1
|
Qiu C, Zhang H, Liu Z. Alternaria solani core effector Aex59 is a new member of the Alt a 1 protein family and is recognized as a PAMP. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134918. [PMID: 39179073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Early blight caused by Alternaria solani is a destructive disease in potato production. Here, through systematically screening of an effector protein pool consisting of 115 small cysteine-containing candidate Aex (Alternariaextracellular proteins) in A. solani, we identified a core effector protein named Aex59, a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) molecule. Aex59 is uniquely present in the Ascomycota of fungi and can activate defense responses in multiple plants. Targeted gene disruption showed that Aex59 is a virulence factor and participates in spore development. Perception of Aex59 in Nicotiana benthamiana does not depend on the receptor-like kinases Brassinosteroid-associated kinase1 (BAK1) and Suppressor of BIR1-1 (SOBIR1), which are required for multiple pattern recognition receptors (PRR) pathways. Sequence analysis revealed that Aex59 is a new member of the Alt a 1 protein family and is a potential molecular marker capable of aiding in the classification of the fungi Alternaria spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaodong Qiu
- Department of Plant Pathology, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Huajian Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Zhenyu Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fakhimahmadi A, Roth-Walter F, Hofstetter G, Wiederstein M, Jensen SA, Berger M, Szepannek N, Bianchini R, Pali-Schöll I, Jensen-Jarolim E, Hufnagl K. Mould allergen Alt a 1 spiked with the micronutrient retinoic acid reduces Th2 response and ameliorates Alternaria allergy in BALB/c mice. Allergy 2024. [PMID: 38818808 DOI: 10.1111/all.16181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the biological function of the mould allergen Alt a 1 as a carrier of micronutrients, such as the vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) and the influence of RA binding on its allergenicity in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Alt a 1-RA complex formation was analyzed in silico and in vitro. PBMCs from Alternaria-allergic donors were stimulated with Alt a 1 complexed with RA (holo-Alt a 1) or empty apo-Alt a 1 and analyzed for cytokine production and CD marker expression. Serum IgE-binding and crosslinking assays to apo- and holo-protein were correlated to B-cell epitope analysis. Female BALB/c mice already sensitized to Alt a 1 were intranasally treated with apo-Alt a 1, holo-Alt a 1 or RA alone before measuring anaphylactic response, serum antibody levels, splenic cytokines and CD marker expression. RESULTS In silico docking calculations and in vitro assays showed that the extent of RA binding depended on the higher quaternary state of Alt a 1. Holo-Alt a 1 loaded with RA reduced IL-13 released from PBMCs and CD3+CD4+CRTh2 cells. Complexing Alt a 1 to RA masked its IgE B-cell epitopes and reduced its IgE-binding capacity. In a therapeutic mouse model of Alternaria allergy nasal application of holo-Alt a 1, but not of apo-Alt a 1, significantly impeded the anaphylactic response, impaired splenic antigen-presenting cells and induced IL-10 production. CONCLUSION Holo-Alt a 1 binding to RA was able to alleviate Th2 immunity in vitro, modulate an ongoing Th2 response and prevent anaphylactic symptoms in vivo, presenting a novel option for improving allergen-specific immunotherapy in Alternaria allergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aila Fakhimahmadi
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Roth-Walter
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerlinde Hofstetter
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Wiederstein
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sebastian A Jensen
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- AllergyCare Allergy Diagnosis Center, Private Clinic Döbling, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Berger
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nathalie Szepannek
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodolfo Bianchini
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Pali-Schöll
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erika Jensen-Jarolim
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- AllergyCare Allergy Diagnosis Center, Private Clinic Döbling, Vienna, Austria
- Biomedical International R+D GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Hufnagl
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- AllergyCare Allergy Diagnosis Center, Private Clinic Döbling, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hurraß J, Heinzow B, Walser-Reichenbach S, Aurbach U, Becker S, Bellmann R, Bergmann KC, Cornely OA, Engelhart S, Fischer G, Gabrio T, Herr CE, Joest M, Karagiannidis C, Klimek L, Köberle M, Kolk A, Lichtnecker H, Lob-Corzilius T, Mülleneisen N, Nowak D, Rabe U, Raulf M, Steinmann J, Steiß JO, Stemler J, Umpfenbach U, Valtanen K, Werchan B, Willinger B, Wiesmüller GA. AWMF mold guideline "Medical clinical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure" - Update 2023 AWMF Register No. 161/001. Allergol Select 2024; 8:90-198. [PMID: 38756207 PMCID: PMC11097193 DOI: 10.5414/alx02444e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hurraß
