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Integrating farm and air pollution studies in search for immunoregulatory mechanisms operating in protective and high‐risk environments
Author(s) -
Martikainen MariaViola,
Rönkkö Teemu J.,
Schaub Bianca,
Täubel Martin,
Gu Cheng,
Wong Gary WK,
Li Jing,
Pekkanen Juha,
Komppula Mika,
Hirvonen MaijaRiitta,
Jalava Pasi I.,
Roponen Marjut
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.12975
Subject(s) - cd80 , immune system , immunology , medicine , cytokine , asthma , particulates , air pollution , environmental health , biology , ecology , in vitro , genetics , cytotoxic t cell , cd40
Background Studies conducted in farm environments suggest that diverse microbial exposure promotes children's lung health. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, and the development of asthma‐preventive strategies has been delayed. More comprehensive investigation of the environment‐induced immunoregulation is required for better understanding of asthma pathogenesis and prevention. Exposure to air pollution, including particulate matter ( PM ), is a risk factor for asthma, thus providing an excellent counterpoint for the farm‐effect research. Lack of comparable data, however, complicates interpretation of the existing information. We aimed to explore the immunoregulatory effects of cattle farm dust (protective, Finland) and urban air PM (high‐risk, China) for the first time using identical research methods. Methods We stimulated PBMC s of 4‐year‐old children (N = 18) with farm dust and size‐segregated PM and assessed the expression of immune receptors CD 80 and ILT 4 on dendritic cells and monocytes as well as cytokine production of PBMC s. Environmental samples were analysed for their composition. Results Farm dust increased the percentage of cells expressing CD 80 and the cytokine production of children's immune cells, whereas PM inhibited the expression of important receptors and the production of soluble mediators. Although PM samples induced parallel immune reactions, the size‐fraction determined the strength of the effects. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the significance of using the same research framework when disentangling shared and distinctive immune pathways operating in different environments. Observed stimulatory effects of farm dust and inhibitory effects of PM could shape responses towards respiratory pathogens and allergens, and partly explain differences in asthma prevalence between studied environments.