Lay summary
We breathe over 10,000 litres of air each day, exposing our lungs to thousands of microbes, including fungal spores. Each microbial encounter leaves a lasting imprint on the lungs, shaping how our immune system responds to future infections and allergens. While most exposures are harmless, some can cause serious disease - especially in people with asthma or underlying health conditions. This research investigates how fungal exposure affects respiratory health in two key ways: first, by uncovering how it contributes to asthma development and severity; and second, by exploring how some fungal exposures may actually enhance the body’s ability to fight infections. By better understanding these processes, we aim to identify early intervention points and develop new treatments that either reduce harmful inflammation or harness protective fungal-host interactions. This work will improve health outcomes for vulnerable Kiwis, and could lead to the commercial development of urgently needed therapies for respiratory diseases.