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Updated: Oct 12, 2025
Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Interplay Between Trichoderma stromaticum and the Mammalian Immune System
Published on: October 20, 2023
Inhibition of extracellular traps by spores of Trichoderma stromaticum on neutrophils obtained from human peripheral
Lucilla Silva Oliveira-Mendonça1, Danielle de Sousa Lopes1, Adriana Bozzi2
1Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Bahia, Brazil.
Abstract:
Although the genus Trichoderma is widely used as a biocontrol agent in crops, little is known about its potential impact on the human immune system. In mice, our group has shown that exposition to T. asperelloides spores lead to reduced neutrophil counts in the peripheral blood and in the peritoneal cavity. In addition, T. stromaticum spores produced an inflammatory infiltrate on mice lungs, reducing the levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and receptors of microbial patterns. Here we demonstrate that the interaction of human peripheral neutrophils with T. stromaticum spores also leads to a reduced release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after induction with the NET-inducer agent phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. This interaction also reduced the expression levels of multiple microRNAs, such as miR-221, miR-222, miR-223 and miR-27a, as well as genes related to NETs, such as ELANE, MPO and PADI4. Furthermore, T. stromaticum spores affected the expression of the genes SOCS3, TLR4, CSNK2A1, GSDMD, and NFFKBIA, related to the activation of inflammatory immune responses in neutrophils. Overall, our results suggest T. stromaticum as a potential NET inhibitor and as an immunomodulatory agent. Since this fungus is used as biocontrol in crops, our findings point to the importance of advancing our knowledge on the effects of this bioagent on the human immune system. Finally, the study of the active compounds produced by the fungus is also important for the prospection of new drugs that could be used to block the exacerbation of inflammatory immune responses present in several human diseases.
Insights
Trichoderma stromaticum spores may inhibit neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and modulate human immune responses. Further research is crucial given its agricultural use and potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The biocontrol agent Trichoderma is widely used in agriculture, but its effects on the human immune system are largely unknown.
- Previous studies showed Trichoderma asperelloides and Trichoderma stromaticum spores impact mouse immune responses, including reduced neutrophil counts and altered cytokine levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Trichoderma stromaticum spores on human peripheral neutrophils.
- To determine if T. stromaticum influences neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and related gene/microRNA expression.
Main Methods:
- Human peripheral neutrophils were co-cultured with T. stromaticum spores.
- Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) release was induced using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate.
- Gene and microRNA expression levels were analyzed using quantitative PCR and other molecular techniques.
Main Results:
- T. stromaticum spores significantly reduced NET release from human neutrophils.
- The interaction decreased the expression of key NET-related genes (ELANE, MPO, PADI4) and specific microRNAs (miR-221, miR-222, miR-223, miR-27a).
- Spore exposure altered the expression of genes involved in neutrophil inflammatory signaling pathways (SOCS3, TLR4, CSNK2A1, GSDMD, NFFKBIA).
Conclusions:
- Trichoderma stromaticum exhibits potential as a NET inhibitor and immunomodulatory agent.
- Findings highlight the need to understand the human immune system's response to this common biocontrol fungus.
- Further study of T. stromaticum compounds may lead to new anti-inflammatory drug development.