- Section for Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Department, Cologne
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Birger Heinzow
- Formerly: State Agency for Social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel
- Co-author
| | - Sandra Walser-Reichenbach
- Formerly: State Agency for Social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Ute Aurbach
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff
- ZfMK – Center for Environment, Hygiene and Mycology Cologne, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Sven Becker
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Co-author
| | - Romuald Bellmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Co-author
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Institute of Allergology Charité, Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Berlin
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Institute for Translational Research, CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department I for Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Steffen Engelhart
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Guido Fischer
- Baden-Württemberg State Health Office in the Stuttgart Regional Council, Stuttgart
- Co-author
| | - Thomas Gabrio
- Formerly: Baden-Württemberg State Health Office in the Stuttgart Regional Council, Stuttgart
- Co-author
| | - Caroline E.W. Herr
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich
- Environmental Health and Prevention, Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University of Munich Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Marcus Joest
- Allergological-Immunological Laboratory, Helios Lung and Allergy Center Bonn, Bonn
- Co-author
| | - Christian Karagiannidis
- Faculty of Health, Professorship for Extracorporeal Lung Replacement Procedures, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke
- Lung Clinic Cologne Merheim, Clinics of the City of Cologne, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Ludger Klimek
- Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Martin Köberle
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Annette Kolk
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Unit Biological Agents, Sankt Augustin
- Co-author
| | - Herbert Lichtnecker
- Medical Institute for Environmental and Occupational Medicine MIU GmbH Erkrath, Erkrath
- Co-author
| | - Thomas Lob-Corzilius
- Scientific working group of environmental medicine of the German Society of Pediatric Allergology (GPAU)
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Norbert Mülleneisen
- Asthma and Allergy Center Leverkusen, Leverkusen
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Uta Rabe
- Center for Allergology and Asthma, Johanniter Hospital Treuenbrietzen, Treuenbrietzen
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Statutory Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen
- Co-author
| | - Jens-Oliver Steiß
- Specialized Practice in Allergology and Pediatric Pulmonology in Fulda, Fulda
- Institute for Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Clinical Infectiology, Paracelsus Private Medical University Nuremberg Clinic, Nuremberg
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Jannik Stemler
- Institute for Translational Research, CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department I for Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Ulli Umpfenbach
- Doctor for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology, Environmental Medicine, Classical Homeopathy, Asthma Trainer, Neurodermatitis Trainer, Viersen
- Co-author
| | - Kerttu Valtanen
- FG II 1.4 Microbiological Risks, German Environment Agency, Berlin
- Co-author
| | - Barbora Werchan
- German Pollen Information Service Foundation (PID), Berlin, Germany
- Co-author
| | - Birgit Willinger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology – Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, and
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Gerhard A. Wiesmüller
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff
- ZfMK – Center for Environment, Hygiene and Mycology Cologne, Cologne
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Uniclinic RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodinkova V, Yuriev S, Mokin V, Kryvopustova M, Shmundiak D, Bortnyk M, Kryzhanovskyi Y, Kurchenko A. Bayesian analysis suggests independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. World Allergy Organ J 2024; 17:100908. [PMID: 38800499 PMCID: PMC11126528 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fungi are known for their ability to cause allergies, but data on individual sensitization to them are insufficient. The purpose of the study was to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the fungal allergens' sensitization profile in the Ukrainian population and to determine both population and individual sensitivity to these allergens. Methods We utilized a set of ALEX allergy test data from 20,033 inhabitants of 17 regions of Ukraine