Update on the Role of Fungus in Allergy, Asthma, and the Unified Airway
Brian H Cameron1, Shaina W Gong1, David B Corry2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 5.036, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
The united airway refers to the combined upper and lower airways and their interconnected pathophysiologic relationships. Inflammatory airway diseases (chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and so forth) have been linked to fungal species through type 2 immune responses. These type 2 immune responses involve the cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and a myriad of other inflammatory processes that lead to a spectrum of diseases from allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis to chronic rhinosinusitis. Historically, these diseases have been managed primarily with corticosteroids but recent revelations in the molecular pathophysiology provide opportunities for more diverse treatment options for patients with uncontrolled disease.
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