Methanosphaera stadtmanae induces a type IV hypersensitivity response in a mouse model of airway inflammation
2017
Despite improved awareness of work‐related diseases and preventive measures, many workers are still at high risk of developing occupational hypersensitivity airway diseases. This stems from a lack of knowledge of
bioaerosolcomposition and their potential effects on human health. Recently, archaea species were identified in
bioaerosols, raising the possibility that they play a major role in exposure‐related pathology. Specifically,
Methanosphaera stadtmanae(MSS) and
Methanobrevibacter smithii(MBS) are found in high concentrations in agricultural environments and respiratory exposure to crude extract demonstrates immunomodulatory activity in mice. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the specific impact of
methanogensexposure on airway immunity and their potential to induce airway
hypersensitivity responsesin workers remains scant. Analysis of the lung mucosal response to
methanogencrude extracts in mice demonstrated that MSS and MBS predominantly induced TH17 airway inflammation, typical of a
type IV hypersensitivityresponse. Furthermore, the response to MSS was associated with antigen‐specific IgG1 and IgG2a production. However, despite the presence of eosinophils after MSS exposure, only a weak TH2 response and no airway hyperresponsiveness were observed. Finally, using eosinophil and mast cell‐deficient mice, we confirmed that these cells are dispensable for the TH17 response to MSS, although eosinophils likely contribute to the exacerbation of inflammatory processes induced by MSS crude extract exposure. We conclude that, as MSS induces a clear
type IV hypersensitivitylung response, it has the potential to be harmful to workers frequently exposed to this
methanogen, and that preventive measures should be taken to avoid chronic hypersensitivity disease development in workers.
Keywords:
-
Correction
-
Source
-
Cite
-
Save
70
References
10
Citations
NaN
KQI