Pro-Inflammatory Responses in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Induced by Spores and Hyphal Fragments of Common Damp Indoor Molds

Elisabeth Øya, Rune Becher, Leni Ekeren, Anani K.J. Afanou, Johan Øvrevik and Jørn A. Holme
Additional contact information
Elisabeth Øya: Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
Rune Becher: Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
Leni Ekeren: Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
Anani K.J. Afanou: Department for the Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
Johan Øvrevik: Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
Jørn A. Holme: Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 6, 1-16

Abstract: Damp indoor environments contaminated with different mold species may contribute to the development and exacerbation of respiratory illnesses. Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to X-ray treated spores and hyphal fragments from pure cultures of Aspergillus fumigatus , Penicillum chrysogenum , Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys chartarum . Hyphal fragments of A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum induced expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 and the chemokine IL-8, while none of the other hyphal preparations had effects. Hyphal fragments from A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum also increased the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, but these cytokines were not released. X-ray treated spores had little or no inflammatory potential. Attenuating Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 by blocking antibodies strongly reduced the A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum hyphae-induced IL-6 and IL-8 release, whereas TLR4 antagonist treatment was without effects. Untreated A. fumigatus spores formed hyphae and triggered expression of pro-inflammatory genes with similarities to the effects of hyphal fragments. In conclusion, while X-ray treated spores induced no pro-inflammatory responses, hyphal fragments of A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum enhanced a TLR2-dependent expression and release of IL-6 and IL-8.

Keywords: mold; inflammation; lung cells; cytokines; TLRs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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