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Jebbawi F, Chemnitzer A, Dietrich M, Pantelyushin S, Lam J, Rhiner T, Keller G, Waldern N, Canonica F, Fettelschoss-Gabriel A. Cytokines and chemokines skin gene expression in correlation with immune cells in blood and severity in equine insect bite hypersensitivity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1414891. [PMID: 39076967 PMCID: PMC11284025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1414891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the most frequent skin allergy of horses and is highly debilitating, especially in the chronic phase. IBH is caused by IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to culicoides midge bites and an imbalanced immune response that reduces the welfare of affected horses. Objective In the present study, we investigated the pathological mechanisms of IBH, aiming to understand the immune cell modulation in acute allergic skin lesions of IBH horses with the goal of finding possible biomarkers for a diagnostic approach to monitor treatment success. Methods By qPCR, we quantified the gene expression of cytokines, chemokines, and immune receptors in skin punch biopsies of IBH with different severity levels and healthy horses simultaneously in tandem with the analysis of immune cell counts in the blood. Results Our data show an increase in blood eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils with a concomitant, significant increase in associated cytokine, chemokine, and immune cell receptor mRNA expression levels in the lesional skin of IBH horses. Moreover, IL-5Ra, CCR5, IFN-γ, and IL-31Ra were strongly associated with IBH severity, while IL-31 and IL-33 were rather associated with a milder form of IBH. In addition, our data show a strong correlation of basophil cell count in blood with IL-31Ra, IL-5, IL-5Ra, IFN-γ, HRH2, HRH4, CCR3, CCR5, IL-12b, IL-10, IL-1β, and CCL26 mRNA expression in skin punch biopsies of IBH horses. Conclusion In summary, several cytokines and chemokines have been found to be associated with disease severity, hence contributing to IBH pathology. These molecules can be used as potential biomarkers to monitor the onset and progression of the disease or even to evaluate and monitor the efficacy of new therapeutic treatments for IBH skin allergy. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated immune cells together with a large set of genes related to their biological function, including correlation to disease severity, in a large cohort of healthy and IBH horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Jebbawi
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Evax AG, Guntershausen, Switzerland
| | - Alex Chemnitzer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Evax AG, Guntershausen, Switzerland
| | - Macsmeila Dietrich
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Stanislav Pantelyushin
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Evax AG, Guntershausen, Switzerland
| | - Juwela Lam
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Evax AG, Guntershausen, Switzerland
| | - Tanya Rhiner
- Evax AG, Guntershausen, Switzerland
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Keller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Evax AG, Guntershausen, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabia Canonica
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Evax AG, Guntershausen, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Fettelschoss-Gabriel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Evax AG, Guntershausen, Switzerland
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Cox A, Stewart AJ. Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses: Causes, Diagnosis, Scoring and New Therapies. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2514. [PMID: 37570323 PMCID: PMC10416928 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (IBH, Queensland itch, sweet itch, equine summer eczema) is the most common pruritic disease of horses. It is most often caused by sensitivity to the saliva of Culicoides spp. of biting midges; however, it can also be caused by hypersensitivity to other insect species. The prevalence of IBH in horses is reported to be as high as 60% in some parts of the world. Due to the severe pruritus and effects of secondary self-trauma, IBH has animal welfare concerns, and there is currently no cure. Management of this condition is life-long, time consuming and costly. New grading systems to document disease severity are being validated, which will allow the comparison of clinical trial results of new and existing therapies. Management involves the minimisation of insect bites by use of stabling, fans, rugs and repellents. Symptomatic therapy involves the administration of systemic or topical corticosteroids, systemic antihistamines, and creams and sprays to promote skin healing and decrease inflammation. New immune-mediated therapeutics including vaccines, in addition to desensitisation procedures, show promise at controlling hypersensitivity reactions. This article will review aetiologic agents, pathophysiology, scoring systems and current and new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allison J. Stewart
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland Gatton, 5391 Warrego Highway, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
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Marsella R, White S, Fadok VA, Wilson D, Mueller R, Outerbridge C, Rosenkrantz W. Equine allergic skin diseases: Clinical consensus guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology. Vet Dermatol 2023; 34:175-208. [PMID: 37154488 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic skin diseases are common in horses worldwide. The most common causes are insect bites and environmental allergens. OBJECTIVES To review the current literature and provide consensus on pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors reviewed the literature up to November 2022. Results were presented at North America Veterinary Dermatology Forum (2021) and European Veterinary Dermatology Congress (2021). The report was available to member organisations of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology for feedback. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the best characterised allergic skin disease. An immunoglobulin (Ig)E response against Culicoides salivary antigens is widely documented. Genetics and environmental factors play important roles. Tests with high sensitivity and specificity are lacking, and diagnosis of IBH is based on clinical signs, seasonality and response to insect control. Eosinophils, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-31 are explored as therapeutic targets. Presently, the most effective treatment is insect avoidance. Existing evidence does not support allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) using commercially available extracts of Culicoides. Hypersensitivity to environmental allergens (atopic dermatitis) is the next most common allergy. A role for IgE is supported by serological investigation, skin test studies and positive response to ASIT. Prospective, controlled, randomised studies are limited, and treatment relies largely on glucocorticoids, antihistamines and ASIT based on retrospective studies. Foods are known triggers for urticaria, yet their role in pruritic dermatitis is unknown. Recurrent urticaria is common in horses, yet our understanding is limited and focussed on IgE and T-helper 2 cell response. Prospective, controlled studies on treatments for urticaria are lacking. Glucocorticoids and antihistamines are primary reported treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Marsella
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - S White
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - V A Fadok
- Zoetis, US PET CARE, Bellaire, Texas, USA
| | - D Wilson
- School of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - R Mueller
- Medizinische Keleintierklinik, Zentrum für klinische Tiermedizin, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - C Outerbridge
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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White SD. Approach to the pruritic horse. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2023; 261:S66-S74. [PMID: 36638000 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.10.0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Pruritus in the horse may be due to several causes, the most common being a hypersensitivity response to salivary proteins in the Culicoides genera, which may coexist with atopic dermatitis, also known as an environmental allergy to pollens, molds, dust, storage mites, etc. Less common etiologies are food allergy and contact allergy, the latter often caused by owners applying various products to the skin. Other ectoparasites, such as Chorioptes mites, may also initiate pruritus. Secondary bacterial infections (usually Staphylococcus spp) may be pruritic in and of themselves. This article reviews the questions that need to be asked of owners to obtain a relevant history, always important for any organ system, but perhaps none more so than the skin. The various clinical findings such as alopecia and crusts and their location on the horse, diagnostic methods such as intradermal or serum testing for allergies, and subsequent hyposensitization are also discussed. Therapeutic options currently available for the potential underlying diseases, in particular for the hypersensitivity reactions to Culicoides spp or environmental allergens, are reviewed with the studies of hyposensitization over the last 40 years, as well as medications that may be effective. While the most common causes of pruritus in the horse are known, the current understanding of the pathophysiology still needs to be investigated, and consequently, the most effective treatments for those causes need to be improved. Newer research is discussed that may eventually add to the diagnostic and therapeutic options currently available for the pruritic horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D. White
