Plant microfungi Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli exhibit allergenic potential in both acute and chronic asthma models in mice.

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions have surged to unprecedented levels, impacting about 30% of people globally. Fungi are a significant source of allergens, responsible for approximately 6% of respiratory diseases in the general population. However, identifying the exact cause of respiratory allergies is not always possible.

AIMS: To investigate the capacity of Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli, two representatives of common powdery mildew (Erysiphaceae), to elicit inflammatory and asthmatic reactions in mouse models of acute and chronic asthma.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

After sensitizing and subsequently challenging mice intranasally with extracts of E. palczewskii and E. convolvuli, we examined the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, and TGF-β measured by ELISA), specific IgE production (measured by ELISA), and histological changes in the lungs of the animals following hematoxylin-eosin staining.

RESULTS

In mouse models, we demonstrated that E. palczewskii and E. convolvuli induced robust production of all studied cytokines, elevated levels of specific IgE, and histological lung changes characteristic of acute and chronic asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that both species are strong candidates as new fungal aeroallergens, but their clinical significance requires confirmation in larger studies, including human studies.