Allergenicity of airborne basidiospores and ascospores: need for further studies

Abstract

Many known fungal species are grouped among basidiomycetes and ascomycetes. Active mechanisms of spore release into air currents are among the main features of these fungi. Aerobiological studies have described their presence in many regions worldwide. In some areas, fungi have been described as the predominant outdoor airborne biological particulate with much higher concentrations than pollen. Other studies have determined that among the fungal aerospora, the highest concentrations belong to basidiospores and ascospores. Nevertheless, the allergenic potential of spores from basidiomycetes and meiotic forms of ascomycetes has not been studied to the extent of mitosporic fungi and allergens from other sources. The need to further evaluate the role of basidiomycetes and meiotic ascomycetes in allergies is evidenced by the few genera with characterized allergens and limited studies that had demonstrated levels of sensitization similar or higher to that of mitosporic fungi and other allergens. In this review, based on the existing aerobiological, epidemiological, immunological, and molecular biology studies, we provide evidence that the role of basidiomycetes and ascomycetes deserves more attention with respect to their roles as potential aeroallergens.

Serological Reactivity and Identification of Immunoglobulin E-Binding Polypeptides of Ganoderma applanatum Crude Spore Cytoplasmic Extract in Puerto Rican Subjects

“…The fruiting bodies are present all year long in different areas of Puerto Rico, as evidenced by finding basidiocarps in different municipalities throughout the island in any season, in both urban and forested scenarios. In turn, each basidiocarp can potentially release trillions of spores daily, causing exposure of spore allergens to individuals in clinically relevant amounts, a prerequisite for the development of allergic sensitization to an allergen source [5, 7, 33]. Even if the basidiospore source is not close to populated areas, the spores can still reach urban places by wind dispersion, as demonstrated by the daily reports at the San Juan Station certified by the National Allergy Bureau of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (http://pollen.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm?p=allergenreport&stationid=168).…”

“…), the allergenic potential of basidiomycetes has been underestimated and only few allergens have been characterized, such as Cop c 1 to 7 ( Coprinus comatus ), Psi c 1 and 2 ( Psilocybe cubensis ), and Sch c 1 ( Schizophyllum commune ) [2, 11–13]. In addition, because of the difficulties encountered in collecting them on the field, and obtaining the necessary amount of spore material, extracts are not easily obtained [5–7]. As a result, basidiomyecetes are less studied and there is a lack of basidiospore extracts for allergy panels [5].…”

“…In addition, because of the difficulties encountered in collecting them on the field, and obtaining the necessary amount of spore material, extracts are not easily obtained [5–7]. As a result, basidiomyecetes are less studied and there is a lack of basidiospore extracts for allergy panels [5]. Considering that basidiospores constitute approximately two thirds of the total fungal spores in outdoor air samples, these panels may not be representative of the composition of the Puerto Rican airborne fungal spores with allergenic potential [4].…”

Inhalant Allergens in Portugal

“…Basidiomycetes produce large quantities of spores that are dispersed by the wind over long distances. Some species can release great amounts of spores in a day [94] , many of which are important aeroallergens associated with allergic symptoms [91] .…”

“…The less wellstudied Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes aeroallergens also occurred in the atmosphere of Portugal. Both fungal classes possess allergenic species with harmful potential among subjects with respiratory allergies [93,94] . Basidiomycetes produce large quantities of spores that are dispersed by the wind over long distances.…”