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Production of Dermatophagoides farinae Having Low Bacterial Content Using Ampicillin

Ju Yeong Kim1,2, Myung-Hee Yi1,2, Myungjun Kim1

  • 1Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.

Journal of Immunology Research
|May 30, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ampicillin treatment significantly reduced bacteria and lipopolysaccharides in house dust mites for over 18 weeks. This approach helps develop safer allergy immunotherapy agents by controlling mite-associated immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Allergy Research

Background:

  • Symbiotic bacteria in house dust mites can cause immunological side effects during immunotherapy.
  • Investigating the impact of antibiotic treatment on mite bacterial load and allergenicity is crucial for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the duration of bacterial reduction in Dermatophagoides farinae using ampicillin.
  • To assess if ampicillin treatment alters the allergenic properties of D. farinae.

Main Methods:

  • Dermatophagoides farinae was cultured with ampicillin, followed by subcultures without the antibiotic.
  • Bacterial counts, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and major allergens (Der f 1, Der f 2) were quantified.
  • Human bronchial cells and a mouse asthma model were used to evaluate allergic airway inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial numbers and LPS levels decreased significantly for at least 18 weeks post-ampicillin treatment.
  • Ampicillin did not alter the concentrations of major allergens Der f 1 and Der f 2.
  • Reduced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion was observed, with no significant differences in lung function or inflammation in the mouse asthma model.

Conclusions:

  • Ampicillin treatment effectively reduces bacterial content in D. farinae, impacting immune response induction.
  • This method offers a strategy for developing more controlled and potentially safer allergy immunotherapy agents.

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