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Immunotherapy against environmental fungi causing respiratory allergy
Umut Gazi1, Nerin Nadir Bahceciler2
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Abstract:
Allergic respiratory diseases (ARDs) have been one of the major global health problems of the 21st century with an increasing prevalence. A significant proportion of aerobiological particles in the environment is constituted by fungal structures, including those from Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus species which are regarded as the four most common fungal genera associated with allergic fungal airway diseases (AFADs). Allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) has capacity to promote protection as well as long-term tolerance to the allergen, however there have not been adequate number of studies evaluating the efficacy of against AFADs, up till today. Our review would like to draw more attention to the field by summarizing the current literature regarding the clinical use of the immunotherapy, with special focus on Alternaria, and Cladosporium AITs. The area is considered to be vital to public health due to the potential increase in global AFAD cases because of ongoing air pollution and climate impacts. The review also aims to sum up immunological findings associated with mould-AIT which would help further studies to be performed in order to develop an objective method to identify non-responders early in the course of therapy.
Insights
Allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) shows promise for allergic fungal airway diseases (AFADs), but more research is needed. This review focuses on Alternaria and Cladosporium AIT efficacy and immunological findings.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Allergy and Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Allergic respiratory diseases (ARDs) are a growing global health concern.
- Fungal spores from Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus are common triggers for allergic fungal airway diseases (AFADs).
- Current research on allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) for AFADs is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on AIT for AFADs, focusing on Alternaria and Cladosporium.
- To highlight the public health importance of AFADs due to environmental factors.
- To summarize immunological findings to aid future research.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of clinical studies on AIT for AFADs.
- Focus on studies involving Alternaria and Cladosporium immunotherapy.
- Analysis of immunological data related to mould-AIT.
Main Results:
- Limited studies currently evaluate AIT efficacy specifically for AFADs.
- Alternaria and Cladosporium AIT show potential but require further investigation.
- Immunological insights from mould-AIT are crucial for therapeutic development.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for more robust clinical trials on AIT for AFADs.
- Understanding immunological responses can help predict treatment outcomes.
- Addressing AFADs is critical given rising environmental challenges.
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