Efficacy of local nasal immunotherapy for Dp2-induced airway inflammation in mice: Using Dp2 peptide and fungal immunomodulatory peptide.
BACKGROUND
Local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) is an effective immunotherapy. Peptides derived from the group 2 allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dp2 28-40 and Dp2 28-40A, and fungal immunomodulatory peptide (FIP) have been shown to act as T(H)1 potential and response-inducing adjuvant. LNIT by the use of Dp2 peptides in conjunction with FIP were investigated.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine whether Dp2-induced airway inflammation in mice could be downregulated by Dp2 peptides or a mixture of Dp2 peptides with FIP.


METHODS
Mice were sensitized with rDp2 followed by LNIT with Dp2 peptides, FIP, or FIP and a mixture of Dp2 peptides. After intratracheal challenge with rDp2, the airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness were determined by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis and methacholine challenge.


RESULTS
Both Dp2 peptides and FIP were able to inhibit rDp2-induced airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. An increase in IFN-gamma and a decrease in IL-5 in BALF and sera were found after LNIT with Dp2 peptides, FIP, and mixtures of both. Serum levels of TGF-beta were reduced after LNIT with FIP and Dp2 28-40. Penh values were significantly decreased after methacholine challenge in both the early and late phase.


CONCLUSIONS
LNIT with allergen-derived peptides and FIP can produce an anti-inflammatory effect on allergen-induced airway inflammation. LNIT with selected peptides and FIP might be a good alternative therapy for allergic airway disease.
Liu
Yi-Hsia
YH
Section of Allergy and Immunology, Cathay General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan.
Kao
Mei-Chen
MC
Lai
Yih-Loong
YL
Tsai
Jaw-Ji
JJ
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D037102:Lectins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; D016207:Cytokines; C451163:Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen p 2; D005656:Fungal Proteins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D037102:Lectins; D010446:Peptide Fragments