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
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Equine keratinocytes in the pathogenesis of insect bite hypersensitivity: Just another brick in the wall? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266263. [PMID: 35913947 PMCID: PMC9342730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the most common skin disease affecting horses. It is described as an IgE-mediated, Type I hypersensitivity reaction to salivary gland proteins of Culicoides insects. Together with Th2 cells, epithelial barrier cells play an important role in development of Type I hypersensitivities. In order to elucidate the role of equine keratinocytes in development of IBH, we stimulated keratinocytes derived from IBH-affected (IBH-KER) (n = 9) and healthy horses (H-KER) (n = 9) with Culicoides recombinant allergens and extract, allergic cytokine milieu (ACM) and a Toll like receptor ligand 1/2 (TLR-1/2-L) and investigated their transcriptomes. Stimulation of keratinocytes with Culicoides allergens did not induce transcriptional changes. However, when stimulated with allergic cytokine milieu, their gene expression significantly changed. We found upregulation of genes encoding for CCL5, -11, -20, -27 and interleukins such as IL31. We also found a strong downregulation of genes such as SCEL and KRT16 involved in the formation of epithelial barrier. Following stimulation with TLR-1/2-L, keratinocytes significantly upregulated expression of genes affecting Toll like receptor and NOD-receptor signaling pathway as well as NF-kappa B signaling pathway, among others. The transcriptomes of IBH-KER and H-KER were very similar: without stimulations they only differed in one gene (CTSL); following stimulation with allergic cytokine milieu we found only 23 differentially expressed genes (e.g. CXCL10 and 11) and following stimulation with TLR-1/2-L they only differed by expression of seven genes. Our data suggests that keratinocytes contribute to the innate immune response and are able to elicit responses to different stimuli, possibly playing a role in the pathogenesis of IBH.
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Marti E, Novotny EN, Cvitas I, Ziegler A, Wilson AD, Torsteinsdottir S, Fettelschoss‐Gabriel A, Jonsdottir S. Immunopathogenesis and immunotherapy of
Culicoides
hypersensitivity in horses: an update. Vet Dermatol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/vde.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Marti
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health Vetsuisse Faculty‐University of Bern Länggass‐strasse 124 Bern 3012Switzerland
- Dermfocus, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern Langgassstrasse 120 Bern 3001 Switzerland
| | - Ella N. Novotny
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health Vetsuisse Faculty‐University of Bern Länggass‐strasse 124 Bern 3012Switzerland
| | - Iva Cvitas
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health Vetsuisse Faculty‐University of Bern Länggass‐strasse 124 Bern 3012Switzerland
| | - Anja Ziegler
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health Vetsuisse Faculty‐University of Bern Länggass‐strasse 124 Bern 3012Switzerland
| | - A. Douglas Wilson
- School of Clinical Veterinary Sciences University of Bristol Langford House Bristol BS40 5DU UK
| | | | - Antonia Fettelschoss‐Gabriel
- Department of Dermatology University Hospital Zurich Wagistrasse 12 Schlieren 8952 Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine University of Zurich Switzerland
- Evax AG Hörnlistrasse 3 Münchwilen 9542 Switzerland
| | - Sigridur Jonsdottir
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health Vetsuisse Faculty‐University of Bern Länggass‐strasse 124 Bern 3012Switzerland
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, Keldur Biomedical Center University of Iceland Reykjavik Iceland
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First clinical expression of equine insect bite hypersensitivity is associated with co-sensitization to multiple Culicoides allergens. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257819. [PMID: 34780496 PMCID: PMC8592417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an IgE-mediated allergic dermatitis in horses incited by salivary allergens from Culicoides spp. IBH does not occur in Iceland, as the causative agents are absent, however a high prevalence is seen in horses exported to Culicoides-rich environments. AIMS To study the natural course of sensitization to Culicoides allergens and identify the primary sensitizing allergen(s) in horses exported from Iceland utilizing a comprehensive panel of Culicoides recombinant (r-) allergens. METHOD IgE microarray profiling to 27 Culicoides r-allergens was conducted on 110 serological samples from horses imported to Switzerland from Iceland that subsequently developed IBH or remained healthy. Furthermore, a longitudinal study of 31 IBH horses determined IgE profiles the summer preceding first clinical signs of IBH (TIBH-1), the summer of first clinical signs (TIBH) and the following summer (TIBH+1). In a group of Icelandic horses residing in Sweden, effects of origin (born in Iceland or Sweden) and duration of IBH (<4 years, 4-7 years, >7 years) on Culicoides-specific IgE was evaluated. Sero-positivity rates and IgE levels were compared. RESULTS At TIBH, horses were sensitized to a median of 11 r-allergens (range = 0-21), of which nine were major allergens. This was significantly higher than TIBH-1 (3, 0-16), as well as the healthy (1, 0-14) group. There was no significant increase between TIBH and TIBH+1(12, 0-23). IBH-affected horses exported from Iceland had a significantly higher degree of sensitization than those born in Europe, while duration of IBH did not significantly affect degree of sensitization. CONCLUSION Significant sensitization is only detected in serum the year of first clinical signs of IBH. Horses become sensitized simultaneously to multiple Culicoides r-allergens, indicating that IgE-reactivity is due to co-sensitization rather than cross-reactivity between Culicoides allergens. Nine major first sensitizing r-allergens have been identified, which could be used for preventive allergen immunotherapy.
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8
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Larson EM, Wagner B. Viral infection and allergy - What equine immune responses can tell us about disease severity and protection. Mol Immunol 2021; 135:329-341. [PMID: 33975251 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Horses have many naturally occurring diseases that mimic similar conditions in humans. The ability to conduct environmentally controlled experiments and induced disease studies in a genetically diverse host makes the horse a valuable intermediate model between mouse studies and human clinical trials. This review highlights important similarities in the immune landscape between horses and humans using current research on two equine diseases as examples. First, equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) infection initiates a series of innate inflammatory signals at its mucosal entry site in the upper respiratory tract. These inflammatory markers are highly synchronized and predictable between individuals during viral respiratory infection and ultimately lead to adaptive immune induction and protection. The timing of early inflammatory signals, followed by specific adaptive immune markers correlating with immunity and protection, allow accurate outbreak tracking and also provide a foundation for understanding the importance of local mucosal immunity during other viral respiratory infections. Second, rare peripheral blood immune cells that promote allergic inflammation can be analyzed during Culicoides hypersensitivity, a naturally occurring type I IgE-mediated allergic disease of horses. Rare immune cells, such as IgE-binding monocytes or basophils, can be studied repeatedly in the horse model to unravel their larger mechanistic role in inflammation during allergic and other inflammatory diseases. We conclude with a survey of all other common equine inflammatory conditions. Together, this review serves as a reference and rationale for the horse as a non-rodent model for immunological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Larson
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States.
