Measurement of serum IgE antibodies against Japanese cedar pollen ( Cryptomeria japonica ) in Japanese monkeys ( Macaca fuscata ) with pollinosis

Development of Rice-Seed-Based Oral Allergy Vaccines Containing Hypoallergenic Japanese Cedar Pollen Allergen Derivatives for Immunotherapy

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only available curative treatment for IgE-mediated allergen diseases. A safe hypoallergenic allergen derivative with high efficiency is required as a tolerogen to induce immune tolerance to the causitive allergens. In this study, to generate a rice-based oral allergy vaccine for Japanese cedar (JC) pollinosis, the tertiary structures of major JC pollen allergens, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, were more completely destructed by shuffling than the previous ones without losing immunogenicity and then were specifically expressed in the endosperm of transgenic rice seed. They accumulated at high levels and were deposited in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and ER-derived protein bodies. The low allergenicity of these deconstructed Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 allergens was evaluated by examining their binding activities to the specific IgE antibody and by the basophil degranulation test.

Comparative immunology of allergic responses

Allergic responses occur in humans, rodents, non-human primates, avian species, and all of the domestic animals. These responses are mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that bind to mast cells and cause release/synthesis of potent mediators. Clinical syndromes include naturally occurring asthma in humans and cats; atopic dermatitis in humans, dogs, horses, and several other species; food allergies; and anaphylactic shock. Experimental induction of asthma in mice, rats, monkeys, sheep, and cats has helped to reveal mechanisms of pathogenesis of asthma in humans. All of these species share the ability to develop a rapid and often fatal response to systemic administration of an allergen--anaphylactic shock. Genetic predisposition to development of allergic disease (atopy) has been demonstrated in humans, dogs, and horses. Application of mouse models of IgE-mediated allergic asthma has provided evidence for a role of air pollutants (ozone, diesel exhaust, environmental tobacco smoke) in enhanced sensitization to allergens.

IgE reactivity to a Cry j 3, an allergen of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen in dogs with canine atopic dermatitis

The present study investigated IgE reactivity to a new Cryptomeria japonica pollen allergen (Cry j 3) in dogs with atopic dermatitis by using a fluorometric ELISA. Serum samples from 15 dogs that showed IgE sensitivity to crude C. japonica pollen allergen by ELISA were tested for specific IgE to each allergen, individually. All 15 dogs had anti-Cry j 1 IgE, 6 (40%) had anti-Cry j 2 IgE, and 11 (73%) had anti-Cry j 3 IgE. Further, we found that these anti-Cry j 3 IgE reacted to Cry j 3 with immunoblotting analysis. These findings indicate that Cry j 3 may be a major allergen in dogs.

Nonhuman primate models of asthma

Asthma is a complex human disease that does not have an accurate counterpart in any common model organism. Most of our understanding of the immune mechanisms underlying asthma comes from studies in man and mouse. However, there are fundamental differences between the spontaneous disease in man and the experimentally induced counterparts in mice. We advocate more extensive use of nonhuman primate asthma models to reconcile these differences between man and mouse.

Immunological findings in 3 dogs clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis

Three dogs clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (AR) were examined for their immunological findings. House dust mites (HDM) such as Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) and D. pteronyssinus (DP) were identified as positive allergens in the 3 dogs with both intradermal skin test and serum antigen-specific IgE test. Lymphocyte blastogenic response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) under stimulation with DF antigen in dogs with AR was higher than that in 4 healthy control dogs. Expression level of IL-4 mRNA in PBMCs obtained from the 3 AR dogs was higher than that in PBMCs obtained from 4 healthy control dogs before and after stimulation with DF antigen. Expression level of IFN-gamma mRNA in PBMCs was not different between the AR and control dogs before and after stimulation with DF antigen. These results suggested that allergic reaction to HDM antigen and T(H)2-type immune response were associated with the development of AR in 3 dogs examined in this study.

Analysis of sequential immunoglobulin E-binding epitope of Japanese cedar pollen allergen (Cry j 2) in humans, monkeys and mice

BACKGROUND

Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; CJ) pollinosis has been reported to occur naturally in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) as well as in humans. Most human patients and monkeys with pollinosis have specific IgE for Cry j 2, a major allergen of CJ pollen.

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of this study was to identify IgE B cell epitopes of Cry j 2 using a synthetic peptide in humans, monkeys and mice.

METHODS

We synthesized 38 overlapping peptides that span the entire length of Cry j 2. We examined the B cell epitopes of Cry j 2 that are recognized by IgE in the sera of human patients and monkeys with pollinosis and immunized mice using synthetic peptides of Cry j 2. We also examined the reaction of Cry j 2-specific mouse monoclonal IgG antibodies to the peptides. Furthermore, we conducted a histamine release assay with leucocytes from a pollinosis patient using human serum albumin (HSA) conjugated with the peptides as a B cell epitope.

