Effect of Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans on pro-inflammatory response in cystic fibrosis epithelium.

Background <br/>The identification of filamentous fungi and/or yeasts in the airway secretions of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) is becoming increasingly prevalent; yet the importance of these organisms in relation to underlying inflammation is poorly defined. <br/> <br/>Methods <br/>Cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells (CFBE) and human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) were co-incubated with Candida albicans whole cells or Aspergillus fumigatus conidia for 24 h prior to the measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 by ELISA. <br/> <br/>Results <br/>Treatment of HBE or CFBE with C. albicans whole cells did not alter cytokine secretion. However treatment of CFBE with A. fumigatus conidia resulted in a 1.45-fold increase in IL-6 and a 1.65-fold increase in IL-8 secretion in comparison to basal levels; in contrast there was far less secretion from HBE cells. <br/> <br/>Conclusion <br/>Our data indicate that A. fumigatus infection modulates a pro-inflammatory response in CF epithelial cells while C. albicans does not. <br/> <br/>