Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Adjuvant effect of zymosan after pulmonary treatment in a mouse ovalbumin allergy model
Shih-Houng Young1, Michael G Wolfarth, Jenny R Roberts
1Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.
Abstract:
An association has been observed between indoor mold contamination and lung allergy and asthma. This relationship is not fully understood. 1→3-β-Glucan is the major cell wall component of fungi and a good marker of fungi exposure. The objective was to evaluate the adjuvant effect of zymosan, a crude yeast cell wall preparation of 1→3-β-glucan, during ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization in an allergy model. BALB/c mice were sensitized by pharyngeal aspiration with saline, 50 microg of OVA, or OVA with 1, 10, 50, or 75 microg of zymosan on days 0, 7, and 14. One week after sensitization, each sensitized animal group was challenged with an aspiration dose of 50 microg of OVA once a week for 2 weeks. At 1 day after the last aspiration, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood was collected, and markers of lung allergy and inflammation were assessed. An adjuvant effect of zymosan on OVA allergy during sensitization was observed as indicated by significant elevations in lung eosinophils, serum OVA-specific IgE, and lung IL-5 in the groups sensitized with zymosan and OVA. Pulmonary treatment with zymosan also amplified lung inflammation. Elevations were observed in lung neutrophils, TNF-α, and parameters of lung injury in the groups primed with both zymosan and OVA. In nearly all parameters, a non-linear dose-response relationship was observed in the groups primed with OVA and zymosan. The optimum adjuvant dose of zymosan was 10 microg. This study demonstrated an adjuvant effect of zymosan when exposures occurred during the sensitization phase in an OVA-induced allergy model in BALB/c mice.
Insights
Zymosan, a fungal cell wall component, acts as an adjuvant, worsening allergic lung responses during sensitization. The optimal dose of 10 micrograms amplified inflammation and allergy markers in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Indoor mold exposure is linked to asthma and allergies, but the mechanisms are unclear.
- 1→3-β-Glucan is a key fungal cell wall component and marker of fungal exposure.
- Investigating fungal components' role in allergy development is crucial for understanding respiratory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adjuvant effect of zymosan, a 1→3-β-glucan preparation, on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic sensitization in a mouse model.
- To determine the dose-response relationship of zymosan's adjuvant activity.
- To assess the impact of zymosan on lung inflammation and allergic markers.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were sensitized via pharyngeal aspiration with OVA alone or OVA combined with varying doses of zymosan.
- Animals received booster doses and subsequent OVA challenges to induce allergic responses.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum were analyzed for inflammatory cells, cytokines (IL-5, TNF-α), and OVA-specific IgE.
Main Results:
- Zymosan significantly enhanced OVA-induced allergic sensitization, increasing lung eosinophils, serum OVA-specific IgE, and lung IL-5.
- Pulmonary inflammation was amplified by zymosan, with elevated neutrophils, TNF-α, and lung injury markers.
- A non-linear dose-response was observed, with 10 micrograms of zymosan showing the optimal adjuvant effect.
Conclusions:
- Zymosan exhibits a significant adjuvant effect, exacerbating allergic responses and lung inflammation during the sensitization phase.
- Fungal components like 1→3-β-glucan may play a critical role in promoting respiratory allergies and asthma.
- These findings highlight the potential impact of fungal exposure on the development and severity of allergic lung diseases.
