Allergic airway sensitization induces T cell activation but not airway hyperresponsiveness in B cell-deficient mice.
B cells play an important role in the allergic response by producing allergen-specific Igs as well as by serving as antigen-presenting cells. We studied the involvement of B cells in the development of responses in a murine model of allergic airway sensitization. Normal and B cell-deficient (muMt-/-) B10.BR mice were sensitized via the airways to ovalbumin; Ig production, cytokine elaboration from local lymph node cells, development of airway hyperresponsiveness, and histological changes in the airways were evaluated. Both strains of mice had increased production of T helper 2-like cytokines and developed an accumulation of eosinophils in the bronchial tissue after airway sensitization. However, only wild-type mice produced allergen-specific antibodies and exhibited altered airway function. B cell-deficient mice reconstituted with anti-ovalbumin IgE during the course of sensitization developed increases in airway responsiveness. These results indicated that neither B cells nor IgE were necessary for the induction of a T helper 2-type cytokine response or eosinophil infiltration of the airways after allergic sensitization but that IgE was required as a second signal for the development of airway hyperresponsiveness in this model of airway sensitization.
Hamelmann
E
E
Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Vella
A T
AT
Oshiba
A
A
Kappler
J W
JW
Marrack
P
P
Gelfand
E W
EW
D000818:Animals; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D007114:Immunization; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008168:Lung / Q000166:cytology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000276:immunology; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014132:Trachea / Q000276:immunology
D016207:Cytokines; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D010047:Ovalbumin