Defining the Role of Th2-Associated Cytokines in Aspergillus versicolor-Induced Pulmonary Immune Responses

Details

• Personal Author:
  Beezhold, Donald H. ; Blackwood C ; Block M ; Croston T ; Green B ; Lemons, Angela R. ; McKinney W ; Weaver K
• Description:
  Rationale: Aspergillus versicolor is a fungal contaminant commonly found in damp indoor environments. Chronic exposure to A. versicolor is associated with Th2-mediated immune responses that can lead to allergy and other disease. The mechanistic role of Th2-associated cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, during fungal exposure needs further characterization. Methods: Mice (C57BL/6J, IL-5 neutralized, IL-13 knockout, IL-4 knockout, or RAG-2 knockout) were exposed biweekly to HEPA-filtered air, heat-inactivated A. versicolor spores, or viable A. versicolor spores (3x105) using an acoustical generator nose-only inhalation system for four or 13 weeks. IL-13, IL-4, and RAG-2 knockout animals were genetically modified strains. For IL-5 neutralization, anti-IL-5 antibody was administered to indicated groups on alternating days with exposures. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours following the last exposure, functional assessments and immunological responses were measured by antibody quantification, whole body plethysmography (WBP), flow cytometry, and histology. Results: C57BL/6J (wild type) mice exhibit pro-inflammatory responses following fungal exposure, which was significantly diminished in knockout mice. Exposure to A. versicolor led to a significant increase in total cells, eosinophils, and adaptive immune cells in wild-type mice. Exposure to both heat-inactivated and viable A. versicolor also resulted in a decrease in inspiratory time as measured by WBP. Conclusions: Th2-associated cytokines drive the alterations in pulmonary function and immune responses elicited by fungal exposure. Understanding the immune response to fungal exposure is crucial for the development of tools to assess and treat fungal-related respiratory diseases. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Fungi Immune System Lung Occupational Health Respiratory System Safety
• Keywords:
  Cytokines Immune Reaction Immunology Indoor Environments Inhalation Pulmonary Effects
• ISSN:
  0091-6749
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  Indiana ; OSHA Region 3 ; OSHA Region 5 ; West Virginia
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  HELD - Health Effects Laboratory Division
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  153
• Issue:
  2
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20070244
• Citation:
  J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024 Feb; 153(2)(Suppl):AB144
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2024
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Supplement:
  Suppl
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:e420343ee244cb7e51db7852fc2da156b9660ea706d759ca6e386546f4966cd54d43b1ce6d0139c9975362b7a7fc436d02e14f31bed9c3f93ff4515e0f46e9ac
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/208493/cdc_208493_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 101.79 KB ]