Effect of pollen-mediated oxidative stress on immediate hypersensitivity reactions and late-phase inflammation in allergic conjunctivitis

Abstract

Our data suggest that ROS generated by NAD(P)H oxidases in pollen grains intensify immediate allergic reactions and recruitment of inflammatory cells in murine conjunctiva.

Subpollen particles: Carriers of allergenic proteins and oxidases

“…To confirm these data, we conducted DCF assays. 17 As shown in Fig 2, B and C, pollen grains exhibited bright DCF fluorescence. Interestingly, 72% to 81% of the freshly collected pollen grains showed intense fluorescence, whereas 35% (ragweed) and 40% (pigweed) of the pollen grains released SPPs (Fig 2, D).…”

Nox enzymes, ROS, and chronic disease: An example of antagonistic pleiotropy

“…In addition, pollen itself contains an endogenous NADPH-oxidase activity, which functions to generate local signals in airway epithelium. These signals in turn trigger the early recruitment of granulocytes, contributing to allergic inflammation in the lung [36,37] and eye [38].…”

Cupressaceae Pollen Grains Modulate Dendritic Cell Response and Exhibit IgE-Inducing Adjuvant Activity In Vivo

“…Ragweed pollen-derived NADPH oxidase (8 -10) increases levels of reactive oxygen species in the epithelium and has critical roles in both sensitization to and the development of allergies in mouse models (8,9). Very recently, we have demonstrated that allergenic pollen grains showed NADPH oxidase activity that differed in intensity and localization according to the plant families and that the activity was mostly concentrated within insoluble fractions (11).…”