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The Utilization of Oropharyngeal Intratracheal PAMP Administration and Bronchoalveolar Lavage to Evaluate the Host Immune Response in Mice
Published on: April 2, 2014
Aspergillus-associated airway disease, inflammation, and the innate immune response
Sanjay H Chotirmall1, Mazen Al-Alawi, Bojana Mirkovic
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland. schotirmall@rcsi.ie
Abstract:
Aspergillus moulds exist ubiquitously as spores that are inhaled in large numbers daily. Whilst most are removed by anatomical barriers, disease may occur in certain circumstances. Depending on the underlying state of the human immune system, clinical consequences can ensue ranging from an excessive immune response during allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis to the formation of an aspergilloma in the immunocompetent state. The severest infections occur in those who are immunocompromised where invasive pulmonary aspergillosis results in high mortality rates. The diagnosis of Aspergillus-associated pulmonary disease is based on clinical, radiological, and immunological testing. An understanding of the innate and inflammatory consequences of exposure to Aspergillus species is critical in accounting for disease manifestations and preventing sequelae. The major components of the innate immune system involved in recognition and removal of the fungus include phagocytosis, antimicrobial peptide production, and recognition by pattern recognition receptors. The cytokine response is also critical facilitating cell-to-cell communication and promoting the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of the host response. In the following review, we discuss the above areas with a focus on the innate and inflammatory response to airway Aspergillus exposure and how these responses may be modulated for therapeutic benefit.
Insights
Aspergillus spores are inhaled daily, causing various lung diseases from allergic reactions to severe invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Understanding the innate immune response to Aspergillus is key for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Aspergillus moulds are ubiquitous airborne spores.
- Inhalation of Aspergillus spores can lead to diverse pulmonary diseases based on host immunity.
- Conditions range from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the innate and inflammatory responses to airway Aspergillus exposure.
- To explore how these immune responses contribute to disease manifestations.
- To discuss potential therapeutic modulation of these responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Aspergillus immunology and clinical disease.
- Discussion of innate immune mechanisms including phagocytosis, antimicrobial peptides, and pattern recognition receptors.
- Analysis of the role of cytokine responses in host defense and disease pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Innate immunity components like phagocytosis and PRRs are crucial for Aspergillus recognition and clearance.
- Cytokine signaling orchestrates the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of the host response.
- Disease severity correlates with the host's immune status, from allergic reactions to life-threatening invasive infections.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the innate and inflammatory pathways is critical for managing Aspergillus-associated pulmonary diseases.
- Modulating these immune responses holds therapeutic potential for preventing disease sequelae.
- Further research into immune modulation could lead to improved patient outcomes.
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