A Simple Guide for Aspergillillosis Patients and Carers**
Part of the Aspergillosis Immune System Knowledge Hub
(See also: Articles 2, 3, and 4)
When you live with aspergillosis, asthma, bronchiectasis, or fungal allergy, the immune system plays a major role in your symptoms and how your condition behaves. This article explains the key parts of the immune system in a clear, accessible way.
🧬 1. B Cells — the Antibody Makers
B cells produce antibodies, which act like “tags” that help the immune system recognise germs.
They make different types, including:
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IgE — triggers allergy
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IgG — provides long-term immunity and helps diagnose chronic infection
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IgA — protects the nose, throat, and gut
In Aspergillosis:
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ABPA: B cells overproduce IgE against Aspergillus.
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CPA: High Aspergillus IgG helps confirm chronic infection.
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SAFS/Bronchitis: Mixed or subtle antibody patterns.
🧠 2. T Cells — the Immune System’s Directors
T cells guide and regulate the immune response.
Types include:
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Helper T cells (Th cells): tell B cells what antibodies to make
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Killer T cells: destroy infected or damaged cells
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Regulatory T cells: calm the immune system and prevent over-reaction
In Aspergillosis:
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ABPA: Helper T cells become overactive, driving allergic inflammation.
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CPA: T cells attempt to control fungal growth but cannot fully clear it.
🟡 3. IgE — the Allergy Antibody
IgE causes:
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wheezing
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swelling
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itching
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mucus production
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allergic reactions
In ABPA, IgE levels become very high because the body incorrectly treats Aspergillus as a major allergen.
🟢 4. IgG — the Memory and Detection Antibody
IgG helps the immune system remember past infections.
A raised Aspergillus IgG level is one of the main tests for CPA.
🔥 5. Mast Cells — the Alarm Cells
Mast cells sit in the lungs, nose, sinuses, skin, and gut.
When triggered (often by IgE), they release:
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histamine
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leukotrienes
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inflammatory chemicals
This causes:
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wheezing
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chest tightness
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mucus production
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itching or burning sensations
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coughing
They are very active in ABPA and severe asthma.
🌈 6. Histamine — Why Symptoms Feel the Way They Do
Histamine release leads to:
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swelling and redness
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increased mucus
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nerve irritation → itch, tickle, burning
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airway narrowing → wheeze and breathlessness
This explains why flare-ups can feel sudden or “out of proportion” to test results.
🧩 7. Putting It Together: Immune Pathways in Aspergillosis
| Condition | Dominant Antibody | Key Cells | Symptoms Driven By |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABPA | Very high IgE | Mast cells, eosinophils | Allergy, mucus, flare-ups |
| CPA | Raised IgG | T cells, macrophages | Chronic inflammation, cavities |
| SAFS/Allergic asthma | IgE ± eosinophils | Mast cells, eosinophils | Wheeze, mucus, sensitivity |
| Aspergillus bronchitis | Variable | Neutrophils, airway cells | Cough, sputum, recurring infections |
Understanding these pathways helps you and your clinical team choose the right treatments.
Next articles:
- **Understanding your immune system
- How the Immune System Knows “Self”
- What Happens in Autoimmune Disease (Addison’s Explained)
- Eosinophils and Type-2 Inflammation in Aspergillosis
- **Where Do All These Immune Cells Live, and Where Are They Made?
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