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Published on: November 20, 2021
Saccharomyces cerevisiae-Derived Mannan Does Not Alter Immune Responses to Aspergillus Allergens
D Betty Lew1,2, Kim S LeMessurier1,2, Maneesha Palipane1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA.
Abstract:
Severe asthma with fungal sensitization predominates in the population suffering from allergic asthma, to which there is no cure. While corticosteroids are the mainstay in current treatment, other means of controlling inflammation may be beneficial. Herein, we hypothesized that mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae would dampen the characteristics of fungal allergic asthma by altering the pulmonary immune responses. Using wild-type and transgenic mice expressing the human mannose receptor on smooth muscle cells, we explored the outcome of mannan administration during allergen exposure on the pathogenesis of fungal asthma through measurement of cardinal features of disease such as inflammation, goblet cell number, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Mannan treatment did not alter most hallmarks of allergic airways disease in wild-type mice. Transgenic mice treated with mannan during allergen exposure had an equivalent response to non-mannan-treated allergic mice except for a prominent granulocytic influx into airways and cytokine availability. Our studies suggest no role for mannan as an inflammatory regulator during fungal allergy.
Insights
Mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae did not effectively treat fungal allergic asthma in mice. This study found no significant role for mannan in regulating pulmonary inflammation associated with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Severe asthma with fungal sensitization is a significant health concern with no current cure.
- Corticosteroids are the primary treatment, but alternative anti-inflammatory strategies are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to mitigate fungal allergic asthma.
- To explore mannan's effect on pulmonary immune responses and disease characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized wild-type and transgenic mice expressing the human mannose receptor.
- Administered mannan during allergen exposure to assess its impact on inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway hyperresponsiveness.
Main Results:
- Mannan treatment did not significantly alter key features of allergic airways disease in wild-type mice.
- Transgenic mice showed increased granulocytic influx and altered cytokine availability but no overall improvement in asthma symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae does not appear to be an effective therapeutic agent for fungal allergic asthma.
- Further research is needed to identify novel anti-inflammatory regulators for this condition.
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