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Cvitas I, Oberhänsli S, Leeb T, Dettwiler M, Müller E, Bruggman R, Marti EI. Investigating the epithelial barrier and immune signatures in the pathogenesis of equine insect bite hypersensitivity. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232189. [PMID: 32343720 PMCID: PMC7188278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a Th-2, IgE-mediated dermatitis of horses caused by bites of insects of the genus Culicoides that has common features with human atopic dermatitis. Together with Th-2 cells, the epithelial barrier plays an important role in development of type I hypersensitivities. In order to elucidate the role of the epithelial barrier and of the skin immune response in IBH we studied the transcriptome of lesional whole skin of IBH-horses (IBH-LE; n = 9) in comparison to non-lesional skin (IBH-NL; n = 8) as well as to skin of healthy control horses (H; n = 9). To study the "baseline state" of the epithelial barrier, we investigated the transcriptome of non-lesional epidermis in IBH-horses (EPI-IBH-NL; n = 10) in comparison with healthy epidermis from controls (EPI-H; n = 9). IBH-LE skin displayed substantial transcriptomic difference compared to H. IBH-LE was characterized by a downregulation of genes involved in tight junction formation, alterations in keratins and substantial immune signature of both Th-1 and Th-2 types with particular upregulation of IL13, as well as involvement of the hypoxic pathway. IBH-NL shared a number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with IBH-LE, but was overall more similar to H skin. In the epidermis, genes involved in metabolism of epidermal lipids, pruritus development, as well as IL25, were significantly differentially expressed between EPI-IBH-NL and EPI-H. Taken together, our data suggests an impairment of the epithelial barrier in IBH-affected horses that may act as a predisposing factor for IBH development. Moreover, these new mechanisms could potentially be used as future therapeutic targets. Importantly, many transcriptional features of equine IBH skin are shared with human atopic dermatitis, confirming equine IBH as a natural model of skin allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Cvitas
- Division of Experimental Clinical Research, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Dermfocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Simone Oberhänsli
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Dermfocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Genetics, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martina Dettwiler
- Dermfocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Müller
- Dermfocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Remy Bruggman
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Isabelle Marti
- Division of Experimental Clinical Research, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Dermfocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Cvitas I, Galichet A, Ling SC, Müller EJ, Marti E. Toll-like receptor-ligand induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression in primary equine keratinocytes. Vet Dermatol 2019; 31:154-162. [PMID: 31755151 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays a key role in the development of allergic inflammation. Little is known about possible triggers of equine TSLP expression. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To investigate TSLP expression in equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) skin lesions. The capacity of TLR 1-8 ligands (L) and of atopic cytokine milieu as potential triggers of TSLP and of interleukin (IL)-6 as a downstream effector molecule of TLR signalling, were examined in primary equine keratinocyte cultures. ANIMALS Lesional skin from IBH-affected and healthy skin from control-horses (n = 9 each group) was sampled. METHODS AND MATERIALS Keratinocyte cultures were established from six healthy horses and stimulated with TLR 1-8-L, and with IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α, to mimic an atopic inflammation cytokine milieu. TSLP and IL-6 gene expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS Expression of TSLP was significantly greater in IBH lesions compared to healthy skin. TLR 1-8-L significantly upregulated TSLP expression in keratinocytes. The strongest upregulation was induced by TLR 1/2-L and TLR 3-L. Combination of atopic cytokine milieu and TLR 1/2-L or TLR 3-L further increased TSLP expression. TLR-L 1-5 stimulation significantly upregulated IL-6 expression. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The data herein suggest that the upregulation of TSLP expression in lesional skin of IBH-affected horses might play a role in IBH development. Moreover, TSLP expression is induced by TLR-L, in particular by TLR 1/2-L and TLR 3-L, and is further increased by atopic cytokine milieu, indicating a mechanism for TSLP-mediated exacerbation of IBH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Cvitas
- Division of Experimental Clinical Research, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Langgassstrasse 124, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Hochschulstrasse 6, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Galichet
- Dermfocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Langgassstrasse 120, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 50, 3008, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 34, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shui Chu Ling
- Division of Experimental Clinical Research, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Langgassstrasse 124, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eliane J Müller
- Dermfocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Langgassstrasse 120, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 50, 3008, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 34, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Langassstrasse 120, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Marti
- Division of Experimental Clinical Research, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Langgassstrasse 124, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.,Dermfocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Langgassstrasse 120, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
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11
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Hartmann C, Gerner W, Walter I, Saalmüller A, Aurich C. Influences of intrauterine semen administration on regulatory T lymphocytes in the oestrous mare (Equus caballus). Theriogenology 2018; 118:119-125. [PMID: 29890428 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In the mare, early pregnancy loss is common, but involvement of the maternal immune system in the pathogenesis of this condition has not been investigated in detail so far. In the present study, we assessed effects of exposure of the endometrium to semen or seminal plasma in oestrous mares on the response of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) in the peripheral circulation as well as in the endometrium. Raw semen, seminal plasma or PBS (control) were introduced into the uterus of oestrous mares (n = 12). Blood was collected immediately before insemination or PBS infusion (time 0), and 12, 24 and 48 h thereafter. Endometrial biopsies were collected at 24 h. In peripheral blood, Treg (CD4+Foxp3+) cells were determined by flow cytometry. In endometrial biopsies, Tregs were assessed as cells staining positive for Foxp3 by immunohistochemistry. The percentage of Tregs in blood decreased (p < 0.05) at 12 h after exposure to seminal plasma, tended to decrease in response to raw semen (p = 0.095) but not to PBS. Leukocyte and PMN counts were not affected. In the endometrium, numbers of Foxp3 positive cells at 24 h after insemination or PBS infusion were not changed by treatment. Results of the present study provide only little evidence that maternal tolerance of pregnancy in the horse is modulated already by exposure of the oestrous endometrium to seminal plasma at mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Hartmann
- Platform Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingrid Walter
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Armin Saalmüller
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Platform Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Evaluation of wound healing activity of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perfoliatum) in horses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-017-2426-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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13
