Antibody and T cell responses against avian and microbial antigens associate with hypersensitivity pneumonitis disease parameters in pigeon breeders

Abstract

Pigeon Fancier's Lung (PFL) is a form of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis where lung pathology occurs due to an immune reaction to repeated inhalation of large amounts of feather-derived and droppings-derived dust [1]. The 1μm dust particles penetrate the lower respiratory tract, initiating characteristic granulomatous inflammation in distal airways and alveoli. The particles, which carry pigeon antigens, cause irritation, and likely contain microbial components, both of which enhance immunogenicity.