Effect of yeast probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii cell wall extract on Aspergillus fumigatus allergenicity in A549 cells

Background and Purpose: Interest in probiotic use for respiratory allergies has increased. In this regard, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cell wall extractof Saccharomyces boulardii on Aspergillus fumigatus as an allergenic fungus and itseffectiveness in reducing inflammatory cytokines in A549 cells sensitized with A. fumigatus conidia.Materials and Methods: Cell wall of S. boulardii was prepared and challenged by A.fumigatus conidia at various concentrations.Secretory protease activity was tested usingthe Casein method. The A. fumigatus allergen 1 (Asp f1) gene expression was calculated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In another experiment,qRT-PCR was used to examine gene expression of interleukin 13 and interleukin 17 by A549 lung epithelial cells exposed to A. fumigatus conidia and treated with different concentrations of S. boulardii cell wall extract.Results: Saccharomyces boulardii cell wall extract significantly reduced the proteaseactivity of A. fumigatus at concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/ml (P<0.05). The Asp f1 gene expression was significantly down-regulated in each concentration of S. boulardii cell wallextract (P<0.05). Aspergillus fumigatus conidia upregulated the expression of IL-13 and IL-17 in A549 cells, and S. boulardii cell wall extract could downregulate the expression of the mentioned cytokines at concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/ml (P<0.05).Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that S. boulardii cell wall extract could be a candidate for IL-13- and IL-17-induced Aspergillus-mediated allergy and asthma therapies. Nevertheless, future studies need to be conducted on the safety of S.boulardii cell wall extract in vivo and its effects on other arms of allergic hypersensitivity.

Effect of yeast probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii cell wall extract on Aspergillus fumigatus allergenicity in A549 cells Keywords:

Aspergillus fumigatus , Asp f1 , cell wall extract , Fungal allergy , Interleukin 13 , Interleukin 17 , Saccharomyces boulardii