title: Effects of CpG DNA on Th1/Th2 balance in asthma.
abstract: Thus, in our studies, we demonstrated that CpG ODN are effective in preventing the development of eosinophilic airway inflammation and bronchial hyper-reactivity in a murine model of asthma. Antigen-associated elevation of serum IgE levels is also suppressed. CpG ODN, administered in conjunction with antigen, is also effective in down-regulation of established Th2 responses. This protection is neither murine strain-dependent nor model-dependent. Although these effects of CpG ODN are associated with the induction of the Th1 cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-12, neither cytokine is absolutely required for the protection. These results suggest that CpG ODN may be an effective immunomodulatory agent in the treatment, and possibly prevention, of asthma.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242, USA. joel-kline@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Kline
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D018899:CpG Islands / Q000276:immunology*; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA