Prevention and treatment of allergic inflammation by an Fcγ-Der f2 fusion protein in a murine model of dust mite-induced asthma

Systematic Characterization of the Group 2 House Dust Mite Allergen in Dermatophagoides microceras

Background

Allergic asthma, a chronic airway inflammatory disease, is a critical public health problem. Indoor house dust mites (HDMs) could cause allergic asthma. The prevalence of sensitization to Dermatophagoides microceras (Der m) was approximately 80% and is related to the immunoglobulin E crossing-reactivity of mites belonging to the same genus, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) and Dermatophagoides farina (Der f). However, studies on Der m are scant.

Methods

We used integrated OMICs approaches to identify and characterize the group 2 mite allergen-like protein in Der m (Der m 2). We established a Der m 2-induced allergic asthma mouse model and treated the mice with a fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP-fve) isolated from Flammulina veluptipes to evaluate the allergenicity of Der m 2 and the immunomodulatory effects of FIP-fve.

Results

By performing de novo draft genome assembly and comparative genome analysis, we identified the putative 144-amino acid Der m 2 in silico and further confirmed its existence through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Der m 2 is a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-binding protein. Thus, we examined the LPS-binding activity of recombinant Der m 2 by performing molecular docking analysis, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and a pull-down assay. Der m 2 elicited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 in BEAS-2B cells, a human bronchial epithelial cell line, and induced airway hyperresponsiveness in mice. Furthermore, in mice sensitized with Der m 2, the administration of FIP-fve in either the earlier stage or the late stage, FIP-fve alleviated allergic asthma by moderating airway inflammation and remodeling.

Conclusions

Der m 2 induced inflammatory responses in cell and mouse models. FIP-fve alleviated inflammation in Der m 2-induced asthma in mice by exerting an immunomodulatory effect.

Perspectives in Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Molecular Evolution of Peptide- and Protein-Based Strategies

Allergen-specific Immunotherapy (AIT), through repetitive subcutaneous or sublingual administrations of allergen extracts, represents up to now the unique treatment against allergic sensitizations. However, the clinical efficacy of AIT can be largely dependent on the quality of natural allergen extracts. Moreover, the long duration and adverse side effects associated with AIT negatively impact patient adherence. Tremendous progress in the field of molecular allergology has made possible the design of safer, shorter and more effective new immunotherapeutic approaches based on purified and characterized natural or recombinant allergen derivatives and peptides. This review will summarize the characteristics of these different innovative vaccines including their effects in preclinical studies and clinical trials.

The Expression and Function of CD300 Molecules in the Main Players of Allergic Responses: Mast Cells, Basophils and Eosinophils

Allergy is the host immune response against non-infectious substances called allergens. The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing worldwide. However, while some drugs counteract the symptomatology caused by allergic reactions, no completely effective treatments for allergic diseases have been developed yet. In this sense, the ability of surface activating and inhibitory receptors to modulate the function of the main effector cells of allergic responses makes these molecules potential pharmacological targets. The CD300 receptor family consists of members with activating and inhibitory capabilities mainly expressed on the surface of immune cells. Multiple studies in the last few years have highlighted the importance of CD300 molecules in several pathological conditions. This review summarizes the literature on CD300 receptor expression, regulation and function in mast cells, basophils and eosinophils, the main players of allergic responses. Moreover, we review the involvement of CD300 receptors in the pathogenesis of certain allergic diseases, as well as their prospective use as therapeutic targets for the treatment of IgE-dependent allergic responses.

Development of a hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles vaccine to protect against house dust mite induced allergic inflammation

Allergen specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only specific therapeutic way for house dust mite (HDM) allergy. To improve the efficacy of SIT, hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) were used as vehicles for HDM allergen. The HMSNs were prepared and characterized. The major HDM allergen (Der f2) was loaded onto HMSNs, and the drug loading capacity and release profile were determined. Then the Der f2 loaded HMSNs were injected subcutaneously to mouse model of Der f2 induced allergic asthma and the preventive effects were evaluated. Our results showed that HMSNs were spherical (100 nm) with pore diameter of 2.897 nm and successfully loaded with Der f2 protein. The loading capacity is 90 μg Der f2/1 mg HMSNs. The Der f2 loaded on HMSNs released slowly in 72 h. Treatment with Der f2 loaded HMSNs could efficiently decrease Der f2 specific IgE levels, inflammatory cells infiltration in lung tissue, and Th2 cytokine IL4 levels in BALF. In the meanwhile, it could increase the Der f2 specific IgG levels, Th1 cytokine IFN-γ levels, and induce proliferation of splenocytes to Der f2 accompanied by increased IFN-γ levels. These results showed that Der f2 loaded HMSNs were efficient in preventing allergic inflammation, and HMSNs may be potential vehicles for SIT of HDM allergy.

A novel bispecific DARPin targeting FcγRIIB and FcεRI-bound IgE inhibits allergic responses

BACKGROUND

Binding of allergen-specific IgE to its high-affinity receptor FcεRI on basophils and mast cells is a central event in the development of allergies. Exposure of these cells to allergens induces the release of soluble mediators causing allergic symptoms. The inhibitory low-affinity IgG Fc-receptor FcγRIIB is co-expressed on allergic effector cells and has been implicated in negative regulation of immediate hypersensitivity responses. In order to harvest the inhibitory function of this receptor, we aimed to select specific binders against FcγRIIB and to generate a bispecific molecule simultaneously targeting FcγRIIB and FcεRI-bound IgE on the surface of allergic effector cells.

