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Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Mould extracts increase the allergic response to ovalbumin in mice
C Instanes1, H Ormstad, B Rydjord
1Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Environmental Medicine, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway. christine.instanes@fhi.no
Background:
Exposure to moulds in indoor air is thought to induce asthma in susceptible persons. Moulds may contain several potent allergens. However, more importantly, moulds may increase the allergic response to other allergens (adjuvant effect). Previously, we have found that a beta-1,3-glucan from the cell wall of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum increases the allergic response to the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA) in a mouse model.
Objective:
In the present study, we wanted to confirm the adjuvant effect of another beta-1,3-glucan, MacroGard (MG) from baker's yeast in this model. More importantly, we wished to explore the putative effects of extracts from the moulds Cladosporium herbarum (CH) and Penicillium chrysogenum (PC) using the very same model as used to explore effects of beta-glucans.
Methods:
Groups of eight Balb/c mice were injected with OVA alone, OVA+extract or OVA+MG, into one footpad. On day 21, all mice were reinjected with OVA, before exsanguination on day 26. The levels of OVA-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a in serum were measured by ELISA.
Results:
Compared with OVA alone, OVA+MG, OVA+CH extract and OVA+PC extract increased OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 levels significantly. For all groups, the levels of IgG2a anti-OVA remained similar to those of the OVA-alone group.
Conclusions:
Our results show that extracts from CH and PC, and the beta-1,3/1,6-glucan from baker's yeast have adjuvant effects on the allergic response in mice.
Insights
Mould extracts and baker's yeast beta-glucan enhance allergic responses in mice. These substances act as adjuvants, increasing specific IgE and IgG1 levels against ovalbumin (OVA), suggesting a role in asthma development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Mycology
Background:
- Indoor mould exposure is linked to asthma development in susceptible individuals.
- Moulds can act as allergens and potentiate allergic responses to other substances (adjuvant effect).
- Previous research demonstrated beta-1,3-glucan from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum enhances allergic responses to ovalbumin (OVA) in a mouse model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the adjuvant effect of MacroGard (MG), a beta-1,3-glucan from baker's yeast.
- To investigate the adjuvant effects of mould extracts from Cladosporium herbarum (CH) and Penicillium chrysogenum (PC) using the same mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Balb/c mice were sensitized with OVA alone or OVA combined with CH extract, PC extract, or MG.
- Mice received booster injections of OVA on day 21.
- Serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a were quantified via ELISA.
Main Results:
- Co-administration of MG, CH extract, or PC extract with OVA significantly increased OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 levels compared to OVA alone.
- No significant differences in IgG2a anti-OVA levels were observed across the groups.
Conclusions:
- Extracts from Cladosporium herbarum and Penicillium chrysogenum exhibit adjuvant effects.
- Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan from baker's yeast also demonstrates adjuvant properties in the mouse model.
- These findings support the role of mould components and yeast beta-glucans in exacerbating allergic responses.
