Outstanding animal studies in allergy I. From asthma to food allergy and anaphylaxis

Abstract

Purpose of reviewAnimal models published within the past 18 months on asthma, food allergy and anaphylaxis, all conditions of rising public health concern, were reviewed.Recent findingsWhile domestic animals spontaneously develop asthma, food allergy and anaphylaxis, in animal models, divergent sensitization and challenge routes, dosages, intervals and antigens are used to induce asthmatic, food allergic or anaphylactic phenotypes. This must be considered in the interpretation of results. Instead of model antigens, gradually relevant allergens such as house dust mite in asthma, and food allergens like peanut, apple and peach in food allergy research were used. Novel engineered mouse models such as a mouse with a T-cell receptor for house dust mite allergen Der p 1, or with transgenic human hFcγR genes, facilitated the investigation of single molecules of interest. Whole-body plethysmography has become a state-of-the-art in-vivo readout in asthma research. In food allergy and anaphylaxis research, novel techniques were developed allowing real-time monitoring of in-vivo effects following allergen challenge. Networks to share tissues were established as an effort to reduce animal experiments in allergy which cannot be replaced by in-vitro measures.SummaryNatural and artificial animal models were used to explore the pathophysiology of asthma, food allergy and anaphylaxis and to improve prophylactic and therapeutic measures. Especially the novel mouse models mimicking molecular aspects of the complex immune network in asthma, food allergy and anaphylaxis will facilitate proof-of-concept studies under controlled conditions.

Microcrystalline Tyrosine and Aluminum as Adjuvants in Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy Protect from IgE-Mediated Reactivity in Mouse Models and Act Independently of Inflammasome and TLR Signaling

“…Our study demonstrates that MCT has adjuvant properties, making it a good alternative to alum-based AIT. Of course, murine studies have limited value with regard to the clinical potential of a novel adjuvant in human AIT because they use rather unnatural sensitization methods and because mice are short of biological factors that are considered important in human AIT (e.g., IgG4) ( 50 , 51 ). However, murine studies can contribute to the understanding of the mechanism by which a novel adjuvant acts.…”

Vitamin A and D in allergy: from experimental animal models and cellular studies to human disease

“…In recent decades animal models have significantly contributed to the understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms of allergic diseases such as asthma, anaphylaxis or food allergy [ 23 ]. Here we will concentrate on animal models of vitamin deficiency or supplementation that operate with and reflect on vitamin A or vitamin D contents that are taken up via the diet.…”

Virus-like Particle (VLP) Mediated Antigen Delivery as a Sensitization Tool of Experimental Allergy Mouse Models

“…To test this point, BALB/c mice were immunized SC or IP with HEL-VLP that were emulsified with either addavax or alum. IP route was incorporated as an additional experimental variable in the study, given that this route is normally utilized for sensitization with a model allergen ( 32 ). HEL-VLP, emulsified in addavax or alum, were SC or IP injected into BALB/c mice at days 0, 10, and 20, from which blood was taken at days −1 (pre-sensitization), and 7 and 17 (during sensitization), and 27 (post-sensitization) to measure the amount of HEL specific IgE antibodies ( Fig.…”