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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Oral administration of CpG-ODNs suppresses antigen-induced asthma in mice
K Kitagaki1, T R Businga, J N Kline
1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Occupational Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Abstract:
Oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG-ODNs) can protect against eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma. Previously we have found that parenteral or mucosal administration of CpG-ODNs is effective in preventing (as well as reversing established) disease. In this study, we examined the effect of oral CpG-ODNs on the development of immune tolerance. Using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of asthma, we found that CpG-ODNs, administered orally around the time of sensitization, prevented eosinophilic airway inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Although oral co-administration of CpG-ODNs with OVA (known to induce tolerance) did not significantly change the inhibition of OVA-induced airway eosinophilia, it did modulate OVA-specific immunoglobulin responses: oral administration of OVA alone suppressed OVA-specific IgG1 production, but only mice that received CpG-ODNs demonstrated enhanced levels of OVA-specific IgG2c. Finally, we examined whether oral administration of CpG-ODNs, alone or with OVA, could reverse established eosinophilic airway inflammation. Again, neither OVA nor CpG-ODNs alone modulated established eosinophilic airway inflammation, but a combination of the OVA and CpG-ODNs successfully desensitized the mice. This desensitization was associated with suppression of OVA-specific IgE and enhancement of OVA-specific IgG2c production. These findings provide the first indication that oral administration of CpG-ODNs is effective in preventing and reversing antigen-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation. CpG-ODNs may be useful as a component of oral immunotherapy to promote tolerance in established asthma.
Insights
Oral administration of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) prevents and reverses airway inflammation in asthma models. This approach shows promise for oral immunotherapy to induce immune tolerance in patients with asthma.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy and Asthma Research
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG-ODNs) are known to protect against eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma.
- Previous studies demonstrated the efficacy of parenteral or mucosal CpG-ODN administration in preventing and reversing asthma.
- The potential of orally administered CpG-ODNs for inducing immune tolerance remained unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of oral CpG-ODNs on the development of immune tolerance in a murine model of asthma.
- To determine if oral CpG-ODNs can prevent or reverse established eosinophilic airway inflammation.
- To analyze the impact of oral CpG-ODNs on antigen-specific immunoglobulin responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of asthma.
- Administered CpG-ODNs orally around the time of sensitization and in combination with OVA.
- Assessed eosinophilic airway inflammation, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (IgG1, IgG2c, IgE) levels, and immune tolerance.
Main Results:
- Oral CpG-ODNs prevented eosinophilic airway inflammation in a dose-dependent manner.
- Co-administration of CpG-ODNs with OVA modulated OVA-specific immunoglobulin responses, enhancing IgG2c and suppressing IgG1.
- Combined oral administration of OVA and CpG-ODNs reversed established airway inflammation, suppressed IgE, and enhanced IgG2c.
Conclusions:
- Oral administration of CpG-ODNs is effective in preventing and reversing antigen-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation.
- CpG-ODNs hold potential as a component of oral immunotherapy for promoting immune tolerance in asthma.
- This study provides the first evidence for the efficacy of oral CpG-ODNs in managing allergic airway inflammation.
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