Immunomodulatory effects of feeding with Bifidobacterium longum on allergen-induced lung inflammation in the mouse.

Background: The intestinal microbiota has important effects on host immune responses and feeding with certain commensal organisms has anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of diseases, including experimental asthma. The aim of the current study was to examine how robust the effects of feeding with the commensal strain, Bifidobacterium longum (Bif) were on the pulmonary responses to allergen sensitization and challenge.

Methods: BALB/c mice were given two intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin (10 μg in alum) on days 0 and 7 and were fed daily with Bif or vehicle from days 0-14.

EGF receptor activation during allergic sensitization affects IL-6-induced T-cell influx to airways in a rat model of asthma.

EGF receptor (EGFR) is involved in cell differentiation and proliferation in airways and may trigger cytokine production by T cells. We hypothesized that EGFR inhibition at the time of allergic sensitization may affect subsequent immune reactions. Brown Norway rats were sensitized with OVA, received the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, AG1478 from days 0 to 7 and OVA challenge on day 14.

Selective control of SIRP-alpha-positive airway dendritic cell trafficking through CD47 is critical for the development of T(H)2-mediated allergic inflammation.

Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential for the initiation and maintenance of T(H)2 responses to inhaled antigen that lead to the establishment of allergic diseases. Two subpopulations of nonplasmacytoid DCs (ie, CD11b(low)CD103+ and CD11b(high)CD103(-)) are found in lung/airway tissues. Yet the identification and migratory properties of the DC subset that contributes to T(H)2-mediated responses remain to be clarified.