The role of CTLA4-Ig in a mouse model against allergic asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate CTLA4-Ig's potential role in therapy for allergic asthma by blocking B7/CD28 interactions with cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4-Ig (CTLA4-Ig).


METHODS
We divided BALB/C mice into the three groups: Sham/Sham (control), ovalbumin (OVA)/OVA and mCTLA4-Ig. Blood, bronchoalveolar lavage, histology and determination of cytokines were performed 24 hours after airway challenge.


RESULTS
In the OVA/OVA group, the number of cells, the percentage of inflamed cells and the level of IL-4 in BALF were increased. Airways in our murine model for allergic asthma underwent pathological changes, which were significantly reduced after treatment with mCTLA4-Ig.


CONCLUSIONS
Blockage of co-stimulation with mCTLA4-Ig can inhibit allergy-specific response of T cells, and asthmatic response as well.
Wan
Huanying
H
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200025, China. huan_yin2000@yahoo.com
Zhou
Min
M
Xu
Qing
Q
Huang
Shaoguang
S
Deng
Weiwu
W
D000069594:Abatacept; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D014132:Trachea / Q000473:pathology
D018796:Immunoconjugates; D015847:Interleukin-4; D000069594:Abatacept