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Geisshüsler H, Marti E, Stoffel M, Kühni K, Stojiljkovic A, von Tscharner C, Vidondo B, Gerber V, Koch C. Quantitative analysis of infiltrating immune cells and bovine papillomavirus type 1 E2-positive cells in equine sarcoids. Vet J 2016; 216:45-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Jonsdottir S, Svansson V, Stefansdottir SB, Schüpbach G, Rhyner C, Marti E, Torsteinsdottir S. A preventive immunization approach against insect bite hypersensitivity: Intralymphatic injection with recombinant allergens in Alum or Alum and monophosphoryl lipid A. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2016; 172:14-20. [PMID: 27032498 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an IgE-mediated dermatitis of horses caused by bites of Culicoides insects, not indigenous to Iceland. Horses born in Iceland and exported to Culicoides-rich areas are frequently affected with IBH. The aims of the study were to compare immunization with recombinant allergens using the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide (Alum) alone or combined with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) for development of a preventive immunization against IBH. Twelve healthy Icelandic horses were vaccinated intralymphatically three times with 10 μg each of four recombinant Culicoides nubeculosus allergens in Alum or in Alum/MPLA. Injection with allergens in both Alum and Alum/MPLA resulted in significant increase in specific IgG subclasses and IgA against all r-allergens with no significant differences between the adjuvant groups. The induced antibodies from both groups could block binding of allergen specific IgE from IBH affected horses to a similar extent. No IgE-mediated reactions were induced. Allergen-stimulated PBMC from Alum/MPLA horses but not from Alum only horses produced significantly more IFNγ and IL-10 than PBMC from non-vaccinated control horses. In conclusion, intralymphatic administration of small amounts of pure allergens in Alum/MPLA induces high IgG antibody levels and Th1/Treg immune response and is a promising approach for immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy against IBH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigridur Jonsdottir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Vilhjalmur Svansson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sara Bjork Stefansdottir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Gertraud Schüpbach
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 124, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Rhyner
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Marti
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 124, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Sigurbjorg Torsteinsdottir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
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Hallamaa R, Batchu K. Phospholipid analysis in sera of horses with allergic dermatitis and in matched healthy controls. Lipids Health Dis 2016; 15:45. [PMID: 26932514 PMCID: PMC4774145 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0209-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lipids have become an important target for searching new biomarkers typical of different autoimmune and allergic diseases. The most common allergic dermatitis of the horse is related to stings of insects and is known as insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) or summer eczema, referring to its recurrence during the summer months. This intense pruritus has certain similarities with atopic dermatitis of humans. The treatment of IBH is difficult and therefore new strategies for therapy are needed. Autoserum therapy based on the use of serum phospholipids has recently been introduced for horses. So far, serum lipids relating to these allergic disorders have been poorly determined. The main aim of this study was to analyse phospholipid profiles in the sera of horses with allergic dermatitis and in their healthy controls and to further assess whether these lipid profiles change according to the clinical status after therapy. Methods Sera were collected from 10 horses with allergic dermatitis and from 10 matched healthy controls both before and 4 weeks after the therapy of the affected horses. Eczema horses were treated with an autogenous preparation made from a horse’s own serum and used for oral medication. Samples were analysed for their phospholipid content by liquid chromatography coupled to a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-MS). Data of phospholipid concentrations between the groups and over the time were analysed by using the Friedman test. Correlations between the change of concentrations and the clinical status were assessed by Spearman’s rank correlation test. Results The major phospholipid classes detected were phosphatidylcholine (PC), sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Eczema horses had significantly lower total concentrations of PC (p < 0.0001) and SM (p = 0.0115) than their healthy controls. After a 4-week therapy, no significant differences were found between the groups. Changes in SM concentrations correlated significantly with alterations in clinical signs (p = 0.0047). Conclusions Horses with allergic dermatitis have an altered phospholipid profile in their sera as compared with healthy horses and these profiles seem to change according to their clinical status. Sphingomyelin seems to have an active role in the course of equine insect bite hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raija Hallamaa
- Veterinary Clinic, Nummela, Finland. .,University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Krishna Batchu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Meulenbroeks C, van der Meide NMA, Willemse T, Rutten VPMG, Tijhaar E. Recombinant Culicoides obsoletus complex allergens stimulate antigen-specific T cells of insect bite hypersensitive Shetland ponies in vitro. Vet Dermatol 2015; 26:467-75, e108-9. [PMID: 26345148 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ponies may suffer from Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), an allergic IgE-mediated pruritic skin disorder, induced by allergens from biting midges of the Culicoides spp. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To determine whether recombinant Culicoides obsoletus allergens are able to activate T cells of ponies exposed to C. obsoletus and whether these allergen-specific responses differ between IBH-affected and healthy ponies. ANIMALS Ten IBH-affected Shetland ponies and 10 age-matched healthy controls taken from the same stables, to ensure similar exposure to midges. METHOD Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured with two different pools of recombinant C. obsoletus complex allergens to expand the allergen-specific T cells. These PBMC cultures were subsequently co-cultured with mature dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with the same antigens. Induction of Th1, Th2 and regulatory T (Treg) cells in these DC/PBMC co-cultures was assessed by analysis of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and FoxP3 expression levels using quantitative RT-PCR and phenotyping by flow cytometry. RESULTS Recombinant C. obsoletus allergens increased IFN-γ mRNA expression levels, percentages of IFN-γ expressing (Th1) cells and CD25(high) FoxP3(+) IL-10(+) Tregs compared to unstimulated DC/PBMC co-cultures. Stimulation of IL-4 expressing Th2 cells by the recombinant allergens was far less pronounced. The DC/PBMC co-cultures did not reveal significant differences between healthy and IBH-affected ponies for any of the analysed parameters, except for higher IL-4 mRNA levels in IBH affected ponies after stimulation with one of the two allergen pools. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The recombinant C. obsoletus complex allergens can stimulate antigen-specific Th1 and IL10 producing Treg cells and are therefore promising candidates for the immunotherapy of IBH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Meulenbroeks
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, Utrecht, 3584 CL, the Netherlands
| | - Nathalie M A van der Meide
- Cell Biology and Immunology group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, Wageningen, 6708 WD, the Netherlands
| | - Ton Willemse
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, Utrecht, 3584 CL, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, Utrecht, 3584 CM, the Netherlands
| | - Victor P M G Rutten
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, Utrecht, 3584 CL, the Netherlands.,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Edwin Tijhaar
- Cell Biology and Immunology group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, Wageningen, 6708 WD, the Netherlands
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Jonsdottir S, Hamza E, Janda J, Rhyner C, Meinke A, Marti E, Svansson V, Torsteinsdottir S. Developing a preventive immunization approach against insect bite hypersensitivity using recombinant allergens: A pilot study. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2015; 166:8-21. [PMID: 26004943 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an allergic dermatitis of horses caused by bites of midges (Culicoides spp.). IgE-mediated reactions are often involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. IBH does not occur in Iceland due to the absence of Culicoides, but it occurs with a high frequency in Icelandic horses exported to mainland Europe, where Culicoides are present. We hypothesize that immunization with the Culicoides allergens before export could reduce the incidence of IBH in exported Icelandic horses. The aim of the present study was therefore to compare intradermal and intralymphatic vaccination using four purified recombinant allergens, in combination with a Th1 focusing adjuvant. Twelve horses were vaccinated three times with 10μg of each of the four recombinant Culicoides nubeculosus allergens. Six horses were injected intralymphatically, three with and three without IC31(®), and six were injected intradermally, in the presence or absence of IC31(®). Antibody responses were measured by immunoblots and ELISA, potential sensitization in a sulfidoleukotriene release test and an intradermal test, cytokine and FoxP3 expression with real time PCR following in vitro stimulation of PBMC. Immunization with the r-allergens induced a significant increase in levels of r-allergen-specific IgG1, IgG1/3, IgG4/7, IgG5 and IgG(T). Application of the r-allergens in IC31(®) adjuvant resulted in a significantly higher IgG1, IgG1/3, IgG4/7 allergen-specific response. Intralymphatic injection was slightly more efficient than intradermal injection, but the difference did not reach significance. Testing of the blocking activity of the sera from the horses immunized intralymphatically with IC31(®) showed that the generated IgG antibodies were able to partly block binding of serum IgE from an IBH-affected horse to these r-allergens. Furthermore, IgG antibodies bound to protein bands on blots of C. nubeculosus salivary gland extract. No allergen-specific IgE was induced and there was no indication of induction of IgE-mediated reactions, as horses neither responded to Culicoides extract stimulation in a sulfidoleukotriene release test, nor developed a relevant immediate hypersensitivity reaction to the recombinant allergens in skin test. IL-4 expression was significantly higher in horses vaccinated intralymphatically without IC31(®), as compared to horses intradermally vaccinated with IC31(®). Both routes gave higher IL-10 expression with IC31(®). Both intralymphatic and intradermal vaccination of horses with recombinant allergens in IC31(®) adjuvant induced an immune response without adverse effects and without IgE production. The horses were not sensitized and produced IgG that could inhibit allergen-specific IgE binding. We therefore conclude that both the injection routes and the IC31(®) adjuvant are strong candidates for further development of immunoprophylaxis and therapy in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigridur Jonsdottir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Eman Hamza
