Advances in mechanisms of allergy

Effect of Chicoric Acid on Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Inflammation in Vitro and in Vivo

Chicoric acid (dicaffeoyl-tartaric acid), is a natural phenolic compound found in a number of plants, such as chicory (Cichorium intybus) and Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and analgesic activities. Although these biological effects of chicoric acid have been investigated, there are no reports of its antiallergic-related anti-inflammatory effects in human mast cells (HMC)-1 or anaphylactic activity in a mouse model. Therefore, we investigated the antiallergic-related anti-inflammatory effect of chicoric acid and its underlying mechanisms of action using phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Chicoric acid decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. We studied the inhibitory effects of chicoric acid on the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activation of caspase-1. However, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was not sufficient to abrogate the stimulus. In addition, we investigated the ability of chicoric acid to inhibit compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in vivo. Oral administration of chicoric acid at 20 mg/kg inhibited histamine release and protected mice against compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic mortality. These results suggest that chicoric acid has an antiallergic-related anti-inflammatory effect that involves modulating mast cell-mediated allergic responses. Therefore, chicoric acid could be an efficacious agent for allergy-related inflammatory disorders.

Detection of Antigen-Specific T Cells in Experimental Immune-Mediated Blepharoconjunctivitis in DO11.10 T Cell Receptor Transgenic Mice

Antigen (Ag)-specific T cells are thought to play a key role in pathogenesis of chronic allergic conjunctivitis (AC) such as atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). In order to investigate the trafficking of Ag-specific T cells in experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis (EC), we established a novel AC model in DO11.10 T cell receptor (TcR) transgenic (Tg) mice. DO11.10 TcR-Tg mice were challenged with eye drops of whole OVA protein, OVA peptide 1-15, 321-335, or 323-339. Their eyes were histologically examined. Conventional proliferation assay was performed against each Ag. Phenotypes of infiltrating cells and kinetics of Ag-specific T cells were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Adoptive transfer of CD4(+) Ag-specific T cells from DO11.10 TcR-Tg to WT mice was performed. The distribution of KJ1-26(+) cells was investigated in recipient mice. The challenge of OVA peptide 323-339 induced infiltration of inflammatory cells in conjunctivae in a dose dependent manner, accompanied by the proliferative responses of splenocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed Agspecific/ non-Ag-specific T cells, macrophages, and eosinophils in conjunctivae. Infiltration of Ag-specific T cells increased 24 hr later. Transfer of CD4(+) cells from DO11.10 TcR-Tg to WT mice induced EC depending on the number of transferred cells. Ag-specific T cells were detected in the conjunctivae and spleens of recipient mice, though its numbers were significantly smaller compared to DO11.10 TcR-Tg mice. The challenge of OVA peptide 323-339 induced EC in DO11.10 TcR-Tg mice without prior sensitization. The response was mediated by CD4(+) Ag-specific T cells. The trafficking of Ag-specific T cells in EC was clearly visualized.

Moderate aerobic exercise alters migration patterns of antigen specific T helper cells within an asthmatic lung

Studies have indicated increased incidence and severity of allergic asthma due to western lifestyle and increased sedentary activity. Investigations also indicate that exercise reduces the severity of asthma; however, a mechanism of action has not been elucidated. Additional work implicates re-distribution of T helper (Th) cells in mediating alterations of the immune system as a result of moderate aerobic exercise in vivo. We have previously reported that exercise decreases T helper 2 (Th2) responses within the lungs of an ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized murine allergic asthma model. Therefore, we hypothesized that exercise alters the migration of OVA-specific Th cells in an OVA-challenged lung. To test this hypothesis, wildtype mice received OVA-specific Th cells expressing a luciferase-reporter construct and were OVA-sensitized and exercised. OVA-specific Th cell migration was decreased in OVA-challenged lungs of exercised mice when compared to their sedentary controls. Surface expression levels of lung-homing chemokine receptors, CCR4 and CCR8, on Th cells and their cognate lung-homing chemokine gradients revealed no difference between exercised and sedentary OVA-sensitized mice. However, transwell migration experiments demonstrated that lung-derived Th cells from exercised OVA-sensitized mice exhibited decreased migratory function versus controls. These data suggest that Th cells from exercised mice are less responsive to lung-homing chemokine. Together, these studies demonstrate that moderate aerobic exercise training can reduce the accumulation of antigen-specific Th cell migration into an asthmatic lung by decreasing chemokine receptor function.

