The mycobiome in atopic diseases: inducers and triggers

Open Access

Glatthardt T, van Tilburg Bernardes E, Arrieta MC. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2023 Oct 19:S0091-6749(23)01288-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.10.006.

Abstract:

Atopic diseases are characterized by type 2 inflammation, with high allergen-specific T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses and elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) production. These common disorders have increased in incidence around the world, partly explained by detrimental disturbances to the early-life intestinal microbiome. While most studies have focused exclusively on bacterial members of the microbiome, intestinal fungi have started to gain an appreciation for their impact on host immune development and atopy pathogenesis. In this perspective, we review recent findings demonstrating the strong interactions between members of the mycobiome and the host immune system early in life, leading to immune tolerance during eubiosis, or inducing sensitization and overt Th2 responses during dysbiosis. Current evidence places intestinal fungi as central players in the development of allergic diseases and potential targets for atopy prevention and treatments.

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