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 124, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Jozef Janda
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 124, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Rhyner
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Meinke
- Valneva Austria GmbH, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eliane Marti
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 124, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Vilhjalmur Svansson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sigurbjorg Torsteinsdottir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Keldur, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
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18
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Meulenbroeks C, van der Lugt JJ, van der Meide NMA, Willemse T, Rutten VPMG, Zaiss DMW. Allergen-Specific Cytokine Polarization Protects Shetland Ponies against Culicoides obsoletus-Induced Insect Bite Hypersensitivity. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122090. [PMID: 25901733 PMCID: PMC4406554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunological mechanisms explaining development of an allergy in some individuals and not in others remain incompletely understood. Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a common, seasonal, IgE-mediated, pruritic skin disorder that affects considerable proportions of horses of different breeds, which is caused by bites of the insect Culicoides obsoletus (C. obsoletus). We investigated the allergen-specific immune status of individual horses that had either been diagnosed to be healthy or to suffer of IBH. Following intradermal allergen injection, skin biopsies were taken of IBH-affected and healthy ponies and cytokine expression was determined by RT-PCR. In addition, allergen-specific antibody titers were measured and cytokine expression of in vitro stimulated, allergen-specific CD4 T-cells was determined. 24 hrs after allergen injection, a significant increase in mRNA expression of the type-2 cytokine IL-4 was observed in the skin of IBH-affected Shetland ponies. In the skin of healthy ponies, however, an increase in IFNγ mRNA expression was found. Analysis of allergen-specific antibody titers revealed that all animals produced allergen-specific antibodies, and allergen-specific stimulation of CD4 T-cells revealed a significant higher percentage of IFNγ-expressing CD4 T-cells in healthy ponies compared to IBH-affected ponies. These data indicate that horses not affected by IBH, in contrast to the so far established dogma, are not immunologically ignorant but have a Th1-skewed allergen-specific immune response that appears to protect against IBH-associated symptoms. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of a natural situation, in which an allergen-specific immune skewing is protective in an allergic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Meulenbroeks
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ton Willemse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Victor P. M. G. Rutten
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Dietmar M. W. Zaiss
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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19
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Wilson AD. Immune responses to ectoparasites of horses, with a focus on insect bite hypersensitivity. Parasite Immunol 2015; 36:560-72. [PMID: 25180696 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Horses are affected by a wide variety of arthropod ectoparasites, ranging from lice which spend their entire life on the host, through ticks which feed over a period of days, to numerous biting insects that only transiently visit the host to feed. The presence of ectoparasites elicits a number of host responses including innate inflammatory responses, adaptive immune reactions and altered behaviour; all of which can reduce the severity of the parasite burden. All of these different responses are linked through immune mechanisms mediated by mast cells and IgE antibodies which have an important role in host resistance to ectoparasites, yet immune responses also cause severe pathological reactions. One of the best described examples of such pathological sequelae is insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) of horses; an IgE-mediated type 1 hypersensitivity to the salivary proteins of Culicoides spp. associated with T-helper-2 production of IL4 and IL13. Importantly, all horses exposed to Culicoides have an expanded population of Culicoides antigen-specific T cells with this pattern of cytokine production, but in those which remain healthy, the inflammatory reaction is tempered by the presence of FoxP3+ CD4+ regulatory T cells that express IL10 and TGF-beta, which suppresses the IL4 production by Culicoides antigen-activated T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Wilson
- School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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20
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Janda J, Lehmann M, Luttmann W, Marti E. Cloning and expression of recombinant equine interleukin-3 and its effect on sulfidoleukotriene and cytokine production by equine peripheral blood leukocytes. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2014; 163:202-9. [PMID: 25530476 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2013] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-3 is a growth and differentiation factor for various hematopoietic cells. IL-3 also enhances stimulus-dependent release of mediators and cytokine production by mature basophils. Function of IL-3 has not been studied in horses because of lack of horse-specific reagents. Our aim was to produce recombinant equine IL-3 and test its effect on sulfidoleukotriene and cytokine production by equine peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). Equine IL-3 was cloned, expressed in E. coli and purified. PBL of 19 healthy and 20 insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH)-affected horses were stimulated with Culicoides nubeculosus extract with or without IL-3. Sulfidoleukotriene (sLT) production was measured in supernatants by ELISA and mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-13 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) assessed in cell lysate by quantitative real-time PCR. Recombinant equine IL-3 (req-IL-3) had a dose dependent effect on sLT production by stimulated equine PBL and significantly increased IL-4, IL-13 and TSLP expression compared to non-primed cells. IL-3 priming significantly increased Culicoides-induced sLT production in IBH-affected but not in non-affected horses and was particularly effective in young IBH-affected horses (≤ 3 years). A functionally active recombinant equine IL-3 has been produced which will be useful for future immunological studies in horses. It will also allow improving the sensitivity of cellular in vitro tests for allergy diagnosis in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Janda
- Department of Clinical Research-VPH, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Center Pigmod, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Eliane Marti
- Department of Clinical Research-VPH, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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21
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Mählmann K, Hamza E, Marti E, Dolf G, Klukowska J, Gerber V, Koch C. Increased FOXP3 expression in tumour-associated tissues of horses affected with equine sarcoid disease. Vet J 2014; 202:516-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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22
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The equine immune responses to infectious and allergic disease: a model for humans? Mol Immunol 2014; 66:89-96. [PMID: 25457878 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The modern horse, Equus caballus has historically made important contributions to the field of immunology, dating back to Emil von Behring's description of curative antibodies in equine serum over a century ago. While the horse continues to play an important role in human serotherapy, the mouse has replaced the horse as the predominant experimental animal in immunology research. Nevertheless, continuing efforts have led to an improved understanding of the equine immune response in a variety of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Based on this information, we can begin to identify specific situations where the horse may provide a unique immunological model for certain human diseases.
