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Published on: October 25, 2018
Immune sensing of food allergens promotes avoidance behaviour
Esther B Florsheim1,2,3, Nathaniel D Bachtel4, Jaime L Cullen4
1Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. esther.florsheim@asu.edu.
The immune system influences behavior, with allergic sensitization prompting mice to avoid specific allergens. This antigen-specific avoidance behavior is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mast cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Behavioral immunology
- Allergy research
Background:
- The immune system's role extends beyond pathogen defense to influencing behavior.
- Mechanisms and extent of immune-mediated behavioral changes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immune system-driven behavioral modifications in mouse models of food allergy.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying antigen-specific avoidance behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse models of food allergy.
- Administered allergens and monitored behavioral responses.
- Investigated the roles of immunoglobulin E (IgE), mast cells, cysteinyl leukotrienes, and growth and differentiation factor 15.
- Compared behavioral outcomes across different mouse genetic backgrounds (C57BL/6 and BALB/c).
Main Results:
- Allergic sensitization induced antigen-specific avoidance behavior in mice.
- Allergen ingestion activated brain regions associated with aversive stimuli processing.
- Avoidance behavior was dependent on IgE antibodies and mast cells, preceding gut inflammation.
- Cysteinyl leukotrienes and growth and differentiation factor 15 were crucial for IgE- and mast cell-mediated avoidance.
- Genetic background significantly influenced the observed avoidance behavior.
Conclusions:
- Allergic sensitization can drive specific behavioral avoidance of allergens.
- This behavior involves complex neuro-immune interactions mediated by IgE, mast cells, and specific signaling molecules.
- Findings suggest evolved mechanisms for niche selection to avoid adverse environments.
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