Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-29-2025

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by complex pathophysiological mechanisms and diverse endotypes, primarily categorized as T helper type 2 cell (Th2)-high and Th2-low asthma. Despite significant advances in understanding asthma pathogenesis, the mechanisms governing the pulmonary immune system’s response to external challenges have not been fully understood. To address these gaps, this comprehensive project was designed to investigate the interplay between fungal infections and specific CD4+ T cell populations in asthma. Our findings suggest that fungal infections can contribute to neutrophilic asthma by promoting the migration of platelet-myeloid aggregates into the lungs. We also found that Th2 cells enhance antifungal immunity through the expression of Dectin-1 and secretion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-13, which boost macrophage activity and promote the clearance of fungal pathogens. Our work elucidates the intricate crosstalk between fungal pathogens and immune responses in asthma.

Keywords

asthma, Th17, Th2, Candida, macrophage, platelet

Sponsors

University of New Mexico

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Biomedical Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

First Committee Member (Chair)

Matthew J. Campen

Second Committee Member

Xuexian O. Yang

Third Committee Member

Meilian Liu

Fourth Committee Member

Judy L. Cannon

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