Texas Mold Remediation Contractor State Practice Exam

Which component of a fungal cell wall might cause inflammatory responses in the lungs?

1. Chitin

2. Glucans

3. Protein

4. Starch

The correct answer is: Glucans

Glucans are a significant component of the fungal cell wall that can elicit inflammatory responses in the lungs. They are polysaccharides made up of glucose units and are known to play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the fungal cell wall. When fungal spores are inhaled, glucans can interact with immune cells in the respiratory system. This interaction triggers a response from the immune system, often leading to inflammation. In particular, glucans can bind to specific receptors on immune cells, activating them and promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can result in conditions such as asthma or allergic reactions. While chitin, another important structural polysaccharide found in fungal cell walls, can also provoke immune responses, glucans are more commonly associated with direct inflammatory effects because of their ability to activate the immune pathways. Protein components are more often involved in other immune functions, and starch is not a typical component of fungal cell walls and is less relevant in the context of inflammatory responses. Thus, glucans are the primary component linked to promoting inflammation in the lungs when it comes to fungal exposure.