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23
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Woodward MC, Andrews FM, Kearney MT, Del Piero F, Hammerberg B, Pucheu-Haston CM. Characterization of IgE-mediated cutaneous immediate and late-phase reactions in nonallergic horses. Am J Vet Res 2014; 75:633-41. [PMID: 24959729 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.75.7.633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the response of skin of nonallergic horses following ID injection of polyclonal rabbit anti-canine IgE (anti-IgE) and rabbit IgG. ANIMALS 6 healthy horses. PROCEDURES Skin in the cervical area was injected ID with anti-IgE and IgG. Wheal measurements and skin biopsy specimens were obtained before and 20 minutes and 6, 24, and 48 hours after injection. Tissue sections were evaluated for inflammatory cells at 4 dermal depths. Immunohistochemical analysis for CD3, CD4, and CD8 was performed, and cell counts were evaluated. RESULTS Anti-IgE wheals were significantly larger than IgG wheals at 20 minutes and 6 and 24 hours after injection. There were significantly more degranulated mast cells after anti-IgE injection than after IgG injection. There were significantly more eosinophils at 6, 24, and 48 hours and neutrophils at 6 hours after anti-IgE injection, compared with cell numbers at those same times after IgG injection. There were significantly more eosinophils in the deeper dermis of anti-IgE samples, compared with results for IgG samples. No significant differences between treatments were detected for CD3(+), CD4(+), or CD8(+) cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Injection of anti-IgE antibodies was associated with the development of gross and microscopic inflammation characterized by mast cell degranulation and accumulation of inflammatory cells, particularly eosinophils and neutrophils. This pattern appeared to be similar to that of horses with naturally developing allergic skin disease, although lymphocytes were not increased; thus, ID injection of anti-IgE in horses may be of use for evaluating allergic skin diseases of horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Woodward
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
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24
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Aurich C, Weber J, Nagel C, Merkl M, Jude R, Wostmann S, Ollech D, Baron U, Olek S, Jansen T. Low levels of naturally occurring regulatory T lymphocytes in blood of mares with early pregnancy loss. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:827-33. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy loss is a major reason for low reproductive efficiency in the horse. In humans and mice, low numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are linked to miscarriage. The percentage of Treg cells in oestrous mares at the start of the breeding season was evaluated in relation to the outcome of subsequent pregnancy. For identification and quantification of Treg cells, a highly sensitive and specific qPCR assay targeting the Treg-specific demethylated region in the equine forkhead box transcription factor (FOXP3) gene was established. In a total of 108 mares, pregnancy was followed until detection of early pregnancy loss (n = 17), abortion without identification of an infectious or apparent cause (n = 9) or birth of a viable foal (n = 82). Measured Treg-cell levels did not significantly differ between mares that conceived (82%; 1.50 ± 0.04%) or did not get pregnant (18%; 1.45 ± 0.10%). The Treg-cell percentage at oestrus before breeding was significantly different (P < 0.05) between mares that either underwent early pregnancy loss up to Day 40 of pregnancy (1.29 ± 0.07%) and mares that aborted (1.61 ± 0.15%) or gave birth to a live foal (1.52 ± 0.05%). These results suggest that low levels of Treg cells in mares can contribute to pregnancy loss up to Day 40 after ovulation.
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van der Meide NMA, Savelkoul HFJ, Meulenbroeks C, Ducro BJ, Tijhaar E. Evaluation of a diagnostic ELISA for insect bite hypersensitivity in horses using recombinant Obsoletus complex allergens. Vet J 2013; 200:31-7. [PMID: 24703873 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Culicoides spp. of the Obsoletus complex belong to the most important species of midge, involved in causing insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) in horses in The Netherlands. The aim of the current study was to evaluate seven different Obsoletus complex-derived recombinant allergens (Cul o 1-Cul o 7) and to compare these with Obsoletus complex whole body extract (WBE) in an IgE ELISA, using sera of 194 clinically-confirmed cases of IBH and 175 unaffected horses. The highest test accuracy was obtained with WBE, followed by Cul o 2, 3 and 5. Two ELISAs with a combination of recombinant allergens, Combi-1 (Cul o 3, 5 and 7) and Combi-2 (Cul o 1, 2, 5 and 7) were additionally performed and both resulted in high test accuracies close to that obtained with WBE. Combi-1 resulted in the best sensitivity and specificity, both 89%. Both Combi-1 and Combi-2 performed less well with samples collected in winter, but over 70% of the IBH-affected horses could still be identified. In conclusion, a combination of three Obsoletus complex recombinant allergens (Cul o 3, 5 and 7) could potentially replace Obsoletus complex WBE in an IgE ELISA for diagnosis of IBH in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie M A van der Meide
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Huub F J Savelkoul
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal Meulenbroeks
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J Ducro
- Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin Tijhaar
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Horses develop many skin and respiratory disorders that have been attributed to allergy. These disorders include pruritic skin diseases, recurrent urticaria, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and reactive airway disease. Allergen-specific IgE has been detected in these horses, and allergen-specific immunotherapy is used to ameliorate clinical signs. The best understood atopic disease in horses is insect hypersensitivity, but the goal of effective treatment with allergen-specific immunotherapy remains elusive. In this review, updates in pathogenesis of allergic states and a brief mention of the new data on what is known in humans and dogs and how that relates to equine allergic disorders are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A Fadok
- Dermatology Department, North Houston Veterinary Specialists, 1646 Spring Cypress Road #100, Spring, TX 77388, USA.
