Background Commensal microbiota play a critical role in maintaining oral tolerance. The effect of food allergy on the gut microbial ecology remains unknown. Objective We sought to establish the ...composition of the gut microbiota in experimental food allergy and its role in disease pathogenesis. Methods Food allergy–prone mice with a gain-of-function mutation in the IL-4 receptor α chain ( Il4raF709 ) and wild-type (WT) control animals were subjected to oral sensitization with chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA). Enforced tolerance was achieved by using allergen-specific regulatory T (Treg) cells. Community structure analysis of gut microbiota was performed by using a high-density 16S rDNA oligonucleotide microarrays (PhyloChip) and massively parallel pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA amplicons. Results OVA-sensitized Il4raF709 mice exhibited a specific microbiota signature characterized by coordinate changes in the abundance of taxa of several bacterial families, including the Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Porphyromonadaceae. This signature was not shared by similarly sensitized WT mice, which did not exhibit an OVA-induced allergic response. Treatment of OVA-sensitized Il4raF709 mice with OVA-specific Treg cells led to a distinct tolerance-associated signature coincident with the suppression of the allergic response. The microbiota of allergen-sensitized Il4raF709 mice differentially promoted OVA-specific IgE responses and anaphylaxis when reconstituted in WT germ-free mice. Conclusion Mice with food allergy exhibit a specific gut microbiota signature capable of transmitting disease susceptibility and subject to reprogramming by enforced tolerance. Disease-associated microbiota may thus play a pathogenic role in food allergy.
Background Food-induced anaphylaxis is triggered by specific IgE antibodies. Paradoxically, some subjects with significant IgE levels can ingest allergenic foods without incident. Similarly, subjects ...completing oral immunotherapy (OIT) tolerate food challenges despite persistent high-titer food-specific IgE. Objective We sought to test whether IgG antibodies induced by food immunotherapy prevent food-induced anaphylaxis and whether this occurs through the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIb. Methods Food allergy–susceptible Il4raF709 mice were enterally sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA). Similarly sensitized IgE-deficient (IgE−/− ) Il4raF709 mice, which can ingest OVA without anaphylaxis, were subjected to a high-dose enteral OVA desensitization protocol (OIT). Sera from both groups were tested for the ability to activate or inhibit bone marrow mast cells (BMMCs) exposed to allergen or to passively transfer allergy to naive hosts. In parallel experiments sera obtained from patients with peanut allergy before and after undergoing OIT were interrogated for their ability to enhance or suppress peanut-induced activation in an indirect assay by using basophils from nonallergic donors. Results Il4raF709 mice exhibited strong OVA-specific IgE responses. Their sera efficiently sensitized BMMCs for activation by antigen challenge. Sera from Il4raF709 /IgE−/− mice subjected to OVA OIT suppressed BMMC responses. This inhibition was IgG mediated and FcγRIIb dependent. Similarly, pre-OIT but not post-OIT sera from patients efficiently sensitized basophils for peanut-induced activation. IgG antibodies in post-OIT sera suppressed basophil activation by pre-OIT sera. This inhibition was blocked by antibodies against FcγRII. Conclusion Food-specific IgG antibodies, such as those induced during OIT, inhibit IgE-mediated reactions. Strategies that favor IgG responses might prove useful in the management of food allergy.
Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by local and systemic TH 2 responses to cutaneously introduced allergens and is a risk factor for asthma. Blockade of TH 2 cytokines has been ...suggested as therapy for AD. Objectives We sought to examine the effect of the absence of IL-4 and IL-13 on the TH 17 response to epicutaneous sensitization in a murine model of allergic skin inflammation with features of AD. Methods Wild-type, IL4 knockout (KO), IL13 KO and IL4/13 double KO (DKO) mice were subjected to epicutaneous sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA) or saline and airway challenged with OVA. Systemic immune responses to OVA, skin and airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness were examined. Results OVA-sensitized DKO mice exhibited impaired TH 2-driven responses with undetectable OVA-specific IgE levels and severely diminished eosinophil infiltration at sensitized skin sites but intact dermal infiltration with CD4+ cells. DKO mice mounted exaggerated IL-17A but normal IFN-γ and IL-5 systemic responses. Airway challenge of these mice with OVA caused marked upregulation of IL-17 mRNA expression in the lungs, increased neutrophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, airway inflammation characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration with no detectable eosinophils, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine that were reversed by IL-17 blockade. IL-4, but not IL-13, was identified as the major TH 2 cytokine that downregulates the IL-17 response in epicutaneously sensitized mice. Conclusion Epicutaneous sensitization in the absence of IL-4/IL-13 induces an exaggerated TH 17 response systemically and in lungs after antigen challenge that results in airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness.
