Allergy – Allergenic aerosol exposure

The majority of allergies are hypersensitivities to aeroallergens (e.g. pollen allergens). Thus, many allergies are aerosol-dependent diseases. Depending on the aerosol, it may have adjuvant or protective effects on aerosol-dependent diseases. Anthropogenic aerosols, such as diesel vehicle emissions containing organic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, may exacerbate allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. On the other hand, aerosols from cowsheds have been shown to have a protective effect on the development of allergies. Therefore, the interaction of anthropogenic and allergenic aerosol exposures will be investigated. This is done by combining a comprehensive physical and chemical characterization of the generated (UFP) aerosol with an in-depth biological investigation of human lung cells after exposure to anthropogenic as well as allergy-relevant biogenic aerosols. In addition, protective aerosols, such as cow stalls, will be extensively chemically characterized to identify and test relevant protective substances.

Project funded by Helmholtz Munich

Scientist involved: Elias Zimmermann (PhD project)