Potential contribution of fungal infection and colonization to the development of allergy

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Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung
15:01

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung

Published on: September 18, 2021

David L Goldman1, Gary B Huffnagle

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Childrens' Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY 10461, USA. dgoldma@aecom.yu.edu

Medical Mycology
|April 23, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Fungal exposures, particularly early in life, may predispose individuals to allergic diseases by influencing immune responses. This review examines the link between fungal infections, asthma, and the gut microbiome in allergy development.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Allergology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Fungi are significant allergens in atopic diseases.
  • The role of fungal exposure in the development of allergic conditions is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the hypothesis that fungal colonization or infection influences the development of allergic disease.
  • To review the current understanding of fungal-human interactions in the context of allergy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on fungal infections and asthma.
  • Exploration of the potential role of the fungal gastrointestinal microbiota in allergic inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Fungal exposures, especially early in life, may shape immune responses to subsequent antigens.
  • Evidence suggests a connection between fungal infections and asthma, including urban asthma.
  • The fungal gut microbiota may play a role in promoting allergic inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal exposures are implicated in the development and exacerbation of allergic diseases.
  • Understanding fungal-human interactions offers potential new therapeutic targets for allergic diseases.
  • Further research into fungal infections and the gut microbiome is warranted for allergy management.

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