A new study has found that the innate immune system of humans is capable of killing a fungus linked to airway inflammation in asthmatic and chronic sinusitis patients.
The research team from Mayo Clinic and the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute (VBI) have revealed that eosinophils, a particular type of white blood cell, exert a strong immune response against the environmental fungus Alternaria alternata.
Asthma
It''s a lung condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and constriction of the airways that result in coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. Allergy and other airway irritants can trigger it
Advertisement
"Our results strongly demonstrate that eosinophils have the capacity to recognize and exert immunological responses to certain fungi such as Alternaria," said principal investigator Hirohito Kita, M.D., from Mayo Clinic.
"We have shown that CD11b receptors on the surface of eosinophils recognize and adhere to beta-glucan, a major cell wall component of the fungus. This in turn sets in motion the release of toxic granule proteins by the white blood cells, leading to extensive damage and ultimate destruction of the fungus.
![Allergy]( "Allergy")
An allergy is a hypersensitive disorder of immune system. Substances that often cause allergic reactions are pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, food, insect stings and medicines.
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that live eosinophils and not just the intracellular components have been shown to target and destroy a fungus," Kita added.
With the help of fluorescence microscopy, the researchers determined the outcome of the interaction between eosinophils and A. alternata.
They found that the contact of fungus with eosinophils resulted in bright red fluorescence due to the damaged fungal cell wall and subsequent death of Alternaria.
"We have taken an important step in showing that the innate immune system of eosinophils is capable of targeting an asthma-associated fungus for destruction," said Kita.
The findings are published recently in the Journal of Immunology.
Source: ANI
RAS/N
Allergy
An allergy is a hypersensitive disorder of immune system. Substances that often cause allergic reactions are pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, food, insect stings and medicines.
Advertisement
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that live eosinophils and not just the intracellular components have been shown to target and destroy a fungus," Kita added.
With the help of fluorescence microscopy, the researchers determined the outcome of the interaction between eosinophils and A. alternata.
They found that the contact of fungus with eosinophils resulted in bright red fluorescence due to the damaged fungal cell wall and subsequent death of Alternaria.
"We have taken an important step in showing that the innate immune system of eosinophils is capable of targeting an asthma-associated fungus for destruction," said Kita.
The findings are published recently in the Journal of Immunology.
Source: ANI
RAS/N
Asthma Management - Animation
Metered Dose Inhalers(MDI), which delivers medictions directly to the lungs, can be most effectively used in the treatment of asthma.
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Research News
South Korea's total fertility rate, averaging the number of children a woman aged 15-49 has in her lifetime, dropped to 0.81.
Scientists identified mechanisms governing immune cells, selectively removing troublemakers to reshape skin immunity. Benefits those with psoriasis, vitiligo.
By 2050, an anticipated increase from 494 million cases in 2020 to 1.06 billion people with musculoskeletal disabilities is expected.
Experts consulted by GlobalData anticipate a significant overhaul in the Gaucher disease scenario because of forthcoming gene therapies in development.
Within the seven major markets, 12% to 20% of diagnosed prevalent NASH cases present severe liver damage (stage 4 liver fibrosis), denoting cirrhosis.