RESULTS

We found that 16 of the 20 pollinosis patients who had specific IgE to Cry j 2 also exhibited IgE reaction with some Cry j 2 peptides. Of these 16 patients, 10 exhibited IgE reaction with Cry j 2 peptide no. 13 (121GQCKWVNGREICNDRDRPTA140). Five of the seven monkeys with CJ pollinosis exhibited a reaction with peptide no. 13. Furthermore, IgE in mice immunized with Cry j 2 and two mouse monoclonal IgG antibodies reacted with peptide no. 13. Peptide no. 13-conjugated HSA showed the release of histamine from basophils. Furthermore, to determine the minimum epitope in peptide no. 13, we conducted an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition test. The core of the epitope in humans, monkeys and mice was 124KWVNGREI131.

CONCLUSION

We found that 124KWVNGREI131 is an important B cell epitope recognized by IgE in humans, monkeys and mice.

Seasonal atopic dermatitis in dogs sensitive to a major allergen of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen

Three dogs were examined because of episodes of recurrent pruritic dermatitis in the spring, the season of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollination in Japan. The dogs were shown to be sensitive to CJ pollen allergen using intradermal testing and antigen-specific IgE measurement. Fluorometric enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) showed increased concentrations of IgE specific to Cry j 1 and a negative result for Cry j 2 in the three dogs. The concentrations of IgE specific to Cry j 1 during the season of CJ pollination were higher than the concentrations found during the off-season in all the dogs, and the variation in the concentrations correlated with the variation in clinical signs. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed apparent proliferative responses to crude CJ pollen antigen and Cry j 1 during CJ pollination season. These findings indicated that Cry j 1 was the major allergen recognized by IgE and lymphocytes and resulted in the development of type I hypersensitivity to CJ pollen allergen in these atopic dogs.

Analysis of the canine IgE-binding epitope on the major allergen (Cry j 1) of Japanese cedar pollen with anti-Cry j 1 monoclonal antibodies

In our previous study [Immunology 91 (1997) 161] using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to Cry j 1, a major allergen in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen, we identified five independent epitopes (EP-1-EP-5) on the molecule and found that EP-1 and EP-5 are the predominant allergic epitopes for humans and monkeys, respectively. In this study, we analyzed the epitopes recognized by IgE in the sera of 10 dogs sensitive to C. japonica pollen allergen using an IgE-ELISA inhibition method with these mAbs. The IgE reaction patterns varied among dogs. In eight of the 10 dogs, IgE recognized EP-5 which is a predominant allergic epitope for monkeys with the pollenosis. In four dogs, IgE recognized EP-1 which is a predominant allergic epitope for human patients with the pollenosis. In three dogs, IgE recognized EP-4 which is a heat-stable epitope. EP-5 is a predominant allergic epitope for dogs and some, but not all, dogs have IgE reaction patterns to the epitopes similar to those of humans.

Seasonal rhinitis in a cat sensitized to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen

A cat showing seasonal allergic symptoms of rhinitis was examined for reactivities to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollen allergen by intradermal skin test (IDST), Prausnitz-Kustner (P-K) test, and lymphocyte blastogenic response. In IDST for 26 common allergens. the cat showed a positive reaction to CJ pollen allergen. P-K test using CJ pollen allergen also showed a positive reaction, indicating the presence of serum IgE specific to CJ pollen. In the lymphocyte blastogenic response, the stimulation index in the presence of CJ pollen allergen was 2.4. These data suggested that the seasonal rhinitis observed in the cat was caused by the sensitization to CJ pollen allergen.

IgE-reactivity to major Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergens (Cry j 1 and Cry j 2) by ELISA in dogs with atopic dermatitis

The present study investigated IgE-reactivity to two major Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, C. japonica) pollen allergens (Cry j 1 and Cry j 2) in dogs with atopic dermatitis by use of a fluorometric ELISA. The serum samples from 27 dogs that showed IgE-sensitivity to crude C. japonica pollen allergen by ELISA were tested for specific IgE to the two major allergens. All 27 dogs had anti-Cry j 1 IgE, and 10 (37%) had anti-Cry j 2 IgE. Inhibition of binding of dog specific IgE to crude C. japonica pollen allergen was carried out by addition of Cry j 1. When serum samples containing anti-Cry j 1 IgE but no anti-Cry j 2 IgE were incubated with Cry j 1, specific IgE binding to crude C. japonica pollen allergen was almost abolished. These findings suggest that Cry j 1 is a major allergen in dogs.

