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Baglivo I, Quaranta VN, Dragonieri S, Colantuono S, Menzella F, Selvaggio D, Carpagnano GE, Caruso C. The New Paradigm: The Role of Proteins and Triggers in the Evolution of Allergic Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5747. [PMID: 38891935 PMCID: PMC11171572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial barrier damage plays a central role in the development and maintenance of allergic inflammation. Rises in the epithelial barrier permeability of airways alter tissue homeostasis and allow the penetration of allergens and other external agents. Different factors contribute to barrier impairment, such as eosinophilic infiltration and allergen protease action-eosinophilic cationic proteins' effects and allergens' proteolytic activity both contribute significantly to epithelial damage. In the airways, allergen proteases degrade the epithelial junctional proteins, allowing allergen penetration and its uptake by dendritic cells. This increase in allergen-immune system interaction induces the release of alarmins and the activation of type 2 inflammatory pathways, causing or worsening the main symptoms at the skin, bowel, and respiratory levels. We aim to highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying allergenic protease-induced epithelial barrier damage and the role of immune response in allergic asthma onset, maintenance, and progression. Moreover, we will explore potential clinical and radiological biomarkers of airway remodeling in allergic asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Baglivo
- Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente (CEMAD) Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Vitaliano Nicola Quaranta
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy (S.D.)
| | - Silvano Dragonieri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy (S.D.)
| | - Stefania Colantuono
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Day Hospital (UOSD DH) Medicina Interna e Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Menzella
- Pulmonology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital-AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - David Selvaggio
- UOS di Malattie dell’Apparato Respiratorio Ospedale Cristo Re, 00167 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy (S.D.)
| | - Cristiano Caruso
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Day Hospital (UOSD DH) Medicina Interna e Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
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Woo JH, Kim KC, Kim HY, Kim IH, Kim SH, Lee K. Comparative toxicity of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate in three strains of rats. Mol Cell Toxicol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-021-00169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Zhou X, Dang YJ, Wang GF, Jin XQ. Effects of Aspergillus fumigatus on glucocorticoid receptor and β2-adrenergic receptor expression in a rat model of asthma. Exp Lung Res 2017; 43:197-207. [PMID: 28696809 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2017.1339142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Conventional inhaled corticosteroids or β2-adrenergic receptor agonists do not work well in some asthmatic populations while empirical antifungal therapy has obvious impact on those patients. The study was designed to investigate whether short-term exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) could decrease glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) and β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) expression in lung tissue of asthmatic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS A rat model of chronic asthma was first established by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. Rats with chronic asthma were then exposed to short-term application of A. fumigatus spores. Airway hyper-responsiveness, eosinophil ratio in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and total IgE in serum were counted in these experimental animals. GCR and ADRB2 expression in the lung were detected and analyzed. Furthermore, the levels of toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 3 and 4 in lung tissue were measured. RESULTS Short-term exposure to A. fumigatus could down-regulate the expression of GCR, aggravate airway hyper-responsiveness and increase the level of TLR2 in rats with asthma. There were no obvious changes in the levels of ADRB2 expression, recruited eosinophils, total IgE, TLR3 and TLR4 after application of A. fumigatus in asthmatic rats. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that A. fumigatus exposure may be involved in glucocorticoids unresponsiveness by down-regulating the expression of GCR in asthmatics. The possibility of A. fumigatus colonization or infection should not be ignored in patients of steroid-resistant asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Ya-Jie Dang
- b Department of Respiratory Medicine , Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Gui-Fang Wang
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Xian-Qiao Jin
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University , Shanghai , China
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Gao FS, Cao TM, Gao YY, Liu MJ, Liu YQ, Wang Z. Effects of chronic exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus on epidermal growth factor receptor expression in the airway epithelial cells of asthmatic rats. Exp Lung Res 2014; 40:298-307. [PMID: 24927409 DOI: 10.3109/01902148.2014.918212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies suggest that increased concentrations of airborne spores of Aspergillus fumigatus closely relate to asthma aggravation. Chronic exposure to A. fumigatus aggravates airway inflammation, remodeling, and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic rats. The effects of chronic exposure to A. fumigatus on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in the airway epithelial cells of asthmatic rats remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to A. fumigatus on injury and shedding of airway epithelium, goblet cell metaplasia, and EGFR expression in the airway epithelial cells of asthmatic rats. A rat model of chronic asthma was established using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. Rats with chronic asthma were then exposed to long-term inhalation of spores of A. fumigatus, and the dynamic changes in injury and shedding of airway epithelium, goblet cell metaplasia, and EGFR expression were observed and analyzed. Chronic exposure to A. fumigatus could aggravate airway epithelial cell damage, upregulate the expression of EGFR and its ligands EGF and TGF-α, promote goblet cell metaplasia, and increase airway responsiveness in rats with asthma. Chronic exposure to A. fumigatus upregulates the expression of EGFR and its ligands in asthmatic rats. The EGFR pathway may play a role in asthma aggravation induced by exposure to A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Sheng Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, China