Background Sensitization to food antigen can occur through cutaneous exposure. Objective We sought to test the hypothesis that epicutaneous sensitization with food antigen predisposes to IgE-mediated ...anaphylaxis on oral allergen challenge. Methods BALB/c mice were epicutaneously sensitized by repeated application of ovalbumin (OVA) to tape-stripped skin over 7 weeks or orally immunized with OVA and cholera toxin (CT) weekly for 8 weeks and then orally challenged with OVA. Body temperature was monitored, and serum mouse mast cell protease 1 levels were determined after challenge. Tissue mast cell (MC) counts were examined by using chloroacetate esterase staining. Levels of serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies and cytokines in supernatants of OVA-stimulated splenocytes were measured by means of ELISA. Serum IL-4 levels were measured by using an in vivo cytokine capture assay. Results Epicutaneously sensitized mice exhibited expansion of connective tissue MCs in the jejunum, increased serum IL-4 levels, and systemic anaphylaxis after oral challenge, as evidenced by decreased body temperature and increased serum mouse mast cell protease 1 levels. Intestinal MC expansion and anaphylaxis were IgE dependent because they did not occur in epicutaneously sensitized IgE−/− mice. Mice orally immunized with OVA plus CT did not have increased serum IL-4 levels, expanded intestinal MCs, or anaphylaxis after oral challenge, despite OVA-specific IgE levels and splenocyte cytokine production in response to OVA stimulation, which were comparable with those of epicutaneously sensitized mice. Conclusion Epicutaneously sensitized mice, but not mice orally immunized with antigen plus CT, have expansion of intestinal MCs and IgE-mediated anaphylaxis after single oral antigen challenge. IgE is necessary but not sufficient for food anaphylaxis, and MC expansion in the gut can play an important role in the development of anaphylaxis.
Adaptive immunity Bonilla, Francisco A., MD, PhD; Oettgen, Hans C., MD, PhD
Journal of allergy and clinical immunology,
02/2010, Letnik:
125, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
The innate immune system provides critical mechanisms for the rapid sensing and elimination of pathogens. Adaptive immunity has evolved to provide a broader and more finely tuned repertoire of ...recognition for both self- and nonself-antigens. Adaptive immunity involves a tightly regulated interplay between antigen-presenting cells and T and B lymphocytes, which facilitate pathogen-specific immunologic effector pathways, generation of immunologic memory, and regulation of host immune homeostasis. Lymphocytes develop and are activated within a series of lymphoid organs comprising the lymphatic system. During development, sets of gene segments are rearranged and assembled to create genes encoding the specific antigen receptors of T and B lymphocytes. The rearrangement mechanism generates a tremendously diverse repertoire of receptor specificities capable of recognizing components of all potential pathogens. In addition to specificity, another principal feature of adaptive immunity is the generation of immunologic memory. During the first encounter with an antigen (pathogen), sets of long-lived memory T and B cells are established. In subsequent encounters with the same pathogen, the memory cells are quickly activated to yield a more rapid and robust protective response.
Fifty years ago, after a long search, IgE emerged as the circulating factor responsible for triggering allergic reactions. Its extremely low concentration in plasma created significant hurdles for ...scientists working to reveal its identity. We now know that IgE levels are invariably increased in patients affected by atopic conditions and that IgE provides the critical link between the antigen recognition role of the adaptive immune system and the effector functions of mast cells and basophils at mucosal and cutaneous sites of environmental exposure. This review discusses the established mechanisms of action of IgE in pathologic immediate hypersensitivity, as well as its multifaceted roles in protective immunity, control of mast cell homeostasis, and its more recently revealed immunomodulatory functions.
A humanized mouse model of anaphylactic peanut allergy Burton, Oliver T., PhD; Stranks, Amanda J., PhD; Tamayo, Jaciel M., PhD ...
Journal of allergy and clinical immunology,
01/2017, Letnik:
139, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Background Food allergy is a growing health problem with very limited treatment options. Investigation of the immunologic pathways underlying allergic sensitization to foods in humans has been ...greatly constrained by the limited availability of intestinal tissue and gut-resident immune cells. Although mouse models have offered insights into pathways of food sensitization, differences between rodent and human immune physiology limit the extension of these findings to our understanding of human disease. Objective We sought to develop a strategy for the generation of mice with humanized adaptive immune systems, complete with tissue engraftment by human mast cells that are competent to mount specific IgE-mediated responses and drive systemic anaphylaxis on ingestion challenge. Methods Nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mice lacking the cytokine receptor common gamma chain (γc−/− ) and carrying a human stem cell factor transgene were engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells. The impact of peanut (PN) feeding and IgE neutralization on the development of immune responses, mast cell homeostasis, and anaphylactic food allergy was assessed in these animals. Results Humanized nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient common gamma chain–deficient stem cell factor (huNSG) mice exhibited robust engraftment with functional human T and B lymphocytes and human mast cells were found in significant numbers in their tissues, including the intestinal mucosa. Following gavage feeding with PN, they mounted specific antibody responses, including PN-specific IgE. When enterally challenged with PN, they exhibited mast-cell–mediated systemic anaphylaxis, as indicated by hypothermia and increases in plasma tryptase levels. Anti-IgE (omalizumab) treatment ablated this anaphylactic response. Conclusions huNSG mice provide a novel tool for studying food allergy and IgE-mediated anaphylaxis.
