Short ragweed allergen induces eosinophilic lung disease in HLA-DQ transgenic mice

J Clin Invest. 1999 Jun;103(12):1707-17. doi: 10.1172/JCI6175.

Abstract

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) restriction of the IgE response to different allergens in humans has been a subject of numerous published studies. However, the role and contribution of specific HLA class II molecules in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation are unknown and difficult to assess. HLA-DQ6 and HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice lacking endogenous mouse class II gene expression were actively immunized and later challenged intranasally with short ragweed (SRW) allergenic extract. The HLA-DQ transgenic mice developed pulmonary eosinophilia and lung tissue damage. We also found an increase in total protein (TP) level and IL-5 production in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and an increase in SRW-specific Th2-type immunoglobulins (IgG1, IgG2b) and total serum IgE levels. Under similar treatment, DQ-negative full-sib control mice were normal. The allergic response could be significantly inhibited or abrogated in HLA-DQ mice by systemic treatment with anti-DQ mAb. The in vivo responses of HLA-DQ6 and HLA-DQ8 mice showed differences in terms of levels of eosinophilia, BAL protein, IL-5 concentration, and lung hyperreactivity to inhaled methacholine. These findings demonstrate the crucial role for specific HLA-DQ molecules in SRW-specific CD4(+) T-cell activation and resulting recruitment of eosinophils into the airways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Allergens / administration & dosage*
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Blood Proteins / chemistry
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / physiopathology
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / chemistry
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / immunology
  • CD4 Antigens / immunology
  • Eosinophil Granule Proteins
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • HLA-DQ Antigens / biosynthesis
  • HLA-DQ Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-DQ Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Sera / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-5 / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / immunology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Plant Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Plant Proteins / immunology
  • Plant Proteins / pharmacokinetics
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / genetics*
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / immunology
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / prevention & control
  • Respiratory System / metabolism
  • Ribonucleases*
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Amb a III protein, Ambrosia artemisiifolia
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Blood Proteins
  • CD4 Antigens
  • Eosinophil Granule Proteins
  • HLA-DQ Antigens
  • Immune Sera
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Interleukin-5
  • Plant Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Ribonucleases