Surfactant proteins A and D protect mice against pulmonary hypersensitivity induced by Aspergillus fumigatus antigens and allergens

J Clin Invest. 2001 Feb;107(4):467-75. doi: 10.1172/JCI10124.

Abstract

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic disorder caused by an opportunistic fungal pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus (AFU:). Lung surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D can interact with the glycosylated antigens and allergens of AFU:, inhibit specific IgE binding to these allergens, and block histamine release from sensitized basophils. We have now examined the therapeutic effect of exogenous administration of human SP-A, SP-D, and a recombinant fragment of SP-D (rSP-D), in a murine model of pulmonary hypersensitivity induced by AFU: antigens and allergens, which resembles human ABPA immunologically. The ABPA mice exhibited high levels of AFU:-specific IgG and IgE, blood eosinophilia, extensive infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the lung sections, and a Th2 cytokine response. Treatment with SP-A, SP-D, and rSP-D lowered blood eosinophilia, pulmonary infiltration, and specific Ab levels considerably, which persisted up to 4 days in the SP-A-treated ABPA mice, and up to 16 days in the SP-D- or rSP-D-treated ABPA mice. The levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-5 were decreased, while the level of IFN-gamma was raised in the splenic supernatants of the treated mice, indicating a marked shift from Th2 to Th1 response. These results clearly implicate pulmonary SP-A and SP-D in the modulation of allergic reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Fungal / immunology*
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / immunology*
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Eosinophil Peroxidase
  • Eosinophilia / etiology
  • Glycoproteins / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Lung / immunology*
  • Lung / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Peroxidases / metabolism
  • Proteolipids / pharmacology*
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins
  • Pulmonary Surfactants / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Cytokines
  • Glycoproteins
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Proteolipids
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins
  • Pulmonary Surfactants
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Eosinophil Peroxidase
  • Peroxidases