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Pro-Inflammatory Responses in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Induced by Spores and Hyphal Fragments of Common Damp

Elisabeth Øya1, Rune Becher2, Leni Ekeren3

  • 1Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway. elisa.oya@gmail.com.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|March 29, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Mold hyphae from Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium chrysogenum trigger inflammatory responses in lung cells via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). X-ray treated spores showed minimal inflammatory potential, highlighting the role of hyphal fragments in respiratory illness exacerbation.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Damp indoor environments harbor molds, contributing to respiratory issues.
  • Mold exposure can lead to the development and worsening of respiratory illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differential inflammatory potential of mold spores and hyphae.
  • To elucidate the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in mold-induced inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to X-ray treated spores and hyphal fragments from Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor, and Stachybotrys chartarum.
  • Pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine release (IL-6, IL-8) was measured.
  • The role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 was assessed using blocking antibodies and antagonists.

Main Results:

  • Hyphal fragments of Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium chrysogenum induced significant release of IL-6 and IL-8.
  • These hyphae also increased the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α, but without release.
  • X-ray treated spores exhibited minimal inflammatory potential.
  • TLR2 blockade significantly reduced IL-6 and IL-8 release induced by A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum hyphae.
  • TLR4 antagonism had no effect on the inflammatory response.

Conclusions:

  • Hyphal fragments of A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum are potent inducers of pro-inflammatory responses in bronchial epithelial cells.
  • The inflammatory potential is dependent on the morphological form of the mold (hyphae vs. spores).
  • Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) plays a critical role in mediating the release of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by these mold hyphae.
Keywords:
TLRscytokinesinflammationlung cellsmold

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