from 1 to 89 years conducted in 2020-2022. A complex of programs in the Python language was developed and Bayesian network analysis was applied to determine the sensitivity combinations in individual patients to various fungal components. Results Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated and was observed in 79.39% of patients, and 62.17% of them were sensitive solely to Alt a 1. Exclusive sensitivity to Mala s 6 was second in individual patient profiles with a frequency of 4.06%. Combined sensitivity to Alt a 1 - Asp f 3 was third with a share of 3.28%. Pen ch and Cla h extracts stimulated the production of the lowest median sIgE levels. The highest median sIgE levels were for Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6, respectively. Median sIgE levels increased in adults compared to children for all components of Aspergillus fumigatus, as well as for Mala s 5 and Mala s 11. In the rest of the cases, they decreased in adults compared to children. The sensitization rates to fungi in general and specifically to Alternaria were lower in the western parts of Ukraine, especially in the Carpathian region, situated within the Broad-leaved Forest zone. The results of Bayesian modeling revealed that in the case of Alt a 1, the simultaneous absence of sensitivity to Cla h 8, Mala s 11, Mala s 5 and Mala s 6 molecules could condition the presence of sensitization to the major Alternaria allergen with a probability of 92.42%. In all other cases, there was a high probability of absence of sensitivity to particular allergen against the background of absence of sensitivity to other ones, which may indicate the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. Conclusions Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated in the studied population with a lower rate in the western regions. The highest median sIgE levels were induced by Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6. Bayesian Analysis suggest a high probability of the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. The idea that sensitization to one allergen may be protective against sensitization to another one(s) requires further clinical study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Rodinkova
- Department of Pharmacy, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Serhii Yuriev
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Medical Centre, DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vitalii Mokin
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Mariia Kryvopustova
- Medical Centre, DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Department of Pediatrics No 2, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Shmundiak
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Mykyta Bortnyk
- Department of Pharmacy, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
- Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Yevhenii Kryzhanovskyi
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Andrii Kurchenko
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Medical Centre, DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fernandes C, Casadevall A, Gonçalves T. Mechanisms of Alternaria pathogenesis in animals and plants. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad061. [PMID: 37884396 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria species are cosmopolitan fungi darkly pigmented by melanin that infect numerous plant species causing economically important agricultural spoilage of various food crops. Alternaria spp. also infect animals, being described as entomopathogenic fungi but also infecting warm-blooded animals, including humans. Their clinical importance in human health, as infection agents, lay in the growing number of immunocompromised patients. Moreover, Alternaria spp. are considered some of the most abundant and potent sources of airborne sensitizer allergens causing allergic respiratory diseases, as severe asthma. Among the numerous strategies deployed by Alternaria spp. to attack their hosts, the production of toxins, carrying critical concerns to public health as food contaminant, and the production of hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases, can be highlighted. Alternaria proteases also trigger allergic symptoms in individuals with fungal sensitization, acting as allergens and facilitating antigen access to the host subepithelium. Here, we review the current knowledge about the mechanisms of Alternaria pathogenesis in plants and animals, the strategies used by Alternaria to cope with the host defenses, and the involvement Alternaria allergens and mechanisms of sensitization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Fernandes
