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Updated: Sep 28, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Airborne house dust elicits a local lymph node reaction and has an adjuvant effect on specific IgE production in the
H Ormstad1, P I Gaarder, B V Johansen
1Department of Environmental Medicine, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
Abstract:
Indoor suspended particulate matter (SPM) consists of many different types of particles, the vast majority of which are less than 2.5 microm in diameter. An important question is how these particles, being inhalable, contribute to asthma and respiratory symptoms. One possibility is that these particles have an adjuvant effect on the immune response and increase the IgE production, or cause a non-specific irritation in the airways, contributing to bronchial hyper-responsiveness. In this study, the adjuvant activity of indoor SPM on the response to the model allergen ovalbumin (OA) in BALB/c mice was investigated, using the popliteal lymph node (PLN) assay. The adjuvant activity on the local lymph node response was determined by measuring the PLN weight, cell numbers and cell proliferation, and the adjuvant activity on the IgE production by measuring the levels of serum IgE specific to OA. SPM was found to give a significant PLN response, both when injected alone and together with OA. SPM was also found to enhance the production of specific IgE to OA when injected together with OA, after reinjection with OA, compared with immunisation with OA alone.
Insights
Indoor suspended particulate matter (SPM) acts as an adjuvant, potentially worsening asthma. This study shows SPM enhances allergic immune responses and IgE production in mice exposed to allergens.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Indoor suspended particulate matter (SPM) comprises inhalable particles, primarily <2.5 micrometers.
- SPM may contribute to asthma and respiratory symptoms through immune adjuvant effects or airway irritation.
- Potential mechanisms include increased IgE production and bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adjuvant activity of indoor SPM on immune responses.
- To assess SPM's effect on IgE production using a model allergen, ovalbumin (OA).
- To evaluate the impact on local lymph node responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the popliteal lymph node (PLN) assay in BALB/c mice.
- Measured PLN weight, cell numbers, and cell proliferation to assess local lymph node response.
- Quantified serum IgE specific to OA to determine adjuvant activity on IgE production.
Main Results:
- SPM induced a significant PLN response when injected alone and with OA.
- SPM enhanced the production of OA-specific IgE when co-administered with OA.
- This enhancement was observed after subsequent OA re-exposure compared to OA immunization alone.
Conclusions:
- Indoor SPM exhibits significant adjuvant activity.
- SPM promotes allergic immune responses, including increased IgE production.
- Findings suggest SPM may exacerbate allergic respiratory conditions.
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