β-(1,3)-Glucan is present in mould cell walls and frequently detected in house dust mite (HDM) faeces. β-Glucan exposure is thought to be associated with pulmonary allergic inflammation in mouse and man, although the published data are inconsistent. Here, we show that highly purified β-glucan exacerbates HDM-induced eosinophilic, T helper 2 type airway responses by acting as an adjuvant, promoting activation, proliferation and polarisation of HDM-specific T cells (1-Derβ T cells). We therefore provide definitive evidence that β-glucan can influence allergic pulmonary inflammation.

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doi.org/10.1186/s12931-016-0352-5, hdl.handle.net/1765/86705
Respiratory Research (Print)
Department of Pulmonology

Hadebe, S, Kirstein, F, Fierens, K, Redelinghuys, P, Murray, G.I, Williams, D.L, … Brown, G.D. (2016). β-Glucan exacerbates allergic airway responses to house dust mite allergen. Respiratory Research (Print), 17(1). doi:10.1186/s12931-016-0352-5