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The Fungal Microbiome and Asthma
Erik van Tilburg Bernardes1,2, Mackenzie W Gutierrez1,2, Marie-Claire Arrieta1,2
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Fungi, alongside bacteria, are implicated in asthma development and exacerbations. Understanding the role of the human microbiome, including fungi, is crucial for future asthma research and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- * Immunology
- * Microbiology
- * Pulmonology
Background:
- * Asthma is a growing global health concern characterized by airway inflammation.
- * Its causes are complex, involving genetic and environmental factors.
- * The gut and lung microbiomes are increasingly recognized as key players in asthma development.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the role of fungi in asthma development and exacerbations.
- * To examine the properties of fungi that influence immune responses.
- * To highlight the need for fungal inclusion in asthma research.
Main Methods:
- * Review of longitudinal infant cohort studies.
- * Analysis of mechanistic studies in animal models.
- * Inclusion of recent human microbiome surveys incorporating fungal analysis.
Main Results:
- * Microbial signatures, including fungi, are causally linked to asthma risk.
- * Fungal presence in the microbiome is associated with asthma development in susceptible individuals.
- * Fungi possess properties that can influence immune development and allergic reactions.
Conclusions:
- * Fungi significantly contribute to asthma development and exacerbations.
- * Fungal analysis is essential for a comprehensive understanding of asthma.
- * Future asthma studies should incorporate fungal investigation in humans and animal models.
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