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Schnabel CL, Wagner S, Wagner B, Durán MC, Babasyan S, Nolte I, Pfarrer C, Feige K, Murua Escobar H, Cavalleri JMV. Evaluation of the reactivity of commercially available monoclonal antibodies with equine cytokines. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2013; 156:1-19. [PMID: 24139393 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2013.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Research on equine cytokines is often performed by analyses of mRNA. For many equine cytokines an analysis on the actual protein level is limited by the availability of antibodies against the targeted cytokines. Generation of new antibodies is ongoing but time consuming. Thus, testing the reactivity of commercially available antibodies for cross-reactivity with equine cytokines is of particular interest. Fifteen monoclonal antibodies against IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18 and Granulocyte Macrophage Colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) of different species were evaluated for reactivity with their corresponding equine cytokines. Dot Blot (DB) and Western Blot (WB) analyses were performed using recombinant equine cytokines as positive controls. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out on equine tissue and flow cytometry on equine PBMC as positive controls. As expected, three equine IL-1β antibodies detected equine IL-1β in DB, WB and IHC. For these, reactivity in IHC has not been described before. One of them was also found to be suitable for intracellular staining of equine PBMC and flow cytometric analysis. Two antibodies raised against ovine GM-CSF cross-reacted with equine GM-CSF in DB, WB and IHC. For these anti-GM-CSF mAbs this is the first experimental description of cross-reactivity with equine GM-CSF (one mAb was predicted to be cross-reactive in WB in the respective data sheet). The other clone additionally proved to be appropriate in flow cytometric analysis. Two mAbs targeting porcine IL-18 cross-reacted in IHC, but did not show specificity in the other applications. No reactivity was shown for the remaining five antibodies in DB, although cross-reactivity of two of the antibodies was described previously. The results obtained in this study can provide beneficial information for choosing of antibodies for immunological tests on equine cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Schnabel
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Clinic for Horses, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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28
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Hamza E, Akdis CA, Wagner B, Steinbach F, Marti E. In vitroinduction of functional allergen-specific CD4+ CD25highTreg cells in horses affected with insect bite hypersensitivity. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 43:889-901. [DOI: 10.1111/cea.12131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Hamza
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - C. A. Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF); Davos Switzerland
| | - B. Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences; Cornell University; Ithaca NY USA
| | - F. Steinbach
- Virology Department; Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA); Surrey UK
| | - E. Marti
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
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29
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Hallamaa RE, Batchu KC, Tallberg T. Phospholipids in sera of horses with summer eczema: lipid analysis of the autoserum preparation used in therapy. Equine Vet J 2013; 46:322-7. [PMID: 23826683 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Equine summer eczema, also known as insect bite hypersensitivity, affects horses recurrently during summer months. The treatment of this allergic pruritus is difficult and therefore there is a need for efficacious treatments. Autoserum therapy, based on the use of autogenous serum that is specifically prepared for oral administration and given when the animal shows clinical signs has been introduced recently. Lipids are thought to be responsible for the effect of this therapy. OBJECTIVES The main aim of this study was to analyse the phospholipid content of autogenous serum preparations and to further assess whether these preparations have different lipid profiles depending on the clinical status of the horse. The hypothesis is that the major serum phospholipids typical of the horse are present in the autoserum preparation. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive controlled clinical study. METHODS Sera were collected from 10 affected and 6 healthy horses, prepared in a similar fashion and the lipids contained in the resulting autoserum preparations were analysed by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. RESULTS The major phospholipid classes detected were phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidic acid and traces of lysophosphatidylcholine. Horses with summer eczema had significantly abundant concentrations of phosphatidylcholine (P = 0.042) and sphingomyelin (P = 0.0017) in comparison with healthy horses, while the concentration of phosphatidic acid was significantly higher in healthy horses (P = 0.0075). CONCLUSIONS The autoserum preparation contains minute amounts of the main serum phospholipids in differing concentrations in healthy horses and horses with an allergic skin disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Hallamaa
- Institute for Bioimmunotherapy, Helsinki, Finland; Veterinary Clinic, Nummela, Finland
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30
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Vychodilova L, Matiasovic J, Bobrova O, Futas J, Klumplerova M, Stejskalova K, Cvanova M, Janova E, Osickova J, Vyskocil M, Sedlinska M, Dusek L, Marti E, Horin P. Immunogenomic analysis of insect bite hypersensitivity in a model horse population. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2013; 152:260-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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31
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Meulenbroeks C, van der Meide N, Zaiss D, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M, van der Lugt J, Smak J, Rutten V, Willemse T. Seasonal differences in cytokine expression in the skin of Shetland ponies suffering from insect bite hypersensitivity. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2013; 151:147-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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32
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Major histocompatibility complex and other allergy-related candidate genes associated with insect bite hypersensitivity in Icelandic horses. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 40:3333-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2408-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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33
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Hinden S, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Janda J, Marti EI, Gerber V, Roosje PJ. Characterization of the inflammatory infiltrate and cytokine expression in the skin of horses with recurrent urticaria. Vet Dermatol 2012; 23:503-e99. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2012.01117.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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34
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Janda J, Plattet P, Torsteinsdottir S, Jonsdottir S, Zurbriggen A, Marti E. Generation of equine TSLP-specific antibodies and their use for detection of TSLP produced by equine keratinocytes and leukocytes. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2012; 147:180-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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35
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Lewis D, Chan D, Pinheiro D, Armitage‐Chan E, Garden O. The immunopathology of sepsis: pathogen recognition, systemic inflammation, the compensatory anti-inflammatory response, and regulatory T cells. J Vet Intern Med 2012; 26:457-82. [PMID: 22428780 PMCID: PMC7166777 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2012.00905.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis, the systemic inflammatory response to infection, represents the major cause of death in critically ill veterinary patients. Whereas important advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome have been made, much remains to be elucidated. There is general agreement on the key interaction between pathogen-associated molecular patterns and cells of the innate immune system, and the amplification of the host response generated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. More recently, the concept of immunoparalysis in sepsis has also been advanced, together with an increasing recognition of the interplay between regulatory T cells and the innate immune response. However, the heterogeneous nature of this syndrome and the difficulty of modeling it in vitro or in vivo has both frustrated the advancement of new therapies and emphasized the continuing importance of patient-based clinical research in this area of human and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.H. Lewis
