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Updated: May 31, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Mouse model of hypersensitivity pneumonitis after inhalation exposure to different microbial antigens associated with
Marta Lemieszek1, Marco Chilosi, Marcin Golec
1Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland. martalemieszek@gmail.com
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to reproduce in laboratory conditions hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) pathogenesis in a new animal model predictive of the human response, and to select the microbial antigen associated with organic dust that exerts the strongest pathogenic effect on the respiratory organ. To achieve this goal, mice of the strain C57BL/6J prone to fibrosis were exposed for 1 hour daily up to 28 days to the inhalation of aerosols of each of the 5 microbial components of organic dusts whose conjunction with the occurrence of HP has been confirmed by numerous authors: Pantoea agglomerans saline extract (SE), P. agglomerans microvesicle-bound endotoxin, Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula SE, Aspergillus fumigatus SE, saline extract of dust from a grain sample overgrown with S. rectivirgula and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, and a saline solvent (PBS) was used as a control. Exposure of the animals to organic dust components was conducted using a novel inhalation challenge set. Lung samples were collected from untreated mice and from mice exposed for 7 and 28 days, and examined by digitalized histopathology and biochemistry for the presence of inflammatory changes and fibrosis. P. agglomerans SE appeared to be the sole antigen which evoked a statistically significant fibrosis and a significant increase of hydroxyproline in the lungs of mice exposed for 28 days to this extract, both compared to the mice untreated and to those exposed to the solvent. P. agglomerans SE also evoked the strongest and statistically significant inflammatory response in the lungs of the mice, both after 7 and 28 days of exposure. After 7 days, significant inflammatory changes were also found in mice exposed to A. fumigatus SE, and after 28 days in mice exposed to all antigens. In conclusion, our results allow us to define a useful animal model of HP which can be a supplement for now commonly used bleomycin model. This model should comprise: present set of instruments for inhalation, mice of the line C57BL/6J and the saline extract of P. agglomerans as the antigen. For a better understanding of the presented results, a detailed study covering immunological investigations, focused on the mechanism of antigen action, are needed.
Insights
This study developed a new animal model for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) using Pantoea agglomerans saline extract (SE) in C57BL/6J mice, which effectively reproduced lung inflammation and fibrosis. This model offers a valuable alternative for studying HP pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated lung disease caused by inhaled organic dusts.
- Existing animal models for HP have limitations in predicting human responses.
- Identifying specific microbial antigens responsible for HP pathogenesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, predictive animal model for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) pathogenesis.
- To identify the microbial antigen from organic dusts that most strongly affects the respiratory system.
- To evaluate the fibrotic and inflammatory potential of various microbial components.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6J mice, prone to fibrosis, were exposed to aerosols of five microbial components of organic dusts for 28 days.
- A novel inhalation challenge set was used for exposure.
- Lung tissues were analyzed using digitalized histopathology and biochemistry for inflammation and fibrosis markers (e.g., hydroxyproline).
Main Results:
- Pantoea agglomerans saline extract (SE) was the only antigen to induce statistically significant lung fibrosis and hydroxyproline increase after 28 days.
- P. agglomerans SE elicited the strongest and most significant inflammatory response at both 7 and 28 days.
- Significant inflammation was observed with Aspergillus fumigatus SE after 7 days and with all tested antigens after 28 days.
Conclusions:
- A new, predictive animal model for HP is established, utilizing C57BL/6J mice and P. agglomerans SE.
- This model serves as a valuable supplement to existing models like the bleomycin model.
- Further immunological studies are needed to elucidate the antigen's mechanism of action in HP.
