Anisakis simplex Excretion/Secretion Antigens Abolish the Anaphylactic Response in Allergic Mice

Helminths' products modulate the allergic response. We aimed to analyze the inhibitory effect of Ascaris lumbricoides, Anisakis simplex, and A. simplex excretion/secretion (E/S) antigens in a peanut-induced anaphylaxis mouse model.

Four groups of nine C3H/HeOuJ mice were weekly sensitized with intraperitoneal (i.p.) peanut extract (P) for 3 weeks. Concomitantly, first group was daily treated with i.p. A. simplex somatic extract, second group with A. lumbricoides somatic extract, third group with A. simplex E/S extract (P/AK-ES), and a fourth group with saline (P/saline). Nine more mice were non-sensitized (i.p. saline) and used as control group (N/saline). After 5 weeks, anaphylaxis was induced with i.p. peanut extract and evaluated by the recognition of clinical symptoms and body temperature measurements. Specific IgG1, IgG2a, and IgE and cytokines were measured.

Non-treated peanut-sensitized mice developed anaphylactic reactions following antigen challenge. Helminth crude extract-treated groups presented moderate symptoms. Nevertheless, P/AK-ES mice almost abolished the anaphylactic symptoms and impeded temperature drop after the challenge. All peanut-sensitized mice developed peanut-specific immunoglobulins. Helminth-treated groups showed an increase of specific IgG1 and IgG2a that peaked on weeks 3 and 4. By contrast, A. simplex E/S extract that hampered the production of specific IgE was observed in mice. Cytokines revealed a significant decrease in IL-5 and a significant increase in IL-10 and IFN-γ in the P/AK-ES group.

A. simplex E/S antigens have a potent and effective restraining effect on modulating peanut-induced anaphylaxis in mice.