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Published on: July 7, 2017
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The sickle cell mouse lung: proinflammatory and primed for allergic inflammation
Biree Andemariam1, Alexander J Adami2, Anurag Singh2
1Division of Hematology-Oncology, Lea Center for Hematologic Disorders, Adult Sickle Cell Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Conn.
Summary
Sickle cell disease (SCD) mice show altered lung immunity and physiology. This suggests asthma in SCD patients may have a unique presentation and require different treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary immunology
- Hematology
- Allergic airway disease
Background:
- Comorbid asthma in sickle cell disease (SCD) is linked to increased pain and mortality.
- The physiological connection between SCD and asthma is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pulmonary immunology and physiology of SCD mice with induced allergic airway disease (AAD).
- To compare the AAD phenotype in SCD mice to wild-type mice.
Main Methods:
- Used a mouse model of SCD and induced AAD via ovalbumin sensitization and aerosol challenge.
- Analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, lung tissue, hilar lymph nodes (HLN), and serum.
- Assessed pulmonary physiological responsiveness using methacholine challenge.
Main Results:
- Naive SCD mice exhibited airway inflammation and altered immune cell profiles in BAL fluid, lung tissue, and HLN.
- SCD mice with AAD showed distinct changes in BAL fluid immune cells, serum cytokines, and hyporesponsiveness to methacholine.
- Regulatory T cell numbers did not increase in lung tissue or HLN of SCD mice with AAD.
Conclusions:
- SCD mice possess an altered pulmonary immune environment and physiological response.
- The AAD phenotype in SCD mice differs from that in wild-type mice.
- Individuals with SCD may exhibit a unique asthma phenotype with potential implications for therapeutic strategies.