Myeloid cell HIF-1α regulates asthma airway resistance and eosinophil function

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is a master regulator of inflammatory activities of myeloid cells, including neutrophils and macrophages. These studies examine the role of myeloid cell HIF-1α in regulating asthma induction and pathogenesis, and for the first time, evaluate the roles of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in the chemotactic properties of eosinophils, the myeloid cells most associated with asthma. Wild-type (WT) and myeloid cell-specific HIF-1α knockout (KO) C57BL/6 mice were studied in an ovalbumin (OVA) model of asthma. Administration of the pharmacological HIF-1α antagonist YC-1 was used to corroborate findings from the genetic model. WT, HIF-1α, and HIF-2α KO eosinophils underwent in vitro chemotaxis assays. We found that deletion of HIF-1α in myeloid cells and systemic treatment with YC-1 during asthma induction decreased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Deletion of HIF-1α in myeloid cells in OVA-induced asthma also reduced eosinophil infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, and levels of cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the lung. HIF-1α inhibition with YC-1 during asthma induction decreased eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage, lung parenchyma, and blood, as well as decreased total lung inflammation, IL-5, and serum OVA-specific IgE levels. Deletion of HIF-1α in eosinophils decreased their chemotaxis, while deletion of the isoform HIF-2α led to increased chemotaxis. This work demonstrates that HIF-1α in myeloid cells plays a role in asthma pathogenesis, particularly in AHR development. Additionally, treatment with HIF-1α inhibitors during asthma induction decreases AHR and eosinophilia. Finally, we show that HIF-1α and HIF-2α regulate eosinophil migration in opposing ways.

Advances in mechanisms of allergy and clinical immunology in 2012

Manuscripts published in the "Mechanisms of allergy and clinical immunology" section of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology during 2012 enhanced our knowledge of the involvement of cytokines and other mediators in allergic disorders and described novel approaches for understanding mechanisms of allergic and immunologic diseases. Also published were articles focused on mechanisms of allergen-specific immunotherapy and the development of novel antiallergic treatments, as well as strategies to achieve tolerance to allergens. The highlights of these studies and their potential clinical implications are summarized in this review.

CRAC ion channels and airway defense reflexes in experimental allergic inflammation

Calcium release-activated calcium channels (CRAC) play unambiguous role in secretory functions of mast cells, T cells, and eosinophils. Less knowledge exists about the role of CRAC, widely distributed in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, in airway contractility. The presented study seeks to determine the possible participation of CRAC in ASM-based inflammatory airway disorders in guinea pigs. The acute and long-term administration (14 days) of the CRAC antagonist 3-fluoropyridine-4-carboxylic acid was used to examine the ASM contractility and associated reflexes in the guinea pig model of allergic airway inflammation by the following methods: (i) evaluation of specific airway resistance in vivo; (ii) evaluation of the contractile response of isolated ASM strips in vitro; and (iii) citric acid-induced cough reflex; (iv) measurement of exhaled NO levels (E(NO)). Allergic airway inflammation was induced by repetitive exposure of guinea pigs to ovalbumin (10(-6) M). The CRAC antagonist administered in a single dose to guinea pigs with confirmed allergic inflammation significantly reduced the cough response and the airway resistance, which corresponded with the findings in vitro. Long-term application of the CRAC antagonist had more strongly expressed effects. The results confirm the role of CRAC in the pathophysiology of experimental animal asthma and have a potential meaning for anti-asthma therapy.

Pharmacologic modulation of experimentally induced allergic asthma

Allergic asthma is the most frequent disease of the respiratory tract. The aim of the current experimental and clinical studies was to find new sources of drugs able to control asthmatic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Our experimental studies were focused on efficiency evaluation of substances able to influence activities of ion channels, phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoforms, substances from the group of polyphenols and NO metabolism modulators during experimentally induced allergic asthma.

Tamoxifen counteracts the allergic immune response and improves allergen-induced dermatitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen (TX) represents the prototype selective oestrogen receptor modulator. In addition to its use in breast cancer, TX possesses immunomodulatory functions and displays beneficial effects in models of systemic lupus erythematosus. We hypothesized that TX might inhibit type I allergic reactions, which are also characterized by deviations in humoral immunity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of TX on the allergic immune response in appropriate mouse models.

