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Fungal allergens
W E Horner1, A Helbling, J E Salvaggio
1Department of Medicine, Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
Abstract:
Airborne fungal spores occur widely and often in far greater concentrations than pollen grains. Immunoglobulin E-specific antigens (allergens) on airborne fungal spores induce type I hypersensitivity (allergic) respiratory reactions in sensitized atopic subjects, causing rhinitis and/or asthma. The prevalence of respiratory allergy to fungi is imprecisely known but is estimated at 20 to 30% of atopic (allergy-predisposed) individuals or up to 6% of the general population. Diagnosis and immunotherapy of allergy to fungi require well-characterized or standardized extracts that contain the relevant allergen(s) of the appropriate fungus. Production of standardized extracts is difficult since fungal extracts are complex mixtures and a variety of fungi are allergenic. Thus, the currently available extracts are largely nonstandardized, even uncharacterized, crude extracts. Recent significant progress in isolating and characterizing relevant fungal allergens is summarized in the present review. Particularly, some allergens from the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium are now thoroughly characterized, and allergens from several other genera, including some basidiomycetes, have also been purified. The availability of these extracts will facilitate definitive studies of fungal allergy prevalence and immunotherapy efficacy as well as enhance both the diagnosis and therapy of fungal allergy.
Insights
Airborne fungal spores are common allergens causing respiratory issues like asthma. Recent advancements in characterizing fungal allergens are improving diagnosis and treatment for individuals with fungal allergies.
Area of Science:
- Allergen immunotherapy
- Respiratory immunology
- Medical mycology
Background:
- Airborne fungal spores are prevalent, often exceeding pollen concentrations, and act as potent allergens.
- Fungal allergens trigger type I hypersensitivity reactions, leading to allergic rhinitis and asthma in sensitized individuals.
- The exact prevalence of fungal allergy is uncertain, affecting a significant portion of atopic individuals and the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in the isolation and characterization of fungal allergens.
- To highlight the importance of well-characterized fungal extracts for accurate diagnosis and effective immunotherapy.
- To discuss the challenges in producing standardized fungal extracts due to their complex and variable nature.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on fungal allergens and allergy.
- Summary of progress in isolating and characterizing specific fungal allergens.
- Discussion of purification of allergens from various fungal genera.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in identifying and characterizing key allergens from genera like Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium.
- Allergens from other genera, including basidiomycetes, have also been successfully purified.
- Characterized fungal allergens are becoming available, moving away from crude, non-standardized extracts.
Conclusions:
- Availability of characterized fungal allergens is crucial for advancing research on fungal allergy prevalence and immunotherapy effectiveness.
- Improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for fungal allergy are anticipated due to these advancements.
- Standardized fungal extracts will enhance the precision and reliability of diagnosing and treating fungal allergies.