Characterization and pro-inflammatory responses of spore and hyphae samples from various mold species

Abstract

Mold particles from Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor, and Stachybotrys chartarum have been linked to respiratory-related diseases. We characterized X-ray-inactivated spores and hyphae fragments from these species by number of particles, morphology, and mycotoxin, β-glucan and protease content/activity. The pro-inflammatory properties of mold particles were examined in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and THP-1 monocytes and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1. Spores from P. chrysogenum and S. chartarum contained some hyphae fragments, whereas the other preparations contained either spores or hyphae. Each mold species produced mainly one gelatin-degrading protease that was either of the metallo-or serine type, while one remains unclassified.Mycotoxin levels were generally low. Detectable levels of β-glucans were found mainly in hyphae particle preparations. PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages were by far the most sensitive model with effects in the order of 10 ng/cm 2 . Hyphae preparations of A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum were more potent than respective spore preparations, whereas the opposite seems to be true for A. versicolor and S. chartarum.Hyphae fragments of A. fumigatus, P. chrysogenum, and A. versicolor enhanced the release of metalloprotease (proMMP-9) most markedly. In conclusion, species, growth stage, and characteristics are all important factors for pro-inflammatory potential. K E Y W O R D Sβ-glucans, cytokines, mold particles, morphology, mycotoxins, proteases | BACKGROUNDThere is sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies of associations between indoor dampness/mold and adverse health effects including respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, and exacerbation of asthma. 1,2 Several kinds of indoor air pollution agents may contribute. Mold has been suggested to be particularly important, as it may not only cause infection and toxic effects, but also trigger allergic and non-allergic inflammatory reactions that may be linked to various respiratory-related diseases. [3][4][5] Quantitative guidelines (thresholds) for acceptable levels of indoor contamination of microorganisms/mold have not been suggested. 1 However, for the work environment where exposure levels can be much higher, a proposal has been made. 6 Species that commonly occur in moist indoor environments into tangled mass of networks known as mycelia. Spores from many species, but not all, are easily aerosolized. Spores from some species, for example, S. chartarum are produced in slimy aggregates which are dispersed by water and may become airborne after secondary dispersion. 6 Furthermore, experimental studies have demonstrated that not only spores but also hyphae fragments can be liberated from fungal cultures. [7][8][9] Recently, an immune-microscopic method for their detection has been described. 10 In addition to direct microscopic quantification, 9 components like ergosterol, 11 polysaccharides such as β(1→3)-glucans 12 and enzymes such as p...

Fungal Fragments and Fungal Aerosol Composition in Sawmills

“…The outdoor levels of fragments reported by Delfino et al and the workplace levels reported by Madsen and co-authors were associated with asthma symptom exacerbations and acute ODTS, respectively. Based on these results and given that fungal hyphae from common species like Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium chrysogenum are immunologically more potent than their spores ( Hohl et al, 2005 ; Aimanianda et al, 2009 ; Øya et al, 2018 ), the exposure levels of fungal fragments observed in sawmills may be linked to adverse health effects in sawmill workers.…”

“…A recent study exposing differentiated macrophages to spores and mycelial fragments from A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, P. chrysogenum , and S. chartarum revealed species and particle type dependent inflammatory potency. Fragments from A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum showed higher inflammatory effects compared to spores whereas the inverse was observed with A. versicolor and S. chartarum ( Øya et al, 2018 ). The presence of hydrophobin rodlet layers on spores has been suggested to explain these differences in immune reactions by shielding immune potent surface constituents on spores from A. fumigatus .…”

Fungal aerosol composition in moldy basements

“…Therefore, we may get new insights in the role played by fungi in respiratory morbidity when we base our characterization on a holistic approach. Secondly, the paradigm of spores as the major fungal exposure particles bearing allergens and fungal metabolites has changed upon the discovery of large numbers of submicron fragments and the differences in the immunological responses to spores as compared to hyphae as revealed by experimental studies . Submicron fragments were suggested as the most prevalent fungal particles in indoor exposure .…”

CARACTERIZACIÒN PARCIAL DE UNA FRACCIÓN PROTEICA POTENCIALMENTE BIOACTIVA DE Solanum marginatum L. f.

“…There are insufficient data on the mechanism of S. marginatum L. f. proteins action on normal blood mononuclear cells. Nevertheless, could be related to the ability of cells to adapt to the effects of proteins involved in chemotactic effects (Alfaro Leon et al, 2005), such as serine proteases capable of producing cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β) (de Matos Guedes et al, 2010;Øya et al, 2018).…”