Related Experiment Videos
Oral sensitization of W/W(v) mice with ovalbumin and possible involvement of the decrease in gammadelta-T cells.
Haruyo Okunuki1, Reiko Teshima, Naoki Harikai
1Division of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|September 3, 2003
Summary
Mast-cell-deficient mice exhibit heightened allergic responses to ovalbumin (OVA), indicating Th2-dominant T-cell activation. This study suggests these mice are a valuable model for investigating food allergy and the role of T-cell receptor gamma delta T-cells in hypersensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Food allergy is a growing health concern.
- Mast cells play a critical role in allergic reactions.
- Understanding the mechanisms of food allergy induction is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mast cells in food allergy using a mouse model.
- To explore the involvement of T-helper 2 (Th2) cells and T-cell receptor gamma delta (TCRgd) T-cells in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced hypersensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Oral sensitization with OVA in mast-cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/W(v) mice and wild-type (+/+) mice.
- Induction of active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) via intraperitoneal OVA injection.
- Analysis of OVA-specific IgG1 production and cytokine profiles (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) from splenocytes.
- Flow cytometry analysis of Peyer's patches and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) for cell populations, including CD11c(+) cells and TCRgd T-cells.
Main Results:
- W/W(v) mice showed significantly higher OVA-specific IgG1 production and increased Th2-type cytokine production (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) compared to +/+ mice.
- A slight increase in CD11c(+) cells was observed in W/W(v) mice after antigen stimulation.
- A marked reduction in TCRgd T-cells was found in the Peyer's patches and splenocytes of W/W(v) mice, particularly in sensitized groups.
Conclusions:
- Mast-cell-deficient W/W(v) mice demonstrate a Th2-dominant immune response to oral OVA sensitization, suggesting their utility as a model for food allergy induction.
- The study highlights a potential role for TCRgd T-cells in modulating food-induced hypersensitivity, with their deficiency correlating with heightened allergic responses.