Impact/Purpose:

The indoor environment has increased in importance to childrens health with children now spending more than 90% of their time indoors. Molds are an important component of this environment and have been associated with exacerbation of asthma. Their contribution to the induction of allergic asthma is less certain. The objectives of this research are 1) to evaluate the potential of indoor mold contaminants including toxigenic molds to induce allergic and other responses consistent with human allergic asthma in a mouse model, 2) identify IgE inducing proteins from three fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae, Stachybotrys chartarum, and Penicillium chrysogenum), and 3) assess the relative potency and rank mold allergens in comparison to each other and to known respiratory allergens. Results of this research will provide the EPA regional offices and the Office of Indoor Air with scientifically sound answers to some of the mold related inquiries they regularly receive. Additionally, this research will provide insight into the potency rankings of various molds and protein allergens in general.

Description:

We are using a mouse model to assess immune and inflammatory responses as well as changes in respiratory function and pathology characteristic of allergic asthma to fungal extracts M. anisopliae (MACA), S. chartarum (SCE), and P. chrysogenum (PCE). This model will be useful to assess the potency of mold allergens relative to other indoor allergens as well as to help establish the relative importance of mold in the indoor environment. Of additional importance in understanding allergic responses is the identification and characterization of specific protein allergens. Although no amino acid sequence motifs specific for allergenicity have been identified thus far, in general, protein sensitizers are hydrophilic, heat and digestion stable and may have enzymatic activity. Ultimately, the identification of specific allergens will provide the tool needed to test humans for allergic antibodies to these microbes. This also falls into GPRA Goal 4 Healthy Communities and Eco Systems

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