V.2.4. Immunology
Immunoglobulin responses and inflammatory mediators are markers of the fungal-host interaction (103–108). Such biomarkers are valuable endpoints of individual susceptibility because fungal exposure is not a direct predictor of health effects at the individual level (77). In the ECRHS cohort of general adult population, indoor mold exposure was associated with a higher risk for adult-onset asthma, oculo-respiratory and general symptoms, and increased asthma severity scores, predicted by higher levels of IgE and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) (74,75,77,109). Pre-existing sensitization to airborne molds was associated with a higher risk of mold-related disease (74).