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Liu H, Zheng M, Qiao J, Dang Y, Zhang P, Jin X. Role of prostaglandin D2 /CRTH2 pathway on asthma exacerbation induced by Aspergillus fumigatus. Immunology 2014; 142:78-88. [PMID: 24329550 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is often associated in asthmatic patients with the exacerbation of asthma symptoms. The pathomechanism of this phenomenon has not been fully understood. Here, we evaluated the immunological mechanisms and the role of the prostaglandin D2 / Chemoattractant Receptor-Homologous Molecule Expressed on Th2 Cells (CRTH2) pathway in the development of Aspergillus-associated asthma exacerbation. We studied the effects of A. fumigatus on airway inflammation and bronchial hyper-responsiveness in a rat model of chronic asthma. Inhalation delivery of A. fumigatus conidia increased the airway eosinophilia and bronchial hyper-responsiveness in ovalbumin-sensitized, challenged rats. These changes were associated with prostaglandin D2 synthesis and CRTH2 expression in the lungs. Direct inflammation occurred in ovalbumin-sensitized, challenged animals, whereas pre-treatment with an antagonist against CRTH2 nearly completely eliminated the A. fumigatus-induced worsening of airway eosinophilia and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Our data demonstrate that production of prostaglandin D2 followed by eosinophil recruitment into the airways via a CRTH2 receptor are the major pathogenic factors responsible for the A. fumigatus-induced enhancement of airway inflammation and responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Patelis A, Janson C, Borres MP, Nordvall L, Alving K, Malinovschi A. Aeroallergen and food IgE sensitization and local and systemic inflammation in asthma. Allergy 2014; 69:380-7. [PMID: 24397423 DOI: 10.1111/all.12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently reported an independent association between IgE sensitization to food allergens and increased airway inflammation, assessed by fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), in a population-based study (J Allergy Clin Immunol, 130, 2012, 397). Similar studies have not been performed in populations with asthma. The aim of the present study was to investigate the allergic sensitization profile in asthmatics and examine FeNO, airway responsiveness and blood eosinophilia in relation to type and degree of IgE sensitization. METHOD FeNO, airway responsiveness, blood eosinophil count (B-Eos) and IgE sensitization to food allergens and aeroallergens were determined in 408 subjects with asthma, aged 10-34 years. RESULTS Asthmatics had higher prevalence of IgE sensitization against all allergens than controls (P < 0.001). Mite, pollen, furry animal, mould and food sensitizations were each associated with increased FeNO, airway responsiveness and B-Eos in asthmatics. IgE sensitization to mould, furry animals and food allergens was independently related to FeNO (all P < 0.05) after adjustment for age, sex, height, smoking history and medication. IgE sensitization to mould (P < 0.001) and furry animals (P = 0.02) was related to airway responsiveness in a similar model. Finally, IgE sensitization to mould (P = 0.001), furry animals (P < 0.001) and food allergens (P < 0.001) was independently related to B-Eos. CONCLUSION Independent effects of IgE sensitization to aeroallergens (furry animals and mould) and food allergens were found on both local and systemic markers of inflammation in asthma. The finding regarding food IgE sensitization is novel, and a clinical implication might be that even food sensitization must be assessed to fully understand inflammation patterns in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Patelis
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory Medicine & Allergology; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - C. Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory Medicine & Allergology; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - M. P. Borres
- Immunodiagnostics; Thermo Fischer Scientific; Uppsala Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - L. Nordvall
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - K. Alving
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - A. Malinovschi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Physiology; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
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Gao FS, Gao YY, Liu MJ, Liu YQ. Chronic Aspergillus fumigatus exposure upregulates the expression of mucin 5AC in the airways of asthmatic rats. Exp Lung Res 2012; 38:256-65. [PMID: 22489685 DOI: 10.3109/01902148.2012.676705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway mucus hypersecretion is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with asthma. Chronic Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) exposure leads to aggravation of airway inflammation and remodeling, including goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) and mucus hypersecretion in a rat model of asthma. The effects of chronic A. fumigatus exposure on the expression of airway mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) are unknown. METHODS The rat model of chronic asthma was set up by systemic sensitization and repeated challenge to ovalbumin (OVA). The asthmatic rats were exposed to chronic intranasal inhalation of A. fumigatus spores. The changes of MUC5AC expression, the extent of GCH, and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) were measured after exposure to the fungus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Chronic exposure to A. fumigatus upregulates the expression of MUC5AC, and induces GCH in the airways of asthma rats, and the remodeling changes of the airway epithelium was positively correlated with AHR. Upregulation of MUC5AC and induction of GCH may be mechanisms by which chronic A. fumigatus exposure promotes the progression of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Sheng Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, China.
