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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Strain-Specific Differences in House Dust Mite (Dermatophagoides farinae)-Induced Mouse Models of Allergic Rhinitis
Ki-Il Lee1,2,3, Jun-Sang Bae1,3, Eun Hee Kim1,3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.
Objectives:
Limited information is available regarding strain-related differences in mouse models of allergic rhinitis induced by Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f1). In this study, we compared differences between two mouse strains and determined the optimal dose of Der f1 for allergic rhinitis mouse models.
Methods:
Forty-eight mice were assigned to the following six groups (n=8 per group): group A (control, BALB/c), group B (Der f1-sensitized BALB/c, 25 µg), group C (Der f1-sensitized BALB/c, 100 µg), group D (control, C57BL/6), group E (Der f1-sensitized C57BL/6, 25 µg), and group F (Der f1-sensitized C57BL/6, 100 µg). Allergic inflammation was induced with Der f1 and alum sensitization, followed by an intranasal challenge with Der f1. Rubbing and sneezing scores, eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration, and immunoglobulin, cytokine, and chemokine levels in the nasal mucosa and from splenocyte cultures were assessed.
Results:
Rubbing and sneezing scores were higher in groups B, C, E, and F than in groups A and D, with a similar pattern in both strains (i.e., group B vs. E and group C vs. F). Serum immunoglobulin levels were significantly elevated compared to the control in groups B and C, but not in groups E and F. Eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration increased (all P<0.05) after the Der f1 challenge (groups B, C, E, and F) compared to the control (groups A and D) in both the BALB/c and C57BL/6 strains, without any significant difference between the two strains (group A vs. D, group B vs. E, and group C vs. F) (P>0.05). BALB/c mice (group B) showed a greater elevation of splenic interleukin (IL)-4 (P<0.01), IL-5 (P<0.01), and IL-6 levels (P<0.05) and nasal IL-4 mRNA levels (P<0.001) than the C57BL/6 mice (group E). Interestingly, mice treated with 100 µg Der f1 showed a weaker allergic response than those treated with 25 µg.
Conclusion:
We found 25 µg to be a more appropriate dose for Der f1 sensitization. BALB/c mice are more biased toward a Th2 response and are a more suitable model for allergic rhinitis than C57BL/6 mice. This study provides information on the appropriate choice of a mouse model for allergic rhinitis.
Insights
BALB/c mice are better for studying allergic rhinitis than C57BL/6 mice, with 25 µg of Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f1) being the optimal dose for sensitization. This research aids in selecting appropriate mouse models for allergic rhinitis research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis is a common condition with limited understanding of strain-specific responses in mouse models.
- Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f1) is a common allergen used to induce allergic rhinitis in experimental settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare strain-related differences in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice exposed to Der f1.
- To determine the optimal Der f1 dose for inducing allergic rhinitis in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Forty-eight mice (BALB/c and C57BL/6) were divided into six groups, including controls and Der f1-sensitized groups with varying doses (25 µg and 100 µg).
- Allergic inflammation was induced via Der f1 sensitization and intranasal challenge.
- Assessment included behavioral scores (rubbing, sneezing), immune cell infiltration (eosinophils, neutrophils), and levels of immunoglobulins, cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6), and chemokines.
Main Results:
- Both mouse strains showed increased allergic symptoms and immune cell infiltration after Der f1 challenge, with no significant difference between strains in these parameters.
- BALB/c mice exhibited a more pronounced Th2-biased immune response, with higher levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6 compared to C57BL/6 mice.
- A dose of 25 µg Der f1 resulted in a stronger allergic response than 100 µg, suggesting it is a more appropriate sensitization dose.
Conclusions:
- A 25 µg dose of Der f1 is recommended for sensitizing mice for allergic rhinitis models.
- BALB/c mice are more suitable for modeling allergic rhinitis due to their pronounced Th2 response compared to C57BL/6 mice.
- This study provides valuable insights for selecting appropriate mouse strains and allergen doses in allergic rhinitis research.