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Wolfe Street, Room E5132, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen J, Yao H, Yuan X, Yan L, Tang G, Yan K, Shen X. Palatal perforation caused by Alternaria alternata infection in an immunocompetent adolescent. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 134:207-210. [PMID: 37393042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.06.019] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic oral mucosal fungal infection caused by Alternaria alternata is extremely rare. Herein, we present a rare palatal perforation as a result of oral infection caused by A. alternata in an immunocompetent adolescent. An 18-year-old boy, who had previously been healthy, was admitted to our institution with persistent pain in the palate for the past 12 months. Upon impression of palatal bone resorption based on computed tomography imaging and chronic granulomatous inflammation based on biopsy (hematoxylin-eosin staining), the patient was examined for commonly relevant causes such as potential tumor and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. All test results were inconclusive. After a thorough diagnostic investigation, an unusual fungal infection, A. alternata infection, was confirmed by next-generation sequencing and biopsy (periodic acid-Schiff staining and immunofluorescence staining). The patient underwent surgical debridement and was subjected to voriconazole treatment postoperatively for over a period of 5 months. Thus, these findings highlight the importance of considering A. alternata as a potential pathogenic factor in an etiological palatal perforation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Chen
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Yao
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Yuan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyao Tang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China; Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kepeng Yan
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuemin Shen
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fakhimahmadi A, Hasanaj I, Hofstetter G, Pogner C, Gorfer M, Wiederstein M, Szepannek N, Bianchini R, Dvorak Z, Jensen SA, Berger M, Jensen-Jarolim E, Hufnagl K, Roth-Walter F. Nutritional Provision of Iron Complexes by the Major Allergen Alt a 1 to Human Immune Cells Decreases Its Presentation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11934. [PMID: 37569310 PMCID: PMC10418924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria alternata is a common fungus strongly related with severe allergic asthma, with 80% of affected individuals being sensitized solely to its major allergen Alt a 1. Here, we assessed the function of Alt a 1 as an innate defense protein binding to micronutrients, such as iron-quercetin complexes (FeQ2), and its impact on antigen presentation in vitro. Binding of Alt a 1 to FeQ2 was determined in docking calculations. Recombinant Alt a 1 was generated, and binding ability, as well as secondary and quaternary structure, assessed by UV-VIS, CD, and DLS spectroscopy. Proteolytic functions were determined by casein and gelatine zymography. Uptake of empty apo- or ligand-filled holoAlt a 1 were assessed in human monocytic THP1 cells under the presence of dynamin and clathrin-inhibitors, activation of the Arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) using the human reporter cellline AZ-AHR. Human PBMCs were stimulated and assessed for phenotypic changes in monocytes by flow cytometry. Alt a 1 bound strongly to FeQ2 as a tetramer with calculated Kd values reaching pico-molar levels and surpassing affinities to quercetin alone by a factor of 5000 for the tetramer. apoAlt a 1 but not holoAlta 1 showed low enzymatic activity against casein as a hexamer and gelatin as a trimer. Uptake of apo- and holo-Alt a 1 occurred partly clathrin-dependent, with apoAlt a 1 decreasing labile iron in THP1 cells and holoAlt a 1 facilitating quercetin-dependent AhR activation. In human PBMCs uptake of holoAlt a 1 but not apoAlt a 1 significantly decreased the surface expression of the costimulatory CD86, but also of HLADR, thereby reducing effective antigen presentation. We show here for the first time that the presence of nutritional iron complexes, such as FeQ2, significantly alters the function of Alt a 1 and dampens the human immune response, thereby supporting the notion that Alt a 1 only becomes immunogenic under nutritional deprivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aila Fakhimahmadi
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ilir Hasanaj
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
| | - Gerlinde Hofstetter
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Clara Pogner
- Bioresources Unit, Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (C.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Markus Gorfer
- Bioresources Unit, Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (C.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Markus Wiederstein
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Nathalie Szepannek
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
| | - Rodolfo Bianchini
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
| | - Zdenek Dvorak
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Sebastian A. Jensen
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
| | - Markus Berger
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
| | - Erika Jensen-Jarolim
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Hufnagl
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Roth-Walter
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.F.); (I.H.); (G.H.); (N.S.); (R.B.); (S.A.J.); (M.B.); (E.J.-J.); (K.H.)