Sensitization to grass, ragweed, mugwort pollen allergens in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata): preliminary report

BACKGROUND

The natural occurrence of Japanese cedar (CJ, Cryptomeria japonica) pollinosis has been reported in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata). Furthermore, most of these monkeys with CJ pollinosis have immunoglobulin (Ig) E sensitization to Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) pollen. However, specific IgE to other pollens has not yet been reported.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was designed to investigate IgE sensitization of Japanese monkeys to grass, ragweed, and mugwort pollen.

METHODS

Serum samples from 47 monkeys as a general population in one troop were collected at random. We measured specific IgE to grass, ragweed and mugwort pollen. Next, 10 monkeys with CJ pollinosis from the same troop were also examined for their IgE sensitization to grass, ragweed, and mugwort pollen.

RESULTS

Of 47 monkeys, 13 (28%) had specific IgE to CJ pollen, 15 (32%) to grass pollen, five (11%) to ragweed pollen, and three (6%) to mugwort pollen. Furthermore, CJ pollinosis monkeys seemed to be sensitized to these pollen allergens with higher frequency; of 10 monkeys, 10 (100%) had specific IgE to CJ pollen, six (60%) to grass pollen, four (40%) to ragweed pollen, and two (20%) to mugwort pollen.

CONCLUSION

Japanese monkeys had specific IgE to grass, ragweed, and mugwort pollen in addition to CJ pollen.

The incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis and sensitization to the pollen allergens among Japanese monkeys in a troop

The natural occurrence of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; CJ) pollinosis has been reported in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), an appropriate animal model for developing antipollinosis therapies. However, there has been no study on the incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in monkeys. To evaluate the incidence of CJ pollinosis in Japanese monkeys, we investigated the presence of pollinosis symptoms among monkeys in a troop, and the response to CJ allergens in pollinosis monkeys. We examined the presence of pollinosis symptoms in 272 monkeys in a troop throughout the CJ pollination season (February to April). Of the 272 monkeys, 21 (7.7%) showed pollinosis symptoms during the CJ pollen season. Blood samples were taken from the 21 monkeys that showed pollinosis symptoms and were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody for CJ allergens. All 21 monkeys with CJ pollinosis had anti-CJ IgE. Of the 21 monkeys, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) could be taken from 12, all of which showed CJ allergen-specific PBMC proliferation. The incidence of CJ pollinosis in a troop was 7.7%. The monkeys with CJ pollinosis demonstrated specific IgE and PBMC proliferation for CJ allergens.

The incidence of japanese cedar pollinosis and sensitization to the pollen allergens among Japanese monkeys in a troop

The natural occurrence of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; CJ) pollinosis has been reported in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), an appropriate animal model for developing antipollinosis therapies. However, there has been no study on the incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in monkeys. To evaluate the incidence of CJ pollinosis in Japanese monkeys, we investigated the presence of pollinosis symptoms among monkeys in a troop, and the response to CJ allergens in pollinosis monkeys. We examined the presence of pollinosis symptoms in 272 monkeys in a troop throughout the CJ pollination season (February to April). Of the 272 monkeys, 21 (7.7%) showed pollinosis symptoms during the CJ pollen season. Blood samples were taken from the 21 monkeys that showed pollinosis symptoms and were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody for CJ allergens. All 21 monkeys with CJ pollinosis had anti-CJ IgE. Of the 21 monkeys, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) could be taken from 12, all of which showed CJ allergen-specific PBMC proliferation. The incidence of CJ pollinosis in a troop was 7.7%. The monkeys with CJ pollinosis demonstrated specific IgE and PBMC proliferation for CJ allergens.

IgE reactivity and cross-reactivity of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) pollen allergens

BACKGROUND

The natural occurrence of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollinosis has been reported in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata). However, the reactivity to Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa, CO) pollen allergens in these monkeys has not yet been reported.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was designed to investigate the reactivity to CO pollen allergens in monkeys sensitized to CJ pollen allergens.

METHODS

Serum samples from 40 monkeys naturally sensitized to CJ pollen allergens were collected from four troops. We measured the specific IgE to CO pollen allergens and examined the reactivity to the allergens by intradermal test. Cross-reactivity between CJ and CO pollen allergens was examined by ELISA inhibition method. Furthermore, we examined the sensitivity to the allergens by histamine release assay from leucocytes.

RESULTS

All 40 monkeys had specific IgE to crude and purified major allergens (Cha o 1) of CO pollen. The monkeys showed a positive reaction to CO pollen allergens in the intradermal test. Allergenic cross-reactivity between Cha o 1 and Cry j 1 (a major allergen in CJ pollen) was also observed. Specific histamine release to both the major allergens was noted in two monkeys with CJ pollinosis.

