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Fungi linking the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and allergic asthma

Michael N Pakdaman1, David B Corry, Amber Luong

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and Texas Sinus Institute, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Immunological Investigations
|October 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Fungi contribute to airway inflammation, including allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and asthma. Further research is needed to clarify fungi

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal stimuli are implicated in sinonasal disease development.
  • Immune responses to fungi are key in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.
  • Fungi act as antigens and enhance inflammation via protease activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of fungi in upper and lower airway inflammatory diseases.
  • To examine the presence and immunologic effects of fungi in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
  • To assess the efficacy of antifungal therapy in CRS management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of fungal roles in respiratory inflammatory diseases.
  • Analysis of data on fungal presence and immunologic effects in CRS.
  • Evaluation of evidence for antifungal therapy in CRS.

Main Results:

  • The role of fungi in allergic asthma is supported by new murine models.
  • Data on fungal presence and immunologic impact in CRS are limited.
  • The utility of antifungal therapy for CRS requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Fungi play a significant role in various airway inflammatory conditions.
  • More research is needed to understand fungi's specific contribution to CRS.
  • Investigating common molecular pathways activated by fungi is crucial for understanding upper and lower airway inflammation.

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