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abel-Fernández E, Martínez MJ, Galán T, Pineda F. Going over Fungal Allergy: Alternaria alternata and Its Allergens. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050582. [PMID: 37233293 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal allergy is the third most frequent cause of respiratory pathologies and the most related to a poor prognosis of asthma. The genera Alternaria and Cladosporium are the most frequently associated with allergic respiratory diseases, with Alternaria being the one with the highest prevalence of sensitization. Alternaria alternata is an outdoor fungus whose spores disseminate in warm and dry air, reaching peak levels in temperate summers. Alternaria can also be found in damp and insufficiently ventilated houses, causing what is known as sick building syndrome. Thus, exposure to fungal allergens can occur outdoors and indoors. However, not only spores but also fungal fragments contain detectable amounts of allergens and may function as aeroallergenic sources. Allergenic extracts of Alternaria hyphae and spores are still in use for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases but are variable and insufficiently standardised, as they are often a random mixture of allergenic ingredients and casual impurities. Thus, diagnosis of fungal allergy has been difficult, and knowledge about new fungal allergens is stuck. The number of allergens described in Fungi remains almost constant while new allergens are being found in the Plantae and Animalia kingdoms. Given Alt a 1 is not the unique Alternaria allergen eliciting allergy symptoms, component-resolved diagnosis strategies should be applied to diagnose fungal allergy. To date, twelve A. alternata allergens are accepted in the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Subcommittee, many of them are enzymes: Alt a 4 (disulfide isomerase), Alt a 6 (enolase), Alt a 8 (mannitol de-hydrogenase), Alt a 10 (aldehyde dehydrogenase), Alt a 13 (glutathione-S-transferase) and Alt a MnSOD (Mn superoxide dismutase), and others have structural and regulatory functions such as Alt a 5 and Alt a 12, Alt a 3, Alt a 7. The function of Alt a 1 and Alt a 9 remains unknown. Other four allergens are included in other medical databases (e.g., Allergome): Alt a NTF2, Alt a TCTP, and Alt a 70 kDa. Despite Alt a 1 being the A. alternata major allergen, other allergens, such as enolase, Alt a 6 or MnSOD, Alt a 14 have been suggested to be included in the diagnosis panel of fungal allergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Abel-Fernández
- Applied Science, Inmunotek S.L., Parque Científico Tecnológico Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Martínez
- Applied Science, Inmunotek S.L., Parque Científico Tecnológico Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Galán
- Applied Science, Inmunotek S.L., Parque Científico Tecnológico Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Pineda
- Applied Science, Inmunotek S.L., Parque Científico Tecnológico Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Marinas IC, Oprea E, Gaboreanu DM, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Buleandra M, Nagoda E, Badea IA, Chifiriuc MC. Chemical and Biological Studies of Achillea setacea Herba Essential Oil-First Report on Some Antimicrobial and Antipathogenic Features. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020371. [PMID: 36830282 PMCID: PMC9952371 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The essential oil of Achillea setacea was isolated by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC-MS. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Achillea setacea essential oil was evaluated, as well as its biocompatibility (LDH and MTT methods). DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods were applied for antioxidant activity evaluation, while qualitative and quantitative assays (inhibition zone diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration), NO release (by nitrite concentration determination), and microbial adhesion capacity to the inert substrate (the biofilm microtiter method) were used to investigate the antimicrobial potential. A total of 52 compounds were identified by GC-MS in A. setacea essential oil, representing 97.43% of the total area. The major constituents were borneol (32.97%), 1,8-cineole (14.94%), camphor (10.13%), artemisia ketone (4.70%), α-terpineol (3.23%), and γ-eudesmol (3.23%). With MICs ranging from 0.78 to 30 μg/mL, the A. setacea essential oil proved to inhibit the microbial adhesion and induce the NO release. To the best of our knowledge, the present study reports for the first time the antimicrobial activity of A. setacea EO against clinically and biotechnologically important microbial strains, such as Shigella flexneri, Listeria ivanovii, L. innocua, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida glabrata, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus nigricans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Alternaria alternata, demonstrating its antimicrobial applications beyond the clinical field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Cristina Marinas