METHODS

Balb/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA)-alum by the intraperitoneal route, and humoral parameters, T cell cytokine patterns and OVA-induced ear swelling responses were determined in a preventive (start of TX treatment before sensitization) and a therapeutic setting (start after sensitization), respectively. In addition, the impact of TX on clinical signs, epidermal thickness and leucocyte infiltration of the skin was investigated in a model of allergen-induced dermatitis.

RESULTS

Preventive TX treatment interfered with all aspects of the allergic immune response, leading to a reduction of allergen-specific Ig levels (IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a), a skewing effect in the T cell compartment with the inhibition of IL-4 and an abrogation of ear swelling responses. Interestingly, a therapeutic TX administration was also effective in reducing Ig levels and ear swelling responses. The vigorous systemic effects were additionally mirrored by local changes in allergen-dependent dermatitis with reduced clinical symptoms, diminished epidermal thickness and decreased CD4+ and CD8+ cell infiltrates.

CONCLUSION

TX inhibits allergic responses when given preventively and also therapeutically, and improves allergen-induced dermatitis. Because of its effectiveness, TX could bear significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of allergies.

Alteration of airway responsiveness mediated by receptors in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic E3 rats

AIM

Airway hyperresponsiveness is a constant feature of asthma. The aim of the present study was to investigate airway hyperreactivity mediated by contractile and dilative receptors in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced model of rat asthma.

METHODS

Asthmatic E3 rats were prepared by intraperitoneal injection with OVA/aluminum hydroxide and then challenged with intranasal instillation of OVA-PBS two weeks later. The myograph method was used to measure the responses of constriction and dilatation in the trachea, main bronchi and lobar bronchi.

RESULTS

In asthmatic E3 rats, beta(2) adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of airway smooth muscle pre-contracted with 5-HT was inhibited, and there were no obvious difference in relaxation compared with normal E3 rats. Contraction of lobar bronchi mediated by 5-HT and sarafotoxin 6c was more potent than in the trachea or main bronchi. Airway contractions mediated by the endothelin (ET)(A) receptor, ET(B) receptor and M(3) muscarinic receptor were augmented, and the augmented contraction was most obvious in lobar bronchi. The order of efficacy of contraction for lobar bronchi induced by agonists was ET-1, sarafotoxin 6c>ACh>5-HT. OX8 (an antibody against CD8(+) T cells) strongly shifted and OX35 (an antibody against CD4(+) T cells) modestly shifted isoprenaline-induced concentration-relaxation curves in a nonparallel fashion to the left with an increased R(max) in asthmatic rats and sarafotoxin 6c-induced concentration-contractile curves to the right with a decreased E(max).

CONCLUSION

The inhibition of airway relaxation and the augmentation of contraction mediated by receptors contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and involve CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells.Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (2009) 30: 965-972; doi: 10.1038/aps.2009.61.

Prenatal exposure to endotoxin in rats attenuates the allergic airways eosinophil infiltration in the adult offspring: role of inducible nitric oxide synthase activation

A correlation between stressful events experienced by the mother during pregnancy and progression of respiratory disease in descendants has been reported. Prenatal exposure to lipopolyssacharide (LPS) reduces allergic airway inflammation in mice offspring. In this study we investigated whether reduction of airways inflammation by maternal LPS exposure involves activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at prenatal life. Since LPS also induces the release of TNF-alpha, and that this cytokine has been implicated in pathogenesis of asthma, we also evaluated whether TNF-alpha plays a role in the allergic airways inflammation by maternal LPS exposure. Pregnant rats were pretreated with the iNOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (50mg/rat per day; given from day 13 of gestation up to delivery) before exposure to LPS (7mug/kg, given at day 17 of gestation). At adult ages, female and male offspring were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), and 14 days later they were challenged with this allergen. OVA challenge in sensitized offspring increased markedly the eosinophil number in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid at 48h compared with the non-sensitized group. However, the eosinophil number was largely reduced in offspring from maternal LPS exposure, irrespective of offspring gender. Maternal pretreatment with aminoguanidine fully reversed the eosinophil suppression by LPS. The maternal LPS exposure also reduced the eosinophil number in bone marrow and peripheral blood of offspring, but this was not affected by aminoguanidine. No differences in TNF-alpha levels in BAL fluid were found. In conclusion, our study shows that maternal LPS exposure markedly reduces allergic airways eosinophil recruitment in adult offspring by mechanisms possibly involving iNOS activation.