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Fungal proteases and their pathophysiological effects. Mycopathologia 2011; 171:299-323. [PMID: 21259054 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-010-9386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Proteolytic enzymes play an important role in fungal physiology and development. External digestion of protein substrates by secreted proteases is required for survival and growth of both saprophytic and pathogenic species. Extracellular serine, aspartic, and metalloproteases are considered virulence factors of many pathogenic species. New findings focus on novel membrane-associated proteases such as yapsins and ADAMs and their role in pathology. Proteases from fungi induce inflammatory responses by altering the permeability of epithelial barrier and by induction of proinflammatory cytokines through protease-activated receptors. Many fungal allergens possess proteolytic activity that appears to be essential in eliciting Th2 responses. Allergenic fungal proteases can act as adjuvants, potentiating responses to other allergens. Proteolytic enzymes from fungi contribute to inflammation through interactions with the kinin system as well as the coagulation and fibrinolytic cascades. Their effect on the host protease-antiprotease balance results from activation of endogenous proteases and degradation of protease inhibitors. Recent studies of the role of fungi in human health point to the growing importance of proteases not only as pathogenic agents in fungal infections but also in asthma, allergy, and damp building related illnesses. Proteolytic enzymes from fungi are widely used in biotechnology, mainly in food, leather, and detergent industries, in ecological bioremediation processes and to produce therapeutic peptides. The involvement of fungal proteases in diverse pathological mechanisms makes them potential targets of therapeutic intervention and candidates for biomarkers of disease and exposure.
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Geranium macrorrhizum L. (Geraniaceae) Essential Oil: A Potent Agent Against Bacillus subtilis. Chem Biodivers 2010; 7:2783-800. [DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201000100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Reddel HK, Upham JW, Salvi SS, Yang IA. Year-in-review 2009: Asthma, COPD and airway biology. Respirology 2010; 15:365-76. [PMID: 20199648 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2009.01702.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen K Reddel
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Corson L, Zhu H, Quan C, Grunig G, Ballaney M, Jin X, Perera FP, Factor PH, Chen LC, Miller RL. Prenatal allergen and diesel exhaust exposure and their effects on allergy in adult offspring mice. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2010; 6:7. [PMID: 20459836 PMCID: PMC2875211 DOI: 10.1186/1710-1492-6-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple studies have suggested that prenatal exposure to either allergens or air pollution may increase the risk for the development of allergic immune responses in young offspring. However, the effects of prenatal environmental exposures on adult offspring have not been well-studied. We hypothesized that combined prenatal exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) allergen and diesel exhaust particles will be associated with altered IgE production, airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), and airway remodeling of adult offspring. Methods Following sensitization via the airway route to A. fumigatus and mating, pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to additional A. fumigatus and/or diesel exhaust particles. At age 9-10 weeks, their offspring were sensitized and challenged with A. fumigatus. Results We found that adult offspring from mice that were exposed to A. fumigatus or diesel exhaust particles during pregnancy experienced decreases in IgE production. Adult offspring of mice that were exposed to both A. fumigatus and diesel exhaust particles during pregnancy experienced decreases in airway eosinophilia. Conclusion These results suggest that, in this model, allergen and/or diesel administration during pregnancy may be associated with protection from developing systemic and airway allergic immune responses in the adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Corson
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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