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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Free Feeding of CpG-Oligodeoxynucleotide Particles Prophylactically Attenuates Allergic Airway Inflammation and
Takuma Okajima1, Suguru Shigemori1, Fu Namai1
1Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan.
Abstract:
CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) constitute an attractive alternative for asthma treatment. However, very little evidence is available from studies on the oral administration of CpG-ODNs in animals. Previously, we developed acid-resistant particles (named ODNcap) as an oral delivery device for ODNs. Here, we showed that free feeding of an ODNcap-containing feed prophylactically attenuates allergic airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and goblet cell hyperplasia in an ovalbumin-induced asthma model. Using transcriptomics-driven approaches, we demonstrated that injury of pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes accompanies allergen inhalation challenge, but is inhibited by ODNcap feeding. We also showed the participation of an airway antimicrobial peptide (Reg3γ) and fecal microbiota in the ODNcap-mediated effects. Collectively, our findings suggest that daily oral ingestion of ODNcap may provide preventive effects on allergic bronchopulmonary insults via regulation of mechanisms involved in the gut-lung connection.
Insights
Oral administration of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) using acid-resistant particles (ODNcap) prevents allergic airway inflammation and lung injury in an asthma model. This approach highlights the gut-lung connection for asthma prevention.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) show promise for asthma treatment.
- Limited research exists on oral CpG-ODN delivery in animal models.
- Acid-resistant particles (ODNcap) were developed for oral ODN delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of orally administered ODNcap in a mouse model of allergic asthma.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying ODNcap's protective effects.
Main Methods:
- Ovalbumin-induced asthma model in mice.
- Prophylactic administration of ODNcap-containing feed.
- Transcriptomic analysis to identify molecular changes.
- Assessment of airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and goblet cell hyperplasia.
- Analysis of pulmonary vein cardiomyocyte injury, Reg3γ expression, and fecal microbiota.
Main Results:
- ODNcap feeding attenuated allergic airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and goblet cell hyperplasia.
- Pulmonary vein cardiomyocyte injury, associated with allergen challenge, was inhibited by ODNcap.
- The effects of ODNcap involved an airway antimicrobial peptide (Reg3γ) and gut microbiota.
Conclusions:
- Daily oral intake of ODNcap offers a preventive strategy against allergic airway inflammation.
- ODNcap modulates mechanisms within the gut-lung axis to protect against allergic bronchopulmonary insults.