METHODS

We selected FcγRIIB-specific binding molecules from a library of designed ankyrin repeat proteins using ribosome display technology. The bispecific binding modality was generated by molecular cloning and recombinant protein expression. We determined binding characteristics on molecular and cellular levels using SPR, ELISA, and flow cytometry. The inhibitory potential of the newly described molecules was assessed in different cellular degranulation assays ex vivo and in a mouse model of passive systemic anaphylaxis.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that the selected DARPin^® proteins recognize FcγRIIB with high affinity. Furthermore, the bispecific binding protein successfully interferes with allergen-induced cell degranulation and efficiently inhibits systemic anaphylaxis in vivo. Mechanistically, we report that FcγRIIB-mediated inhibition of effector cell activation requires direct ligation to an activating FcεRI receptor.

CONCLUSION

The described bispecific DARPin protein has the ability to co-ligate FcγRIIB with FcεRI-bound IgE on allergic effector cells and represents an efficient dual-modality to interfere with allergic hypersensitivity reactions.

New opportunities for allergen immunotherapy using synthetic peptide immuno-regulatory epitopes (SPIREs)

INTRODUCTION

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) reduces allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) symptoms, but long-term efficacy requires treatment for 3-5 years. Synthetic peptide immuno-regulatory epitopes, a new class of AIT, are allergen peptides with a shorter, more convenient treatment regimen that could potentially have benefits on adherence and outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

Phase 2 trials of therapies derived from cat, house dust mite, grass, and ragweed allergen peptides demonstrated significant reduction in ARC symptoms after short-course treatment; improvement was sustained for 18-24 months posttreatment. We conducted a PubMed literature search for clinical publications using the search terms AIT; allergen peptides; ARC; cat, grass, house dust mite, and ragweed allergy; SCIT; SLIT; and synthetic peptides. Expert commentary: Long-term disease modification is a realistic goal of AIT. The inconvenience of conventional AIT regimens negatively impacts long-term persistence and, thus, efficacy. In comparison, SPIREs have a more convenient treatment regimen that could potentially have benefits on adherence and outcomes.

Low-molecular-weight heparin and unfractionated heparin decrease Th-1, 2, and 17 expressions

Background

We evaluated the effects of T helper cell differentiation in a mite-allergic animal model treated with inhaled heparins of different molecular weight.

Method

BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: 1. Control, 2. Mite intratracheal (mIT), 3. Inhaled heparin (hIN), 4. Inhaled low-molecular-weight heparin (lmwhIN). Groups 2, 3, and 4 were sensitized twice with Der p allergen subcutaneously on day 1 and day 8. Der p allergen was administered intratracheally on day 15. Groups 3 and 4 were treated with heparin or low-molecular-weight (lmw) heparin intranasally from day 1 to 22. Splenocytes from sacrificed mice stimulated with 16 µg/ml of Der p were cultured for 72 hours. Supernatants of splenocyte were collected to analyze the effect of Interleukin (IL)17-A/F, Interferon(IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-10. Serum was also collected for Der P-specific IgE level on day 23. Total RNA was extracted from spleen tissue for mRNA expression. Gene expression of Foxp3, IL-10 IFN-γ, GATA3, IL-5, and RORγt were analyzed.

Results

Both hIN and lmwhIN groups had lower serum IgE level than that of the mIT group (both p<0.0001). Both hIN and lmwhIN groups showed significantly decreased transcripts of GATA-3, IFN-γ, IL-5, and RORγt mRNA in their spleen. Regarding the supernatant of splenocyte culture stimulated with Der p, compared with the mIT group, there were significant decreases in IL-17A/F, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-10 secretion in inhaled hIN and lmwhIN groups.

Conclusions

From this balb/c mice study, the analyses of mRNA and cytokines revealed that both intranasal heparin and lmw heparin treatment decreased the expression of Th1, Th2, and Th17 in spleen. The underlying mechanism(s) warrant further studies.

House dust mite allergen Der f 2 induces interleukin-13 expression by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway

House dust mites (HDMs) are a common cause of allergic asthma. The group 2 allergen from Dermatophagoides farinae, Der f 2, is one of the major HDM allergens. Elevated Der f 2 immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels are observed in most of the allergic patients. Interleukin-13 (IL-13), a gene associated with asthma pathology, was induced by Der f 2 in BEAS-2B human airway epithelial cells; however, the signaling pathways associated with Der f 2 are not fully understood. In this study, we identified a role of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, a well-known potential target for anti-asthma drugs, in the IL-13 induction by Der f 2. First, Der f 2 activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, which subsequently activated the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and induced IL-13 expression in BEAS-2B cells. Treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abolished Der f 2-induced activation of Akt and NF-κB and the expression of IL-13. Furthermore, Der f 2-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways, expression of IL-13, and the blockade of these effects with a PI3K inhibitor were confirmed in the lungs of mice that were intranasally exposed to Der f 2. Taken together, these results indicate that the PI3K/Akt pathway regulates Der f 2-induced IL-13 expression via activation of the NF-κB pathway.