[Nature of the human immune response to exposure to protein-producing microorganisms]

Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
|February 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to Candida fungi, both live and dried, can cause immune sensitization and allergic reactions in humans. Live Candida cells are more potent in triggering these immune responses and allergic symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida are common environmental and commensal organisms.
  • Exposure to microbial agents can modulate the host immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of live and dried Candida biomass on human immune responses.
  • To determine the relationship between Candida concentration and immune alterations.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 1094 individuals exposed to varying concentrations of Candida.
  • Assessed immune response characteristics, including sensitization, hypersensitivity reactions, and humoral immunity.

Main Results:

  • Candida exposure led to sensitization, manifesting as immediate and cellular hypersensitivity.
  • Disturbances in T-dependent and humoral immunity were observed.
  • Live fungal cells demonstrated greater antigenic potency, promoting allergic symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Both live and dried Candida biomass can induce immune sensitization and allergic reactions.
  • The observed immune changes are dose-dependent and influenced by the individual's systemic condition.
  • Live Candida cells are more effective in eliciting allergic responses.

Related Concept Videos

Cross-reactivity00:42

Cross-reactivity

Overview
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
Allergic Drug Reactions01:27

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity01:21

Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity

The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Hypersensitivities01:30

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...