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Research and Development Department of S.C. Sanimed International Impex SRL, Șos. București-Giurgiu (DN5), No. 6, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
| | - Eliza Oprea
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalilor Way, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-723-250-470
| | - Diana Madalina Gaboreanu
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalilor Way, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3rd Ilfov Street, 051157 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Buleandra
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 90-92 Panduri Street, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugenia Nagoda
- Garden “D. Brandza”, University of Bucharest, 32 Sos. Cotroceni, 060114 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irinel Adriana Badea
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 90-92 Panduri Street, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Research and Development Department of S.C. Sanimed International Impex SRL, Șos. București-Giurgiu (DN5), No. 6, 087040 Călugăreni, Romania
- The Romanian Academy, Biological Sciences Division, Calea Victoriei 125, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nageen Y, Wang X, Pecoraro L. Seasonal variation of airborne fungal diversity and community structure in urban outdoor environments in Tianjin, China. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1043224. [PMID: 36699604 PMCID: PMC9869124 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1043224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Airborne fungi are ubiquitous in human living environments and may be a source of respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. A 12 months study was performed to investigate the diversity, concentration and community structure of culturable airborne fungi in different outdoor environments of Tianjin City, using an HAS-100B air sampler. A total of 1,015 fungal strains belonging to 175 species and 82 genera of Ascomycota 92.5%, Basidiomycota 7%, and Mucoromycota 0.3% were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular analysis. The most abundant fungal genera were Alternaria 35%, Cladosporium 18%, Penicillium 5.6%, Talaromyces 3.9%, Didymella 3%, and Aspergillus 2.8%, while the most frequently occurring species were A. alternata (24.7%), C. cladosporioides (11%), A. tenuissima (5.3%), P. oxalicum (4.53%), and T. funiculosus (2.66%). The fungal concentration ranged from 0 to 340 CFU/m3 during the whole study. Environmental factors, including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and air pressure exerted a varying effect on the presence and concentration of different fungal taxa. The four analyzed seasons showed significantly different airborne fungal communities, which were more strongly influenced by air temperature and relative humidity in spring and summer, whereas wind speed and air pressure had a stronger effect in autumn and winter. Fungal communities from green and busy sites did not show significant differences over the four analyzed seasons, which may be due to the effect of the surrounding environments characterized by high human activities on the air of the relatively small parks present in Tianjin. The present study provided valuable information on the seasonal dynamics and the environmental factors shaping the diversity and concentration of the analyzed outdoor airborne fungal communities, which can be of help for air quality monitoring, microbial contamination control, and health risk assessment in urban environments.
Collapse
|
11
|
Du TY, Karunarathna SC, Zhang X, Dai DQ, Mapook A, Suwannarach N, Xu JC, Stephenson SL, Elgorban AM, Al-Rejaie S, Tibpromma S. Endophytic Fungi Associated with Aquilaria sinensis (Agarwood) from China Show Antagonism against Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1197. [PMID: 36422018 PMCID: PMC9697865 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Agarwood is the most expensive non-construction wood product in the world. As a therapeutic agent, agarwood can cure some diseases, but few studies have been carried out on the antagonistic abilities of endophytic fungi associated with agarwood. Agarwood is mainly found in the genus Aquiaria. The objectives of this study are to understand the antimicrobial activities and their potential as biocontrol agents of the endophytic fungi of Aquilaria sinensis. First, fresh samples of A. sinensis were collected from Yunnan and Guangdong Provinces in 2020-2021, and the endophytic fungi were isolated and identified to genus level based on the phylogenetic analyses of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region. In this bioassay, 47 endophytic strains were selected to check their bioactivities against three bacterial pathogens viz. Erwinia amylovora, Pseudomonas syringae, and Salmonella enterica; and three fungal pathogens viz. Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, and Penicillium digitatum. The antibiosis test was carried out by the dual culture assay (10 days), and among the 47 strains selected, 40 strains belong to 18 genera viz. Alternaria, Annulohypoxylon, Aspergillus, Botryosphaeria, Colletotrichum, Corynespora, Curvularia, Daldinia, Diaporthe, Fusarium, Lasiodiplodia, Neofusicoccum, Neopestalotiopsis, Nigrospora, Paracamarosporium, Pseudopithomyces, Trichoderma, Trichosporon and one strain belongs to Xylariaceae had antimicrobial activities. In particular, Lasiodiplodia sp. (YNA-D3) showed the inhibition of all the bacterial and fungal pathogens with a significant inhibition rate. In addition, the strains viz; Curvularia sp. (GDA-3A9), Diaporthe sp. (GDA-2A1), Lasiodiplodia sp. (YNA-D3), Neofusicoccum sp. (YNA-1C3), Nigrospora sp. (GDA-4C1), and Trichoderma sp. (YNA-1C1) showed significant antimicrobial activities and are considered worthy of further studies to identify individual fungal species and their bioactive compounds. This study enriches the diversity of endophytic fungi associated with agarwood, and their potential antagonistic effects against bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ye Du
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Samantha C. Karunarathna
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
| | - Dong-Qin Dai
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
| | - Ausana Mapook
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Jian-Chu Xu
- Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Steven L. Stephenson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Abdallah M. Elgorban
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salim Al-Rejaie
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saowaluck Tibpromma
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The use of the electromagnetic field in microbial process bioengineering. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 121:27-72. [PMID: 36328731 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
An electromagnetic field (EMF) has been shown to have various stimulatory or inhibitory effects on microorganisms. Over the years, growing interest in this topic led to numerous discoveries suggesting the potential applicability of EMF in biotechnological processes. Among these observations are stimulative effects of this physical influence resulting in intensified biomass production, modification of metabolic activity, or pigments secretion. In this review, we present the current state of the art and underline the main findings of the application of EMF in bioprocessing and their practical meaning in process engineering using examples selected from studies on bacteria, archaea, microscopic fungi and yeasts, viruses, and microalgae. All biological data are presented concerning the classification of EMF. Furthermore, we aimed to highlight missing parts of contemporary knowledge and indicate weak spots in the approaches found in the literature.
Collapse
|
13
|
Special Issue: Alternaria alternata: Should We Still Consider This Fungus as a Minor Brother in the Etiology of Respiratory Allergy? J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080796. [PMID: 36012785 PMCID: PMC9410497 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
14
|
Hughes KM, Price D, Torriero AAJ, Symonds MRE, Suphioglu C. Impact of Fungal Spores on Asthma Prevalence and Hospitalization. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084313. [PMID: 35457129 PMCID: PMC9025873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite making up a significant proportion of airborne allergens, the relationship between fungal spores and asthma is not fully explored. Only 80 taxa of fungi have so far been observed to exacerbate respiratory presentations, with Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Alternaria spp. found to comprise the predominant allergenic airborne spores. Fungal spores have been found in indoor environments, such as hospitals and housing due to poor ventilation. Meanwhile, outdoor fungal spores exhibit greater diversity, and higher abundance and have been associated with hospitalizations from acute asthma presentations. In addition, fungal spores may be the underlying, and perhaps the “missing link”, factor influencing the heightened rate of asthma presentations during epidemic thunderstorm asthma events. To improve our knowledge gap on fungal spores, airborne allergen monitoring must be improved to include not only dominant allergenic fungi but also provide real-time data to accurately and quickly warn the general public. Such data will help prevent future asthma exacerbations and thus save lives. In this review, we examine the health risks of prominent allergenic fungal taxa, the factors influencing spore dispersal and distribution, and why improvements should be made to current sampling methods for public health and wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kira M. Hughes
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia; (K.M.H.); (D.P.)
- Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Dwan Price
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia; (K.M.H.); (D.P.)
- Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
- COVID-19 Response, Department of Health, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Angel A. J. Torriero
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia;
| | - Matthew R. E. Symonds
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia;
| | - Cenk Suphioglu
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia; (K.M.H.); (D.P.)
- Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-5227-2886
| |
Collapse
|