Carbohydrate-based particles reduce allergic inflammation in a mouse model for cat allergy

Abstract

Background: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only treatment of allergic disease that gives long-lasting relief of symptoms. However, concerns for safety and efficiency have highlighted the need for improvement of the therapy. We have previously suggested carbohydrate-based particles (CBPs) as a novel adjuvant and allergen carrier for ASIT. Our aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CBPs in ASIT, employing a mouse model for cat allergy. Methods: BALB/c mice were subcutaneously immunized with the recombinant (r) cat allergen Fel d 1 followed by intranasal challenge with cat dander extract (CDE). The sensitized mice were therapeutically treated with rFel d 1 covalently coupled to CBPs (CBP-rFel d 1). Airway hyper-reactivity (AHR), infiltration of leucocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, allergen-specific serum immunoglobulin levels and in vitro splenocyte responses were evaluated. Results: Mice treated with CBP-rFel d 1 showed reduced features of allergic inflammation. They responded with (i) significantly decreased AHR and infiltration of eosinophils in BAL fluid after CDE challenge, (ii) the serum level of rFel d 1-specific IgE was reduced and the level of IgG2a was more pronounced after CBP-rFel d 1 treatment, and (iii) there was also a tendency of decreased allergen-specific cellular response. Conclusions: Carbohydrate-based particles are effective tools as adjuvant and allergen carriers for use in ASIT and constitutes a promising strategy to improve allergy treatment. © 2008 The Authors.