Immunobiology of Fungal Allergens

Abstract

In recent years, considerable attention has been paid in obtaining purified relevant allergens from fungi associated with allergy. Using molecular biology techniques, a number of mold allergens have been obtained by cloning the genes encoding the allergens. Currently, about 70 fungal allergens have been approved by the International Allergen Nomenclature Committee. In this review, we have presented major allergens from Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Alternaria and discussed their immunochemical characteristics and their role in the diagnosis of allergy and possible usefulness in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. The structure-function properties and the potential role of these recombinant allergens in the immunomodulatory therapy also are presented.

Fungal Proteases Induce Th2 Polarization through Limited Dendritic Cell Maturation and Reduced Production of IL-12

“…In recent years, considerable attention has been focused on identifying allergens that might be associated with allergy and asthma. In the case of fungal allergens, the major associated allergic diseases are asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic broncho-pulmonary mycosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (25). Moreover, purified, natural, and extracted fungal allergens are valuable tools for the study of the involvement of T cells in the allergic processes (26).…”

Dynamics (seasonal and intra-diurnal) of air-borne fungal spore population of Doha area, Qatar

“…The highest similarity coefficient was obtained between 00:00h (midnight) and 06:00h (early morning), while the lowest similarity coefficient was detected between 18:00h (afternoon) and 12:00h (noon) ( Cladosporium and Alternaria were found in higher concentrations at midday time (Figure6). These two fungal taxa are of clinical important due to their allergenic properties (Kurup et al 2002). The maximum concentrations of Cladosporium and Alternaria were found to occur at the midday time (Gregory, 1973;Troutt & Levetin, 2001;Ho et al, 2005).…”

Seasonal Variations of Indoor Microbial Exposures and Their Relation to Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Air Exchange Rate

“…Therefore, these microbial agents were quantified in this study. Fungal genera typically found within the indoor environment are sources of potent allergens and inflammogens (22), and several epidemiological studies have coupled fungal exposure with asthma, allergy, and sick building syndrome (5,8,21,45,56). Exposure to bacteria has been associated with blocked nose and eye symptoms (14).…”