CONCLUSION

Japanese monkeys sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen allergens also demonstrate reactivity to Japanese cypress pollen allergens.

Parasite infection and Japanese cedar pollinosis in monkeys

To evaluate the relationship between helminthic parasite infection and sensitization to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; CJ) pollen allergens in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), we examined the parasite infection, presence of anti-pollen allergen IgE and development of pollinosis. Serum samples and fecal specimens were taken from 169 monkeys in five troops, and the presence of IgE antibody for CJ pollen allergen and of helminthic parasite eggs in their feces was examined. Of the 169 monkeys, helminthic parasite eggs from 138 monkeys were detected. The frequency of anti-CJ IgE (19%) and the level of total IgE did not differ significantly between the monkeys with and without parasite eggs. We examined the presence of anti-CJ IgE and pollinosis symptoms in 31 monkeys of a troop; six of the monkeys demonstrated anti-CJ IgE and pollinosis symptoms. Five of these six monkeys had parasite eggs. We found that the monkeys that demonstrated anti-CJ IgE and pollinosis symptoms had helminthic parasite infections. These data suggest that helminthic parasite infection does not reduce the development of clinical signs of CJ pollinosis in Japanese monkeys.

Presence of anti-ovalbumin IgE antibody in the sera of laboratory-reared squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) fed quail eggs

In this study, we examined serum anti-ovalbumin (OVA) IgE and IgG antibodies in laboratory-reared squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), that were fed a boiled quail egg everyday. We found that 36 of 95 monkeys (38%) possessed specific IgE and 44% (42/95) had specific IgG against OVA. These antibody titers seemed to increase with age. There was, however, no apparent correlation between the anti-OVA IgE and IgG antibody titers.

Induction of IgE antibodies with predefined specificity in rhesus monkeys with recombinant birch pollen allergens, Bet v 1 and Bet v 2

BACKGROUND

Recombinant birch pollen allergens Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 (birch profilin) have been characterized in vitro previously.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a close-to-man model of type I allergy, recombinant birch pollen allergens were injected into rhesus monkeys.

METHODS

The allergens were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and injected into rhesus monkeys with aluminium hydroxide as adjuvans. The development of type I allergy was monitored by measurement of specific IgE, in vitro histamine release tests, cellular proliferation assays, skin testing, and bronchial provocation tests.

RESULTS

Immunized rhesus monkeys displayed symptoms of type I allergy comparable to those of allergic patients, and cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies with Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 homologous allergens was observed. Systemic application of corticosteroids during secondary immunizations suppressed specific antibody responses.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant birch pollen allergens (Bet v 1 and Bet v 2) were effective to establish a close-to-man model of natural type I allergy in rhesus monkeys, allowing study of specific IgE regulation in vivo.

Sensitivity to two major allergens (Cry j I and Cry j II) in patients with Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollinosis

BACKGROUND

Japanese cedar (Cryptmeria japonica: CJ) pollinosis is one of the most important allergic diseases in Japan. Recently, the second major allergen (Cry j II) was isolated from CJ pollen. There have been no prevalence studies of sensitivity to Cry j I and Cry j II among a large number of patients with pollinosis.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of sensitivity to Cry j I and Cry j II. We measured specific IgE antibodies to these allergens in the sera of 145 patients. Furthermore, comparison of the sensitivity to Cry j I and Cry j II was examined by the histamine release assay.

METHODS

Specific IgE antibodies to Cry j I and Cry j II were assayed by a fluorometric ELISA. Allergen-specific histamine release was measured by a radioimmunoassay kit.

RESULTS

More than 90% of 145 patients had specific IgE antibodies to both allergens, the remainder had specific IgE to either one or the other. There were seasonal changes in the level of specific IgE. The changes in the levels of anti-Cry j II IgE antibodies were parallel to those of anti-Cry j I IgE. The histamine release assay with leucocytes from the patients demonstrated that the allergenic potency of the two allergens is almost the same.

CONCLUSION

Cry j II is an as important a major allergen as Cry j I.

Prevalence of IgE antibody to crude and purified allergens of Japanese cedar pollen among different troops of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata)

We measured specific IgE antibodies to the crude allergen as well as two purified allergens (Cry j I and Cry j II) of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica--CJ) pollen in the serum of 276 Japanese monkeys in nine troops. Of 45 monkeys with CJ specific IgE in eight of nine troops, 23 (51%) were found to have IgE to both Cry j I and Cry j II, 21 (47%) only to Cry j I, and one (2.2%) only to Cry j II. The positive rate of specific IgE antibody to each allergen varied among the troops.