β-Glucan exacerbates allergic asthma independent of fungal sensitization and promotes steroid-resistant T_H2/T_H17 responses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Allergic sensitization to fungi has been associated with asthma severity. As a result, it has been largely assumed that the contribution of fungi to allergic disease is mediated through their potent antigenicity.

Objective

We sought to determine the mechanism by which fungi affect asthma development and severity.

Methods

We integrated epidemiologic and experimental asthma models to explore the effect of fungal exposure on asthma development and severity.

Results

We report that fungal exposure enhances allergen-driven T_H2 responses, promoting severe allergic asthma. This effect is independent of fungal sensitization and can be reconstituted with β-glucan and abrogated by neutralization of IL-17A. Furthermore, this severe asthma is resistant

SUBMITTER: Zhang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5073040 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature