Proteases may have also an adjuvant
effect on allergenic properties of other proteins [7]. Proteases
facilitate antigen access to host cells by direct
receptor-specific interaction involving protease-activated
receptor type-2 (PAR-2) with epithelial cells or by damaging
epithelial cells, allowing access to underlying cells.
As an example, A. alternata, A. fumigatus and
Cladosporium herbarum proteases not only stimulate cytokine
secretion but also promote epithelial cell barrier
disruption