Background Food allergy is a major health issue, but its pathogenesis remains obscure. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) promote allergic inflammation. However their role in food allergy is ...largely unknown. Objective We sought to investigate the role of ILC2s in food allergy. Methods Food allergy–prone mice with a gain-of-function mutation in the IL-4 receptor α chain (Il4raF709) were orally sensitized with food allergens, and the ILC2 compartment was analyzed. The requirement for ILC2s in food allergy was investigated by using Il4raF709 , IL-33 receptor–deficient (Il1rl1 −/− ) , IL-13–deficient (Il13 −/− ) , and IL-4–deficient (Il4 −/− ) mice and by adoptive transfer of in vitro –expanded ILC2s. Direct effects of ILC2s on regulatory T (Treg) cells and mast cells were analyzed in coculture experiments. Treg cell control of ILC2s was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results Il4raF709 mice with food allergy exhibit increased numbers of ILC2s. IL-4 secretion by ILC2s contributes to the allergic response by reducing allergen-specific Treg cell and activating mast cell counts. IL-33 receptor deficiency in Il4raF709 Il1rl1 −/− mice protects against allergen sensitization and anaphylaxis while reducing ILC2 induction. Adoptive transfer of wild-type and Il13 −/− but not Il4 −/− ILC2s restored sensitization in Il4raF709 Il1rl1 −/− mice. Treg cells suppress ILC2s in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion IL-4 production by IL-33–stimulated ILC2s blocks the generation of allergen-specific Treg cells and favors food allergy. Strategies to block ILC2 activation or the IL-33/IL-33 receptor pathway can lead to innovative therapies in the treatment of food allergy.
Background In atopic subjects food ingestion drives the production of IgE antibodies that can trigger hypersensitivity reactions. The IL-4 pathway plays a critical role in this response, and genetic ...polymorphisms in its components have been linked to allergy. Objective We sought to test whether an activating mutation in the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) α chain enhances allergic responses to a food antigen. Methods F709 mice, in which the IL-4Rα immunoreceptor tyrosine–based inhibitory motif is inactivated, were gavage fed with ovalbumin (OVA). Reactions to OVA challenge and immune responses, including antibody production and TH 2 responses, were assessed. Results F709 mice, but not wild-type control animals, sensitized by means of gavage with OVA and either cholera toxin or staphylococcal enterotoxin B, displayed mast cell activation and systemic anaphylaxis on enteral challenge. Anaphylaxis was elicited even in F709 mice enterally sensitized with OVA alone. Bone marrow chimera experiments established that the increased sensitivity conferred by the F709 genotype was mediated mostly by hematopoietic cells but that nonhematopoietic cells also contributed. F709 mice exhibited increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules. The F709 genotype conferred increased OVA-specific IgE but not IgG1 responses, local and systemic TH 2 responses, and intestinal mast cell hyperplasia compared with wild-type mice. Anaphylaxis was abrogated in F709 mice lacking IgE or the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcϵRI). Conclusion Augmented IL-4Rα signaling confers increased intestinal permeability and dramatically enhanced sensitivity to food allergens. Unlike anaphylaxis to injected antigens, which in rodents can be mediated by either IgE or IgG antibodies, the food-induced response in F709 mice is solely IgE dependent.
Background Food-induced anaphylaxis is often a severe allergic reaction characterized by multiorgan dysfunction and a potentially fatal outcome. Objectives We sought to investigate the relative ...contribution of immunoglobulin-dependent effector pathways to anaphylactic responses to food (ie, peanut). Methods Wild-type and various mutant mice were sensitized with peanut protein and cholera toxin by means of oral gavage weekly for 4 weeks. Mice were subjected to different cellular depletion and Fc receptor blocking strategies before challenge with peanut 1 week after the last sensitization. Results Our data indicate that pathways other than the classical mast cell (MC)–IgE pathway contribute to the full spectrum of anaphylactic reactions to peanut. We show that the single deletion of MCs, basophils, or phagocytes (ie, macrophages) prevents the most significant clinical outcome: death. Remarkably, the combined deficiency of MCs and phagocytes, but not MCs and basophils, averted nearly all clinical and physiological signs of anaphylaxis. Furthermore, blockade of both IgE and IgG1 signaling was necessary to abolish anaphylactic responses to peanut. Although MC responses occurred through IgE and IgG1, phagocyte responses were fully mediated through IgG1. Conclusions Peanut-induced anaphylaxis is a process that involves the concerted action of multiple immune effector pathways, and thus interventions targeting a single pathway (eg, MC-IgE) might not be sufficient to fully prevent anaphylactic responses.