Seeking common pathophysiology in asthma, atopy and sinusitis

Paul C. Porter, Valentine Ongeri, Amber Luong, Farrah Kheradmand, David Corry

    Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

    27 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Asthma and chronic sinusitis are inexplicably common airway diseases that are linked to atopy and allergic inflammation. T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and the associated cytokines are believed to play crucial pathogenic roles in asthma, but the environmental factors that instigate allergic airway disease remain poorly understood. Environmental proteinases are highly allergenic and are candidate inducers of airway Th2 responses. Determining the proteinases and their sources that are relevant to airway disease, however, remains challenging. In this Opinion, we summarize the evidence that implicates fungi as both a relevant source of allergenic proteinases and a potential cause of asthma, atopy and chronic sinusitis through airway infection. Clarification of the extrinsic causes of these processes will markedly improve diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)43-49
    Number of pages7
    JournalTrends in Immunology
    Volume32
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Feb 2011

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Immunology and Allergy
    • Immunology

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Seeking common pathophysiology in asthma, atopy and sinusitis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this