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Cell wall preparations from environmental yeasts: effect on alveolar macrophage function in vitro
W G Sorenson1, T A Shahan, J Simpson
1Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH/DRDS, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. WGS1@CDC.GOV
Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Exposure to high concentrations of yeast, like those found in lumber, may cause organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS). This noninfectious illness involves lung inflammation and flu-like symptoms, potentially triggered by yeast cell walls stimulating immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Occupational Health
- Mycology
Background:
- Organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) is an occupational illness linked to inhaling organic dusts.
- Sawmill workers may be exposed to yeasts from fresh lumber, which are potent immune stimulators.
- Alveolar macrophages (AM) are key immune cells in the lungs affected by inhaled particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of various yeast cell wall preparations.
- To compare the ability of different yeast species to stimulate AM and activate complement.
- To determine if yeast exposure could be a trigger for ODTS.
Main Methods:
- Yeast cell wall preparations from Pichia fabianii, Candida sake, Trichosporon capitatum, Rhodotorula glutinis, and Cryptococcus laurentii were tested.
- Preparations were compared to zymosan and beta-1,3-glucan for their effects on AM and complement activation.
- Assays included superoxide anion production, leukotriene B4 release, and phagocytosis of red blood cells.
Main Results:
- All tested yeast species activated complement.
- Most yeasts, zymosan, and glucan stimulated superoxide anion and leukotriene B4 production in a dose-dependent manner.
- Yeast exposure differentially affected phagocytosis, with some enhancing it and others inhibiting it.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to high concentrations of certain yeasts could trigger pulmonary inflammation consistent with ODTS.
- Yeast cell walls possess components that activate immune cells and complement pathways.
- Further research is warranted to understand the specific role of yeasts in occupational lung diseases like ODTS.