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesThe Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfield CampusHertfordshire,UK (Lewis, Chan, Garden)
- Present address:
Langford Veterinary ServicesSmall Animal HospitalLangford HouseLangfordBristol, BS40 5DUUK
| | - D.L. Chan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesThe Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfield CampusHertfordshire,UK (Lewis, Chan, Garden)
| | - D. Pinheiro
- Regulatory T Cell LaboratoryThe Royal Veterinary CollegeCamden Campus, LondonNW1 OTUUK (Pinheiro, Garden)
| | - E. Armitage‐Chan
- Davies Veterinary SpecialistsManor Farm Business ParkHertfordshireSG5 3HR, UK (Armitage‐Chan)
| | - O.A. Garden
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesThe Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfield CampusHertfordshire,UK (Lewis, Chan, Garden)
- Regulatory T Cell LaboratoryThe Royal Veterinary CollegeCamden Campus, LondonNW1 OTUUK (Pinheiro, Garden)
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36
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Schaffartzik A, Hamza E, Janda J, Crameri R, Marti E, Rhyner C. Equine insect bite hypersensitivity: what do we know? Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2012; 147:113-26. [PMID: 22575371 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Revised: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an allergic dermatitis of the horse caused by bites of insects of the genus Culicoides and is currently the best characterized allergic disease of horses. This article reviews knowledge of the immunopathogenesis of IBH, with a particular focus on the causative allergens. Whereas so far hardly any research has been done on the role of antigen presenting cells in the pathogenesis of IBH, recent studies suggest that IBH is characterized by an imbalance between a T helper 2 (Th2) and regulatory T cell (T(reg)) immune response, as shown both locally in the skin and with stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Various studies have shown IBH to be associated with IgE-mediated reactions against salivary antigens from Culicoides spp. However, until recently, the causative allergens had not been characterized at the molecular level. A major advance has now been made, as 11 Culicoides salivary gland proteins have been identified as relevant allergens for IBH. Currently, there is no satisfactory treatment of IBH. Characterization of the main allergens for IBH and understanding what mechanisms induce a healthy or allergic immune response towards these allergens may help to develop new treatment strategies, such as immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schaffartzik
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research-SIAF, University of Zürich, Obere Strasse 22, CH-7270 Davos, Switzerland
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37
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Hamza E, Gerber V, Steinbach F, Marti E. Equine CD4(+) CD25(high) T cells exhibit regulatory activity by close contact and cytokine-dependent mechanisms in vitro. Immunology 2011; 134:292-304. [PMID: 21977999 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2011.03489.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Horses are particularly prone to allergic and autoimmune diseases, but little information about equine regulatory T cells (Treg) is currently available. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate the existence of CD4(+) Treg cells in horses, determine their suppressive function as well as their mechanism of action. Freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy horses were examined for CD4, CD25 and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) expression. We show that equine FoxP3 is expressed constitutively by a population of CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells, mainly in the CD4(+) CD25(high) subpopulation. Proliferation of CD4(+) CD25(-) sorted cells stimulated with irradiated allogenic PBMC was significantly suppressed in co-culture with CD4(+) CD25(high) sorted cells in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism of suppression by the CD4(+) CD25(high) cell population is mediated by close contact as well as interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and probably other factors. In addition, we studied the in vitro induction of CD4(+) Treg and their characteristics compared to those of freshly isolated CD4(+) Treg cells. Upon stimulation with a combination of concanavalin A, TGF-β1 and IL-2, CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells which express FoxP3 and have suppressive capability were induced from CD4(+) CD25(-) cells. The induced CD4(+) CD25(high) express higher levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 mRNA compared to the freshly isolated ones. Thus, in horses as in man, the circulating CD4(+) CD25(high) subpopulation contains natural Treg cells and functional Treg can be induced in vitro upon appropriate stimulation. Our study provides the first evidence of the regulatory function of CD4(+) CD25(+) cells in horses and offers insights into ex vivo manipulation of Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Hamza
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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38
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Andersson LS, Swinburne JE, Meadows JRS, Broström H, Eriksson S, Fikse WF, Frey R, Sundquist M, Tseng CT, Mikko S, Lindgren G. The same ELA class II risk factors confer equine insect bite hypersensitivity in two distinct populations. Immunogenetics 2011; 64:201-8. [PMID: 21947540 PMCID: PMC3276761 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-011-0573-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a chronic allergic dermatitis common in horses. Affected horses mainly react against antigens present in the saliva from the biting midges, Culicoides ssp, and occasionally black flies, Simulium ssp. Because of this insect dependency, the disease is clearly seasonal and prevalence varies between geographical locations. For two distinct horse breeds, we genotyped four microsatellite markers positioned within the MHC class II region and sequenced the highly polymorphic exons two from DRA and DRB3, respectively. Initially, 94 IBH-affected and 93 unaffected Swedish born Icelandic horses were tested for genetic association. These horses had previously been genotyped on the Illumina Equine SNP50 BeadChip, which made it possible to ensure that our study did not suffer from the effects of stratification. The second population consisted of 106 unaffected and 80 IBH-affected Exmoor ponies. We show that variants in the MHC class II region are associated with disease susceptibility (praw = 2.34 × 10−5), with the same allele (COR112:274) associated in two separate populations. In addition, we combined microsatellite and sequencing data in order to investigate the pattern of homozygosity and show that homozygosity across the entire MHC class II region is associated with a higher risk of developing IBH (p = 0.0013). To our knowledge this is the first time in any atopic dermatitis suffering species, including man, where the same risk allele has been identified in two distinct populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Andersson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 597, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
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39
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Hamza E, Steinbach F, Marti E. CD4+CD25+ T cells expressing FoxP3 in Icelandic horses affected with insect bite hypersensitivity. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2011; 148:139-44. [PMID: 21700344 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an IgE-mediated dermatitis caused by bites of midges from the genus Culicoides. We have shown previously that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from IBH-affected horses produce higher levels of IL-4 and lower levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 than those from healthy horses, suggesting that IBH is associated with a reduced regulatory immune response. FoxP3 is a crucial marker of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we have determined the proportion of CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T cells by flow cytometry in PBMC directly after isolation or after stimulation with Culicoides extract or a control antigen (Tetanus Toxoid). There were no differences between healthy and IBH horses either in the proportion of FoxP3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+) cells in freshly isolated PBMC or in the following stimulation with Tetanus Toxoid. However, upon stimulation of PBMC with the allergen, expression of FoxP3 by CD4(+)CD25(+high) and CD4(+)CD25(+dim) cells was significantly higher in healthy than in IBH horses. Addition of recombinant IL-4 to PBMC from healthy horses stimulated with the allergen significantly decreased the proportion of FoxP3 expressing cells within CD4(+)CD25(+high). These results suggest that IBH is associated with a decreased number of allergen-induced Tregs. This could be a consequence of the increased IL-4 production by PBMC of IBH-affected horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Hamza
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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