contact between fungi and the host immune system, and therefore, represents an important target for immunotherapeutic approaches. This review highlights the advances made in our understanding of the mechanisms by which the immune system recognizes and interacts with exopolysaccharides produced by four of the most common fungal pathogens: Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum. Work to date suggests that inner cell wall polysaccharides that play an important structural role are the most conserved across diverse members of the fungal kingdom, and elicit the strongest innate immune responses. The immune system senses these carbohydrates through receptors, such as lectins and complement proteins. In contrast, a greater diversity of polysaccharides is found within the outer cell walls of pathogenic fungi. These glycans play an important role in immune evasion, and can even induce anti-inflammatory host responses. Further study of the complex interactions between the host immune system and the fungal polysaccharides will be necessary to develop more effective therapeutic strategies, as well as to explore the use of immunosuppressive polysaccharides as therapeutic agents to modulate inflammation.
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Konstantinovas C, de Oliveira Mendes TA, Vannier-Santos MA, Lima-Santos J. Modulation of Human Immune Response by Fungal Biocontrol Agents. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:39. [PMID: 28217107 PMCID: PMC5289975 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the vast majority of biological control agents is generally regarded as safe for humans and environment, the increased exposure of agriculture workers, and consumer population to fungal substances may affect the immune system. Those compounds may be associated with both intense stimulation, resulting in IgE-mediated allergy and immune downmodulation induced by molecules such as cyclosporin A and mycotoxins. This review discusses the potential effects of biocontrol fungal components on human immune responses, possibly associated to infectious, inflammatory diseases, and defective defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cibele Konstantinovas
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz Ilhéus, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos A Vannier-Santos
- Biologia Celular Parasitária, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Salvador, Brazil
| | - Jane Lima-Santos
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz Ilhéus, Brazil
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Schlüter O, Rumpold B, Holzhauser T, Roth A, Vogel RF, Quasigroch W, Vogel S, Heinz V, Jäger H, Bandick N, Kulling S, Knorr D, Steinberg P, Engel KH. Safety aspects of the production of foods and food ingredients from insects. Mol Nutr Food Res 2016; 61. [PMID: 27623740 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201600520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
At present, insects are rarely used by the European food industry, but they are a subject of growing interest as an alternative source of raw materials. The risks associated with the use of insects in the production of foods and food ingredients have not been sufficiently investigated. There is a lack of scientifically based knowledge of insect processing to ensure food safety, especially when these processes are carried out on an industrial scale. This review focuses on the safety aspects that need to be considered regarding the fractionation of insects for the production of foods and food ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Schlüter
- Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Birgit Rumpold
- Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Angelika Roth
- Institute for Food Toxicology and Analytical Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rudi F Vogel
- Chair of Technical Microbiology, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | | | - Stephanie Vogel
- Institute for Food Toxicology and Analytical Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Heinz
- German Institute of Food Technologies, Quakenbrück, Germany
| | - Henry Jäger
- Institute of Food Technology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nils Bandick
- Unit Food Technologies, Supply Chains and Food Defense Department Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Kulling
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Max Rubner-Institut, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dietrich Knorr
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Food Process Engineering, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pablo Steinberg
- Institute for Food Toxicology and Analytical Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Engel
- Chair of General Food Technology, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
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Rădulescu M, Holban AM, Mogoantă L, Bălşeanu TA, Mogoșanu GD, Savu D, Popescu RC, Fufă O, Grumezescu AM, Bezirtzoglou E, Lazar V, Chifiriuc MC. Fabrication, Characterization, and Evaluation of Bionanocomposites Based on Natural Polymers and Antibiotics for Wound Healing Applications. Molecules 2016; 21:E761. [PMID: 27294905 PMCID: PMC6273619 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21060761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of our research activity was to obtain a biocompatible nanostructured composite based on naturally derived biopolymers (chitin and sodium alginate) loaded with commercial antibiotics (either Cefuroxime or Cefepime) with dual functions, namely promoting wound healing and assuring the local delivery of the loaded antibiotic. Compositional, structural, and morphological evaluations were performed by using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analytical techniques. In order to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the biocompatibility of the obtained composites, we performed the tetrazolium-salt (MTT) and agar diffusion in vitro assays on the L929 cell line. The evaluation of antimicrobial potential was evaluated by the viable cell count assay on strains belonging to two clinically relevant bacterial species (i.e., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Rădulescu
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalelor Lane, Sector 5, 77206 Bucharest, Romania.
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 0500088 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Laurențiu Mogoantă
- Research Center for Microscopic Morphology and Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, PetruRares Street, No. 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Tudor-Adrian Bălşeanu
- Research Center for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova 2 PetruRareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
| | - George Dan Mogoșanu
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, PetruRares Street, No. 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Diana Savu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, "HoriaHulubei" National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Magurele, 077125 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Roxana Cristina Popescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, "HoriaHulubei" National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Magurele, 077125 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Oana Fufă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Magurele, 077125 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Eugenia Bezirtzoglou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Hygiene, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, 68200 Orestiada, Greece.
| | - Veronica Lazar
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalelor Lane, Sector 5, 77206 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalelor Lane, Sector 5, 77206 Bucharest, Romania.
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 0500088 Bucharest, Romania.
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Allergen-Associated Immunomodulators: Modifying Allergy Outcome. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2016; 64:339-47. [PMID: 27178664 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-016-0401-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of allergies is increasing since mid twentieth century; however the underlying causes of this increase are not fully clear. Understanding the mechanism by which a harmless protein becomes an allergen provides us with the basis to prevent and treat these diseases. Although most studies on allergen immunogenicity have traditionally focused on structural properties of the proteins, it is increasingly clear that allergenicity cannot be determined only based on structural features of the allergenic proteins. In fact, allergens do not encounter human facings as isolated molecules but contained in complex mixtures of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, such as pollen grains or foods. As a result, attention has lately been directed to examine whether allergen-associated molecules exhibit immune-regulatory properties. The present review aims to illustrate some examples of how non-protein molecules accompanying the allergen can modulate allergic responses.
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